Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
Mechanicsburg, PA
Sharpening intellect. Deepening Christian faith. Inspiring action.
Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university with nearly 2,600 undergraduate students located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, just 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg.
Messiah’s academic distinction
Messiah University is known for its integration of top-tier academics and the Christian faith. A Messiah education equips you to gain expertise in your area of study while developing your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and sharpen your insight across multiple cultures and contexts.
Faith formation
At Messiah, we see ourselves as partners in your spiritual journey, and we’re committed to helping you prepare for whatever vocation or service God has called you to. We incorporate our shared Christian faith in the classroom, through residence life, at chapel, on sports teams, through the arts, and in clubs and organizations. Our motto, "Christ Preeminent," shapes every experience you'll have as a Messiah student.
Outstanding preparation for life and career
We believe so strongly in preparing you for your future career that we’ve built that commitment right into our graduation requirements. Every undergraduate student takes part in the Experiential Learning Initiative. Before you graduate, you’ll complete at least one experiential learning opportunity, such as participating in undergraduate research, completing an internship or practicum, developing an e-portfolio or personal website, or holding a leadership position on campus.
Engaging your world
Your college experience extends beyond our Mechanicsburg campus and reaches around the globe. At Messiah, you can choose to study or serve abroad in one of 38 different countries. In fact, Messiah is #9 in its category for number of students studying abroad.
Campus life
Messiah’s campus is buzzing with activity! On campus, you can enjoy concerts, sporting events, 70+ clubs and organizations, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, free movies, dances, and more. Plus, Messiah is within a two-hour drive to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Hershey, and other great towns and cities.
|
Named a 2024-2025 National, Pennsylvania, and Christian College of Distinction, as well as receiving honors for Business, Nursing, Education, Engineering, International, and Career Development |
|
|
Named a “Best College in the Mid-Atlantic” | The Princeton Review, 2025 |
|
|
Named among the “Best Colleges in America” | Money magazine, 2024 |
|
|
Ranked the #2 school in the Northeast for “Student Engagement” | Wall Street Journal, 2018 |
|
|
Top 10 Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report, 2025 |
|
 |
Accepts Classical Learning Test |
• Actuarial Science
• Applied Health Science
• Athletic Training (accelerated)
• Biomedical Engineering
• Business Administration
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Dance
• Digital Media
• Education
• Electrical Engineering
• Family & Consumer Sciences Education
• Finance
• Graphic Design
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy (accelerated)
• Physical Therapy (Early Assurance)
• Social Work
• Special Education
...and many more majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-health advising options offered!
• 100% of first-year students receiving financial aid
• 12:1 student-faculty ratio
• Average class size of 20 students
• 471-acre suburban campus, located in central Pennsylvania with easy access to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC
“The emphasis of faith inside and outside the classroom really makes this institution different from all others. Whether it be professors starting classes with devotionals, residence hall Bible study groups, or students engaging in service projects off campus, God's work is evident throughout Messiah's community.”
“I chose Messiah because I really wanted to come to a school where I could grow in my faith, in my academics, and gain valuable professional experience. Messiah had a good blend of all three of those qualities, as well as being situated on a beautiful campus.”
“Messiah's education has great value. Not only do we get the opportunity to receive an outstanding degree, but Messiah students are required to get first-hand experience in their fields and grow in many life skills…. I have also been able to grow lifelong relationships with friends and professors, and continue to be amazed by the love of God through others in the Messiah community.”
“Throughout my time here, all of my teachers have been so knowledgeable, compassionate, and create an energizing space to learn in. As a music education major, I know that passionate teachers can make all the difference in a student's life. Here at Messiah, we are truly blessed with the best in terms of professors who are more than willing to go above and beyond for their students' education. My professors truly champion the victories and learning of everyone they meet, and having such wonderful role models has made all the difference.”
“My favorite part of Messiah so far is the amazing friends that I have made here so quickly. I love the community aspect that Messiah is committed to and their drive for discipleship among the student body.”
“Messiah's location is one of the distinctives that separates it from other institutions. It is not in the cities, so the campus is quiet and safe, which provide great study environment for students. But it is not far away from bigger cities, such as Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Another distinctive of Messiah is its welcoming atmosphere. Every person with different backgrounds are welcomed here, and that welcoming spirit makes this community great.”
