Messiah at a glance
Founded in 1909
Located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
University Motto Christ Preeminent
School colors
Falcons Athletics mascot
Mission and Identity
Messiah University is a Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.
Read moreOur History
Messiah University was founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church. Now, the University's faith base is broadly evangelical and includes students and employees from a variety of denominations and Christian faith traditions.
Read moreAcademic Programs
80+ Undergraduate academic programs
20 Graduate and adult degrees
Rigorous University Honors Program
Summer online courses
3-year degree options
74.4% 4-year grad rate (vs. 55.8% national average)
Student Body
2,722 Undergraduate and graduate students
Undergraduate 56% female | 44% male
Graduate 73% female | 27% male
2,722 undergraduate students from 33 states and 23 countries
732 graduate students from 35 states and 2 countries
1.5% international students
21% undergrad students from underrepresented racial, ethnic and cultural populations
84% undergrad students live in on-campus housing
Tuition and Aid
100% of undergraduate students receive financial aid
Best Value in its region
Source: 2025 U.S. News and World Report
Average aid package = $33,440 for first-year students
Careers and Internships
89 internship sites per year
400+ available internships per year(average)
95% of the undergraduate Class of 2024 respondents indicated they were employed or in grad/professional programs within 6-9 months after graduation
Athletics
35 NCAA Division III Championships
196 Conference team champions
396 NCAA Division III All-Americans
23 NCAA Division III National Players of the Year
22 NCAA Division III sports
- baseball (M)
- basketball (M/W)
- cross country (M/W)
- field hockey (W)
- indoor track and field (M/W)
- lacrosse (M/W)
- outdoor track and field (M/W)
- soccer (M/W)
- softball (W)
- tennis (M/W)
- wrestling (M)
- swimming (M/W)
- volleyball (M/W)
Rankings and Recognitions
Messiah is nationally recognized for its outstanding academics and value.