Reviews

Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what other college's lecture class sizes are sometimes. My largest class was 75 people, and my smallest class was 10 people. The professors are all real professors, and for the most part have been enthusiastic and truly interested in their subject. The classes are challenging, but good. I feel like I will be well prepared to take the MCAT or GRE when the time comes if classes keep going as they have been. Yet, that is not all. Not only have I grown in my knowledge of academic subjects, but I have also grown spiritually. The classes here challenge me to find how my faith fits into what I'm learning (and the other way around). We have prayers before tests, devotions before some classes, and professors present some of the ways other Christians have accomplished the their integration of faith and learning.

The people, the landscaping, the activities, and the classes all keep me breathless and busy. When I am not hanging out with friends, making new friends in one of the hundreds of student-run organizations, or taking classes, I can run through the fitness trail through the woods or wander through beautiful gardens. Messiah has a wonderful balance of places to be active and with people and places to be by yourself to study, pray or take a break. There are so many clubs it is difficult to choose what to commit to, so you really have to make it a priority to choose things that you can do and have fun at, but not take out too much time for studying. Living in a somewhat rural location (although we are 15 min. from Harrisburg) allows us to do outdoors clubs with wilderness activities one day and work with inner-city kids the next day. Any activity you can imagine that you would like to try is there. And if, for some reason it isn't, you can start a club and go do it!

Messiah is less expensive and more liberal than many of the other private Christian Colleges, and is bigger and/or much more diverse than Malone, Cedarville, EMU or Grove City. It is fairly easy to get a scholarship there if you have decent grades, and it has more majors than many of the other Christian Colleges. Included in each students bill is a student government and student activities fee. So, you don't have to worry about paying for each sorority or fraternity or group you would like to join. The groups that need money are given a budget, so you hardly ever have to pay to join or get involved (unless you need equipment or something). This makes it easy for you to do all the activities you would like, while still being able to afford the meal plan. Maybe. Our meal plan is expensive, and each freshman and sophomore must purchase the without limits ultra meal plan--or one that costs exactly the same as it. The food is really good, and you have TONS of options (just look at the menu if you are curious-we have even more than it shows). And, the dining hall is open from 7 AM to 7:30 PM, so it is very convenient, and something is always there that is good to eat. It is just expensive. But do not fear! When you are a junior, senior, or living in off-campus housing, you will not have to pay so much because you are not required to buy a meal plan (but you won't have quite as good meals, unless you are a good chef).

You don't need as much stuff as you think you do. Think about all the activities you want to join and plan to bring the stuff you need to do them (unless it is stuff that a school usually provides). And, classes ARE challenging, so plan time to study and time to rest. Don't get over-committed, but do get involved! Messiah offers SO many clubs and opportunities that it would be a waste not to try them. Try something new! You already payed for it, so you might as well try it. Go on that white-water-rafting trip and join the volunteer program! Get to know some upperclassmen too. They can be a great help, great fun, and a great resource as you work through college. Finally, do not be afraid of your future roommates. Only check the willing to room with cross-cultural student if you are flexible, patient, and really do want to. Roommates may or may not work out exactly as you planned, but you don't need to be best friends to be great roommates. God will make sure that you will be fine.

Christians who want to deepen their faith and academic understanding would love it here, although patient and tolerant non-Christians are VERY welcome as well. If you like to know most of the people on campus, but still want to run into lots of people you don't know, you can get that here. Because students come from so many different backgrounds, you won't have to try to fit yourself into a clique that has already been formed. Most students are starting from scratch to build their friend base their freshman year. If you want to try a lot of new extracurricular activities, there are PLENTY. Also, professors are very easy to get to know and work with. There is a community covenant that everyone must sign stating that we promise not to drink alcohol or do illegal drugs (or anything illegal) while a Messiah College student. There are also quiet hours night and specified visiting hours during the day between guys and girls dorms. If you don't mind those rules (or really appreciate them, like me) this college is right for you!

I would give this college an 9.5 from a scale of 10. This is because Messiah truly cares for the students here, in they support us educationally, emotionally, and even physically. There are a number of fun activities/ clubs to participate in and have fun aside from high quality system of learning.

I actually had some prospective students visit me, and as host I have told them the many benefits one receives attending Messiah college. The friends you make are lifetime, and the best part, is being able to follow your Christian faith while learning in classes.

We aren't forced to do anything we do not want to do, in other words with the advisers assigned to each of us, we choose our majors, classes, and even other activities with them. It's good to know someone is helping me make the proper choices we need to succeed at Messiah.

Each dorm has a number of students helping us get settled in college and are with us throughout the year it self. Our room assistants are there for each student and helps us go through problems we may have. As a result we have activities with the other floors, boys or girls, and as well as have a sense of brotherhood with the roommates we end up sharing rooms with.

