Check out the 10 reasons students and alumni love Messiah University.
Use the promo code "MERRY" to apply for free this month.
There’s something about driving up to Messiah's campus and getting that “welcome home” feeling. Friendly faces and genuinely helpful people who want the best for you will surround you. You can’t help but feel like you belong here.
Messiah students study and serve in 40+ countries. You will have the option to study from programs ranging from three-weeks to an entire semester! Check out our International Business Institute (9 countries in 8 weeks!) Plus there are opportunities to serve abroad through the Agape Center for Local and Global Engagement with programs such as the Collaboratory or AROMA Sports Ministry for a short-term service trip abroad.
Ah yes, we love our community here. Messiah’s goal is to bring together students from different backgrounds who reflect the variety and richness within God’s kingdom. Community comes from the thousands of students who make Messiah’s campus thrive—with fulfilling friendships, passion for Christ and commitment to academic excellence.
Messiah is a private Christian university with over 2,600 undergraduate students. We're the perfect size. We have amazing academic programs and resources. But it doesn’t take long to grow familiar with faces and places. This also means we have smaller class sizes and a lower student-faculty ratio, which helps students build meaningful relationships with their professors and classmates.
We offer 150+ undergraduate and pre-professional programs, and 30+ graduate degrees and certificate programs. These programs include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music and various master’s and doctoral degrees, and include extensive off-campus study, individualized majors, independent study, service-learning and internships.
With 22 NCAA athletic teams, Messiah’s athletics program (Go Falcons!) focuses on developing NCAA Division III athletes while developing Christian character. Our teams and athletes have won 35 NCAA Division III National Championships since 2000!
"My friends and I love going to cheer on whatever team is playing whether it’s basketball, softball, or soccer. We have our “blue shirt crew” t-shirts and we love cheering Messiah on!” Laila Qarmout
Messiah University’s faculty hold degrees from nationally and internationally recognized schools. They actively contribute to research, scholarly writing and artistic works. Our professors teach from both experience and expertise and are recognized thought-leaders in their fields.
Messiah weaves opportunities for spiritual growth — chapel and worship services; small groups; ministry outreach teams; and community service and mission trips — throughout the college experience. Students will clearly experience our mission “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.”
"At Messiah, I have been able to think anew about my faith and how it intersects with my intellect. I can truly say my faith is my own because I have explored my questions and Messiah has been able to provide me with resources to seek answers." — Megan Eich
From The Falcon, The Union Café, Lottie Nelson Dining Hall, Café Diem and Messiah University Catering, Messiah is committed to provide a wide variety of great-tasting, nutritious, wholesome foods. Students do not just eat in these locations; they become an essential part of the college experience and provide some of the best memories. Students eat in an enjoyable environment to socialize, learn and interact. Some of the favorites include the traditional chicken cordon bleu, popcorn chicken and, of course, toll house pie.
"Because popcorn chicken day in Lottie.” @diemgange
Located just 12 miles from Pennsylvania's state capital of Harrisburg, Messiah University is nestled on 385 scenic acres. Visitors and students quickly notice the beauty of the picturesque Yellow Breeches creek that runs through our campus. You can also listen to a lecture in one of our state-of-the-art academic buildings, watch a soccer game at Starry Athletic Complex, hang out at a concert in Larsen Student Union, or simply enjoy the beauty of campus. (Check out this aerial video of Messiah!) Messiah is also ideally located just a short distance away from the busy cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
"Messiah’s campus is really pretty, it’s very calming and there’s a lot to see.” Simina Antal
Apply for Free!
Enter code MERRY when submitting the Messiah application. First-year, domestic applicants applying via the Common App may waive the application fee by selecting the school-specific fee waiver MERRY in the Messiah University questions section of the application.
(MERRY expires Jan. 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.)