Admissions Process

Messiah University has rolling admissions, meaning there is no deadline by which to apply.  The application is free from approximately July 1, when it is made available, through Nov. 15.  For consideration for premier scholarships, you should have your application and all materials submitted by Feb. 1.

Our application is free from approximately July 1 (when the application is made available) through Nov. 15, so apply early!  After Nov. 15, the cost is $50.

Messiah University' s test-optional policy enables first-year students to receive admission, secure scholarships and compete for the Messiah University Honors Program without submitting standardized tests.

If you plan to submit standardized test scores, please have your official scores for the SAT, ACT and/or Classic Learning Test (CLT) sent to Messiah. Our SAT code is 2411 and our ACT code is 3630.

Learn more in our guide to frequently asked questions about the test-optional policy.

We don't have any required minimum scores for admission to Messiah. We consider the student on all merits, including GPA, test scores (if submitted), essay and extracurricular involvement.  The average SAT score for incoming first-year students is generally around 1200 on the math and critical reading sections only.  The equivalent on the ACT is a 26. 

Messiah accepts the CLT (Classic Learning Test) as part of our accepted standardized tests. Feel free to send them to us if you choose to submit scores or are applying to a program requiring score submission!

Messiah accepts dual enrollment credits. These will be reviewed by the Registrar’s Office once the transcript is received. Please see our transfer page for further details about transferring credits to Messiah.

While AP classes are a great way to get a jump start on college-level learning and earn credit, we do not require students to have taken AP classes while in high school.  If you are considering taking or have taken AP classes, you can see how they will transfer to Messiah by going to the AP Equivalency page.

Messiah offers an unlimited number of merit-based scholarships to accepted students, so there is no deadline to receive those awards.  For consideration for our premier scholarships, you must submit your application and materials by Feb. 1. See our scholarship pages for more details.

Yes!  You can update your GPA and SAT,  ACT or CLT scores by May 1 (first-year students) to potentially increase your scholarship award.  If you're interested in qualifying for the President's, Trustees', Humanities or Martin Scholarships, you must send in updated information by Feb. 1 for consideration.

We're so excited you want to join the community at Messiah University!  To confirm your spot in the class, you'll need to submit your $200 enrollment deposit.  The earlier you commit to Messiah, the more likely your housing preferences will be honored.

Application for first-year and transfer admission to Messiah University is limited to the semester indicated on the student’s application. However, sometimes after a student is admitted to Messiah University unique opportunities or personal circumstances may arise that prompt students to consider delaying their start by one or two semesters. If an accepted students' plans change, they may defer enrollment for up to two semesters from the initial semester of admission. 

Accepted first-year and transfer students who intend to defer will be required to submit a $200 deposit to secure their enrollment for the future semester in which they plan to enroll. They will also be required to complete a Deferment Form to provide details about their planned deferral and verify the terms and conditions under which Messiah University will defer enrollment. Learn more about deferring on our deferred enrollment webpage.

Messiah's undergraduate admissions policies are included in this document.