Academic Comparison between Messiah University and Penn State Behrend

Messiah University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Messiah University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Mechanicsburg, PA and Penn State Behrend is a four-year, public school located in Erie, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Messiah University is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Behrend is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Messiah University has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,640) than Penn State Behrend ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Messiah University than Penn State Behrend.
  • Both Messiah University and Penn State Behrend have the same submitted SAT scores (1,210).
  • Both Messiah University and Penn State Behrend have the same submitted ACT scores (26).
  • Penn State Behrend has more students with 3,295 students while Messiah University has 3,231 students.
  • Penn State Behrend has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Messiah University's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Penn State Behrend has more full-time faculties with 286 faculties while Messiah University has 195 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Messiah Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
Mechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaLocationErie, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
$40,6402024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
95%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$26,414Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,004
78.48 %Acceptance Rates95.71 %
31.97 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.74 %
1,210SAT Score1,210
26ACT Score26
78 %Graduation Rate42 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
86 %Retention Rate82 %
3,231Student Population3,295
195Number of Faculties286
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services