Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College and Messiah University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State Behrend is a four-year, public school located in Erie, PA and Messiah is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Mechanicsburg, PA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | vs. | Messiah University |
|---|---|---|
| Erie, Pennsylvania | Location | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Master's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Carnegie Classification | Master's College and University (larger programs) | |
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $42,240 |
| 74% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 90% |
| $11,249 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $24,893 |
| 96.83 % | Acceptance Rates | 78.97 % |
| 14.52 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 29.06 % |
| 1,220 | SAT Score | 1,230 |
| 27 | ACT Score | 27 |
| 44 % | Graduation Rate | 75 % |
| 24 % | Transfer-out Rate | 19 % |
| 83 % | Retention Rate | 89 % |
| 3,336 | Student Population | 3,373 |
| 256 | Number of Faculties | 175 |
| 12 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 12 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services |