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Tuition and aid for undergraduate students

How much does it cost to attend Messiah University?

Less than you may think!

Tuition and Fees for Undergraduate Programs

$42,540

Basic Tuition

$6,790

Housing
(double occupancy)

$1,040

Basic Fees
(minimum amount Student Government Association and student service fees)

$5,975

Food
(maximum cost)

*In addition to the above costs that will be charged to you by Messiah University, you should plan for the following expenses that will not be charged to you by the institution, but which most students will experience to some extent. These are estimated costs. Each student will find that they spend different amounts in these categories.
$1,330 Books and Supplies | $1,850 Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,080 Transportation
Please visit our Cost of Attendance 2025-2026 page for a more detailed description of the cost of attendance components

$56,345

Total Tuition, Fees, Housing and Food

$35,487

Average First-year Student Aid 2023-24
(not including PLUS or other alternative student loans)

$20,858

Average Total Cost
(not including supplies, travel, or personal expenses)

The above example is a simplified cost presentation of our 2025-26 tuition and fees rates and is for example purposes only. Actual individual costs will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of room, meal plan, cost of books and other miscellaneous fees. The Cost of Attendance provided is for full-time enrollment and will be adjusted for less-than-full-time enrollment or single-term enrollment.

Tuition and Fees

An investment in your future

Tuition at any college is not what it may seem at first glance. That’s the sticker price—and it can be a bit jarring! But as you look deeper 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 University’s financial aid office will put together for you. This makes a college education much more affordable than you originally may have thought it would be!

We’re serious about this. If Messiah is the right university for you, we will work hard with you toward meeting the cost.

Quicklinks

Examples of Financial Aid

Caleb is the oldest of four siblings. His household income is nearly $60,000 per year and his Student Aid Index (SAI), as calculated by the FAFSA, is $839.

Tuition and Fees – 2025-2026 Academic Year

Basic tuition
$42,540
Basic fees (minimum amount Student Government Association and student service fees)
$1,040
Housing (double occupancy)
$6,790
Food (maximum costs)
$5,975
Total tuition, fees, housing, and food
$56,345
Total gift aid
  • Provost Scholarship — $16,000
  • Dean’s Scholarship — $1,000
  • Messiah University Grant — $8,733
  • Pell Grant — $6,555
  • PA State Grant — $5,200
  • SEOG — $1,000
-$38,488
Federal loans
-$5,500
Total Aid
-$43,988
Caleb’s cost after financial aid
$12,357

*Students in these examples are from the highest academic tiers. Please keep in mind that these are only a few sample cases. Each student’s financial information is reviewed on an individual basis. Financial aid packages may differ from those listed above.

For the best estimate of your cost, please use our Net Price Calculator.

Madison has one younger sibling with a household income of about $110,000 per year and her Student Aid Index (SAI), as calculated by the FAFSA, is $21,997.

Tuition and Fees – 2025-2026 Academic Year

Basic tuition
$42,540
Basic fees (minimum amount Student Government Association and student service fees)
$1,040
Housing (double occupancy)
$6,790
Food (maximum costs)
$5,975
Total Tuition, Fees, Housing and Food
$56,345
Total gift aid
  • Provost Scholarship — $16,000
  • Dean’s Scholarship — $1,000
  • Messiah University Grant — $7,584
  • Pell Grant — $0
  • PA State Grant — $0
-$24,584
Federal loans
-$5,500
Total Aid
-$30,084
Madison’s cost after financial aid
$26,261

*Students in these examples are from the highest academic tiers. Please keep in mind that these are only a few sample cases. Each student’s financial information is reviewed on an individual basis. Financial aid packages may differ from those listed above.

For the best estimate of your cost, please use our Net Price Calculator.

Jordan has two younger siblings with a household income of about $170,000 per year and total family non-retirement assets (student and parents) of about $45,000. Jordan’s Student Aid Index (SAI), as calculated by the FAFSA, is $46,687.

Tuition and Fees – 2025-2026 Academic Year

Basic tuition
$42,540
Basic fees (minimum amount Student Government Association and student service fees)
$1,040
Housing (double occupancy)
$6,790
Food (maximum costs)
$5,975
Total tuition, fees, housing, and food
$56,345
Total gift aid
  • Provost Scholarship — $16,000
  • Dean’s Scholarship — $1,000
  • Messiah University Grant — $0
  • Pell Grant — $0
  • PA State Grant — $0
-$17,000
Federal loans
-$5,500
Total Aid
-$22,500
Jordan’s cost after financial aid
$33,845

*Students in these examples are from the highest academic tiers. Please keep in mind that these are only a few sample cases. Each student’s financial information is reviewed on an individual basis. Financial aid packages may differ from those listed above.

For the best estimate of your cost, please use our Net Price Calculator.

Student Stories and Resources

Watch

FAFSA

Applying for financial aid?

The U.S. Department of Education recently changed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Check out Messiah's FAFSA changes webpage for details and watch this video series to learn more.

Messiah's FAFSA Changes

FAFSA Video Series

In her words

What students are saying

"Messiah is worth the investment of my time and resources because it provides an education that lasts for a lifetime through excellent teaching and persistent care for the well-being and overall success of each student. "

Abigail Chang '24
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Watch

Hear from our students
Video
In their words

What parents are saying

“The high quality of education and strong Christian stance, which Messiah holds to, were reasons that inspired our daughter to select this outstanding college. The opportunity to attend Messiah was made possible financially by campus scholarships that eased the burden of private college tuition.”

Lloyd and Kathy Myhre, parents of a Messiah graduate

Contact

Office of Financial Aid

Phone: 800-233-4220 • 717-691-6000
Email: admissions@messiah.edu
Office Location: One University Avenue • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Get in touch with us

Information on Cost and scholarships