Messiah University: what international applicants need

What are Messiah University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Messiah University admits on a rolling basis for 2026–27: there's no single deadline, and it answers applications as they come in, so applying early is safer.

What is Messiah University's acceptance rate?

79% for students who started in fall 2024: Messiah University admitted 1,941 of its 2,458 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Messiah University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. Messiah University requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.

What SAT score do you need for Messiah University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 540–670 in Math and 570–680 in Reading and Writing (52% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 26–31.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Messiah University's application fee for international students?

Messiah University's application fee is $50 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Messiah University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Messiah University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Messiah University accept?

Messiah University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Messiah University require?

Messiah University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Messiah University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Messiah University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Messiah University have?

55 of Messiah University's 2,618 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 2.1%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Messiah University cost for international students?

Messiah University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $42,240, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $13,098. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $59,478 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Messiah University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2025-26, Messiah University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 43 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source