The Lottie Nelson, which is our main cafe, is a great place to eat, an all day long buffet and the chance to meet know people, as well as meet with close friends. We also have The Union, The Falcon Express, and South Side, all imitating a Starbucks atmosphere, and a more relaxed place, to eat well cooked food, interact with other students, or simply do some school work.

We have many activities and clubs all around campus; including my favorite Club Soccer, and Swing Dancing, and many more. There is a club for all students, including bible studies in dorm rooms, we have the opportunity to was old and new films in a cinema, dances that are very enjoyable. There is also the chance to be included in Zumba fitness dancing, and even recreational sports or all kinds.

I never thought that I would learn as much as I have being at this college. Most of the classes you feel like you're doing nothing but little do you know that the professors are teaching you on how to deal with real life situations and how to think like the world thinks. Another great part about this school is that most of the classes are small enough that most of the professors really get to know you and are very helpful when you need it the most.

While there is a decent amount of things to do on campus; the people definitely make it worth living on campus. You make your college experience your own and Messiah does a really good job with helping you make it one of the best experiences of your life.

While the price is kinda pricey it is definitely worth it! Financial Aid helps a lot and get all the scholarships and grants you can! Don't let the price however steer you away from going to the college. They'll create a payment plan for you to make sure that you can get to the college you want!

Try to get as much financial help you can as well as scholarships! Don't wait till your senior year to start looking for help! Start now!!! Another tip would be to start practicing writing papers with real meat in them. Professors can spot a poorly written paper a mile away. If you can get this down you'll be fine in writing those 5-10 page papers about a topic you can't stand. Another thing is that if you're a nursing or engineering major get in your application early because those are the first two majors to get filled! One final thing would be that if you find out you're bored on campus get involved in a club! There's plenty of clubs around campus to keep you busy with stuff you love to do!

If you are serious about getting an education this school will be great for you.

Messiah's academics are second to none because all of the professors here actually care about the individual student and will strive their hardest to help you if you are having trouble. There are also so many different classes you can take that you are bound to have many classes you enjoy.

Every minute spent on the campus is another minute I can devote to God. It's very easy to spend time with friends and it is easy to meet new people as well. Most of the time you spend hanging out is spent at the student union or the south side cafe which are both great places to hang with friends and even family when they come to visit.

Messiah is worth every last penny you spend because there are three key things that i think put Messiah on top of the other college choices. 1) there is a very strong sense of community and everyone looks out for each other. 2) the professors are some of the best at any college or university that you could attend because they make sure you understand what you are learning, along with pushing you to go that extra mile. 3) the campus is absolutely breathtaking in every aspect. The academic buildings are beautiful, the nature trail has unsurpassed beauty, and the campus in general is very well maintained.

Keep on task because Messiah is so nice that you can get caught up in hanging out with friends rather than doing the school work. but if you keep up on your work everything will be wonderful at this college. It's clean, fun, christian oriented, and very intense.

It's great for outgoing, christian students who are very comfortable with living on a floor with 40-50 students. athletic students are also very prominent here because of the great athletic teams ans sports complex. Those more inclined to school work and high grades also do very well here because the professors see to it that every student is challenged in the proper manner so they get the most out of college.

Messiah College has challenged me academically is various ways. The classes i have attended have been very discussion based allowing us to share our opinions and challenge each other. My bible class has stretched me more than i thought it could. It allowed me to explore the beliefs of other students as well as my own. I feel like i know why i believe what i do more. Most of my classes have had some type of paper or presentation that requires out of class research. I find that having this out of class research has encouraged me to learn on my own. I have also learned a lot about other people through the various volunteer opportunities and multicultural events on campus.

The college does a great job with integrating new students. There is an entire welcome week that is dedicated to making first years feel like they belong. The event that is most memorable to me was first year games, which included games that required teamwork, problem solving, and was a lot of fun. First years are also set up with a peer group that allows immediate interaction with other students. The entire atmosphere of the college is friendly and accepting. The small student population allows students to get to know each other on a one-on-one basis and make lasting relationships. Having opportunities to deepen my Christian faith has also been one of the greatest experiences I have had at Messiah.

Messiah does cost a lot more money than an average public school does, however if i did not think it was worth it I would not be going there. The College provides many opportunities that larger schools do not provide like volunteer opportunities and low-cost trips to places outside the college like Philadelphia and Broadway. They have several low-cost concerts a year and small bands play every Wednesday night for free. All sporting events are free even soccer. Our soccer team has won national eight times in the last eleven years. All students are also provided with an opportunity to study abroad for only one thousand extra dollars. I feel I am reaping the benefits of the extra cost.

Definitely get involved in some sort of club or activity. The easiest way to build new relationships is through the activities on campus that meet on a weekly basis. Don't be afraid to try new things and explore your interests. And definitely take the time to explore your faith in powerhouse, chapel, small groups bible studies, in the class, or wherever else. Messiah College offers many resources to explore your faith and there is nothing better than getting to know God better.

