Academic Comparison between Messiah and Penn State Behrend

Messiah University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Messiah is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Mechanicsburg, PA and Penn State Behrend is a four-year, public school located in Erie, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Messiah is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Behrend is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Messiah has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,240) than Penn State Behrend ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Messiah than Penn State Behrend.
  • Messiah has a higher submitted SAT score (1,230) than Penn State Behrend (1,220).
  • Both Messiah and Penn State Behrend have the same submitted ACT scores (27).
  • Messiah has more students with 3,373 students while Penn State Behrend has 3,336 students.
  • Penn State Behrend has more full-time faculties with 256 faculties while Messiah has 175 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Messiah Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
Mechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaLocationErie, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
$42,2402025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
90%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$24,893Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,249
78.97 %Acceptance Rates96.83 %
29.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.52 %
1,230SAT Score1,220
27ACT Score27
75 %Graduation Rate44 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
89 %Retention Rate83 %
3,373Student Population3,336
175Number of Faculties256
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services