Admissions FAQs

Q - How much are the tuition, room & board and fees for a semester in 2012-2013?
A - Per semester, the tuition is $14,320 and the room & board fees are approximately $4,790. For a more comprehensive look at the Messiah College costs see the Schedule of Semester Fees.

Q - How does the application process work?
A - Applying for financial aid can be a bit unsettling. We understand this and wish to assist families as much as possible. Students and families can follow our easy instructions on the Financial Aid web site or call us for further counsel. We’d be happy to help!

Q - How is financial aid determined?
A - To determine eligibility for financial aid start by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Messiah College encourages students to submit the FAFSA online to increase processing time. Although a traditional paper and pencil FAFSA is acceptable too. The FAFSA is used to determine need for state grants (including Pennsylvania) and Messiah College need-based financial aid. See the FAFSA online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. The Messiah College Code is 003298.

Q - Who can I speak with if I have questions about the financial aid process?
A - The Messiah College Financial Aid Office is open for consultation on weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our phone number is (717) 691-6007.

Q - What is included in financial aid packages?
A - Financial aid comes in various forms. Students may be awarded merit-based aid through the admissions application process. In addition to this, students may be awarded need-based aid in the form of scholarships, grants, student loans, or an on campus job called work-study.

To learn more about financial aid and your eligibility, please see the net price calculator on our Financial Aid site.

Q - What is a grant?
A - A grant is generally money given to a student for college tuition. A grant can be provided by Federal, State, local charity, or the College itself. A student is not expected to pay back the provider of the grant.

Q - What grants are offered?
A - Grants from the Federal Government come in forms such as the Pell Grant. The State of Pennsylvania offers grants to students who are residents and who attend a college in the State. Messiah College offers various grants to students depending on eligibility of the student.

Q - What loans are available?
A - Several loans are available for Messiah College students. Messiah seeks to find the most convenient and competitive borrowing rates for students.

Q - Can parents take loans for their children at Messiah College?
A - Parent Loans do exist. Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific eligibility requirements, loan terms and interest rates. Call the Financial Aid Office at 1-800-233-4220, or e-mail us at finaid@messiah.edu.

Q - Do I have to accept any student loans offered on my award?
A - No. Students are not required to accept the student loans offered on financial aid awards. However Messiah College makes student loans available to those who qualify to cover educational expenses.

Q - If my family’s circumstances change will the College financial aid be reconsidered?
A - We wish to be sensitive to the changing nature of a family’s ability to afford a college education. We invite families to consult with the Financial Aid Office to review eligibility for aid when circumstances change.

Q - What if I do not qualify for financial aid?
A - Messiah College recognizes some students will not be eligible for need-based financial aid. However students and parents may still be eligible for student and family loans. We encourage students to seek alternative funding through the Financial Aid Office.

Q - When are financial aid awards sent out to students?
A - New students are sent financial aid awards in March via email.

Q - Can I pay the College in installments?
A - Payments plans do exist. Contact the Business Office for exact details on the payment plans. The Business Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (717)-691-6025 or busoffc@messiah.edu

Q - Who can I talk to if I have questions about my bills?
A - Contact one of our business office staff for inquiries to student bills. The Business Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (717)-691-6004 or busoffc@messiah.edu

Q - Will I apply for financial aid each year?
A - Students do need to reapply for financial aid on a yearly basis. Generally once a student completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) they are sent a renewal application notice the following year.

Q - Is there financial aid available for international students?
A - Yes. Non-US citizens are offered limited scholarships and grants.