How Much Does it Cost to Attend Messiah College?

...less than you may think!

The price to attend any college is not what it may seem at first glance. That’s the sticker price — and it can be shocking!

But as you look more deeply into the cost of a college education, you’ll soon discover that the actual price equals the “sticker price” MINUS a package of financial aid - consisting of loans, grants, scholarships, and work programs – that the College’s financial aid office will put together for you, often making a college education much more affordable than you originally may have thought it would be.

Reconciling the costs of your Messiah education

• According to the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges, the average annual cost of textbooks at 4-year private colleges for full-time students during the 2008-2009 academic year was $1,054.
• Approximately 50% of Messiah's Textbook Express textbook sales in a typical semester are used books. Used books save the student 25% off of the price of a new book.
• Textbooks are tax-exempt in the state of Pennsylvania.  This can save the student an additional 6% off the similar retail receipt from another bricks-and-mortar store.
• Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's (ARRA) newly created American Opportunity Tax Credit, textbook and other course material expenses--along with tuition and fees incurred in 2009 and 2010 not covered by scholarships or grants--may be claimed as a tax credit of up to $2,500 on that year's tax return.  Students must keep their receipts to be eligible.  See www.textbookaid.org for additional details and to determine eligibility.