Those who want to explore their faith. Those who love the outdoors. Those who love to volunteer and serve others. Those who need to understand themselves better.

I am learning so much here at Messiah. Messiah's professors are definitely its strongest selling point. They genuinely care about you and are always willing to help if you need it. Not only are they great educators, they are mentors, friends, and overall great people. I know when I'm out in the working force, I will be more than prepared.

I personally find it difficult to make substantial friendships here. Sure, it's easy to make an acquaintance or two from your classes, but it's hard to make those acquaintances grow into something more when all you can go to hang out is the Union, Fishbowl, or Southside Cafe. Because of the lack of hang-out areas, restrictive visitation hours, and a not-so-booming off-campus life, it's difficult to build those long-lasting friendships that everyone gains in their college years.

Although Messiah's pretty expensive, I was able to earn a variety of scholarships, which made my tuition around the same amount as an average public state school. However, the original cost would be more worth it if Messiah was located closer to civilization. But, college is mainly for the education, right? Education-wise, I'm definitely getting my money's worth.

I would strongly suggest to tour the campus (preferably not on open house days; one-on-one tours are the best). When you tour the campus, be prepared with questions to ask your tour guide! They'll be honest with you. Try to tour a dorm or two and sit in on a class related to your major. Maybe even meet with the advisor you'll be assigned to if you do decide to attend Messiah. Talk to the students you see around campus too!

Messiah's great for students who want to strengthen their faith while getting a great education.

The best thing about Messiah is that the professors are really interested in your learning. I have had professors meet with me individually just to see how I thought the class was going and if I felt it was living up to my expectations. I have also received emails from professors who encouraged me to further my learning outside of the classroom by attending specialized conferences and meetings in that particular field of study. I am never afraid to ask questions in class, or voice my opinion because it is always well accepted. The classes are genuinely very good.

Outside of the classroom, Messiah is a blast. Everything from our amazing sports teams, to BSIDES free concerts every Wednesday nights and the ever ridiculous karaoke nights in Lottie Nelson Dining hall. This place is really fun. There is definitely a group of people for everyone. The student body is extremely diverse and I don't think it's possible not to fit in somewhere. It's a very friendly environment and everywhere you go you see smiling faces.

Okay, let's be honest. It's mad expensive. Especially if you're like me and have to pay for your own schooling. But honestly, the amount of money you are paying really is a reflection of the amazing education you're receiving. I have to tell myself that every year that I sit down to figure out what I owe. But, the dorms are awesome. I've seen much much worse. Lottie's food is pretty good generally speaking. Over the summer I've actually caught myself craving some of the meals, especially Sunday Chicken Cordon Bleu. The opportunities to get involved are endless. At the end of the day, I'm glad I chose to spend a little bit more on a great school, rather than settling for less than what Messiah has to offer-which is a lot!

I'd say, first of all, pray! This is obviously a Christian school, so I know you all are seeking the Lord's guidance in this monumental decision. Don't go to a school your parents choose for you. Even if that school is Messiah. This is your life, and you want to do what's right FOR YOU. Not anyone else. Also, don't be afraid to get involved. Be proactive and don't wait for opportunities to just fall in your lap. I am the president of the hip hop dance team. I've done field hockey, floor hockey, rec sports, outreach teams, volunteering and more all the while working my butt off for a nursing degree. You can do it, and I promise it will be the most rewarding experience of your life.

I'm not sure what this one means. But I would say that there is honestly a place for everyone at Messiah. The extremely intellectual, the artsy type, the athletic, really anyone. Messiah is just a fun place to be and I definitely think of it as my home. Being a senior this year, I'm counting down the days before I go back to school. How many people can say that? How many people are dying to get back to school? I know I definitely am and I'm not a bookworm either. The Messiah community is my second family.

I feel that I have become a much better writer as a result of my professors' constructive criticism. I have also learned effective time management in studying for tests in advance and doing homework for a class that does not meet the next day. The college operates both a tutoring center and a writing center and with the small school atmosphere, it is easier to get to know the tutors and not have to wait a long time to get help. I feel that I am also learning a lot, such as social skills and musical skills, outside the classroom. I have also learned how to operate my own calendar and maintain my own organized atmosphere, without my mom keeping a calendar and helping me clean.

Some may say that the environment is too small because there are no sororities or fraternities, but I love the small school environment. I have gotten involved in a lot of activities that I would have never expected when I entered. For example, I am now playing the bari sax in the band for the first time and also one of the DJs for the college radio station. I have also found many friends who share similar interests and we do weekend movie/game nights together. The professors are very supportive if you are having any trouble and everyone is genuinely friendly. It is a beautiful campus and I love taking runs around to explore the nature. I feel that I am accepted no matter who I am and I can truly be myself. I was so worried about leaving home when I entered college and am truly looking forward to going back in the fall.

99% of Messiah students do not pay the full admission price. Many of my friends who are paying their way through college have said that Messiah's financial aid staff has been very helpful in providing the awards needed. They even have an option where you can do an interview instead of providing SAT scores and still earn a good scholarship. 70 Honors students receive a 60% tuition scholarship and other students receive $10,500. There are also scholarships available for minority students and different departmental scholarships.

--apply early with the rolling admissions
--stay overnight for free in one of the dorms with a current student
----meet with a professor in your department of interest
--visit the campus more than once to get a true view of what's going on
--look up class pages on Facebook such as Messiah College Class of 2015 to get to know others
--explore the surrounding area on campus visits
--come prepared with a list of questions, especially on open house days when there are group tours

--don't mind going to chapel twice a week most weeks
--enjoy soccer and don't mind not having a football team
--thrive more in a discussion type atmosphere than lectures
--those who want to truly get to know their professors
--those who want to be well-rounded through the gen ed requirements
--dry campus

The truth? The classes are difficult at times. Most definitely challenging. You don't have (or need) to be a brainiac or super smart geek, but you have to want to learn, do homework every night, read a lot, and study well for exams. The curriculum is more difficult than other private, Christian colleges (and public universities/colleges), but that's what separates us from them. I believe Messiah strives in excellence in academics and when you graduate, your employer will know you have a lot of potential.

I am currently in my spring semester of my first year and so far, it's been quite an adventure. You anticipate so much the summer before beginning your very first semester of college. I had no clue what to expect. I had visited a couple times throughout my junior and senior year, but I still was hesitate. I truly love this college and everything is has to offer. I have made so many friends and I have grown in my faith. It's amazing to sit in your first class and have your professor pray before beginning lectures or discussion. Not all of my classes did, but the ones that did were especially awesome. Students love community here, planning tons of events to get people involved. That's what college is about and since it's a private, liberal arts, Christian college, they focus on that to make students feel welcome and comfortable. I have learned so much more than I ever did in high school. College is the real thing and this school is truly amazing.

It's expensive, but the price you pay is worth it. Messiah is a private college, which means the price is the same whether you're from PA or out-of-state. The professors are intelligent and helpful and students strive to do their best, because they're paying so much for their education. I know I'm struggling to help my parents pay for my tuition and books, but if you have a strong Christian faith and character, you know that God will provide for you.

Apply early, visit many colleges (even take notes! so you remember your visit/impressions), get those applications in fast! In personal essays, be yourself and don't try to sound intelligent, seriously.

Enjoy: small campus environment; have a car to get off campus; Christian fellowship and community; working hard and learning a lot; soccer (best guy's soccer team in the nation!)

Community with others and with God is a big deal on campus. There are many ways to met people and grow in your relationship with Christ. I can't imagine myself anywhere else!

Spend time looking for scholarships. Messiah has very generous merit-based scholarships that most students get, but it is good to have some back-up scholarships. Attend open house or preview days! I did not decide to come here until I actually set foot on campus. Visits are the best way to see which school is best for you.

Classes are tough. It's definitely not like high school! But the professors are mostly, if not all, extremely helpful and want you to succeed.

Residence Life staff (RA's and Residence Directors) are all extremely nice and are good at forming community in the residence halls. My first-year floor mates are still some of my best friends, because of the community we had on the floor. Floors are not co-ed, and there are visitation hours to go to opposite-gender floors.

Lottie Dining Hall has delicious food some days, not so delicious food other days. There's always stir-fry and build-your-own bars like quesadillas or omelettes. The Union Cafe is a great option when the dining hall isn't appetizing, with burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches, and other grill items. The Falcon Cafe is a great lunch spot with paninis, soups, salad, and rice bowls. Overall, you won't go hungry.

There are concerts throughout the week, including student coffee houses. The musical theater productions are wonderful. Sporting events are a big hit as well. Both our women's and men's soccer teams have won multiple division titles in the past five years, so the soccer games are main events on campus. Lost Films occur every weekend in Parmer Cinema and showcase newly-released movies in case you missed them in the theater.

While this college is a bit pricey, there are numerous scholarship opportunities to make it more affordable. The relationships built here and the ways to grow in faith are what makes Messiah definitely worth the cost to attend.

Every year during finals week, students gather outside at midnight to scream as loudly as they can. The Midnight Scream is eerie at first but is a great way to release stress.

Students who want to be challenged both academically and spiritually.

There are so many clubs to get involved in and it is easy to overbook your schedule. From music groups to club sports, radio station to online magazine, and service groups to cultural clubs, there is something for everyone to get involved in.

It is a VERY safe campus. Walking from the library to the dorms at midnight is not a worry, but Campus Safety will give you a ride to your dorm if you would like one.