Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Abilene Christian University logo

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX·Private nonprofit·3,129 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

64%
Accept
3,129
Students
$27,401
Net Price
60%
Grad Rate
$48,900
Earnings
10 yr
$14,750
Debt

About This School

Abilene Christian University is a private nonprofit institution located in Abilene, Texas with approximately 3,129 undergraduate students enrolled. Abilene Christian University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 64%. The average net price after financial aid is $27,401 per year. The graduation rate is 60%, and the typical graduate earns $48,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian research university in Abilene, Texas, United States. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 institution. It was founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute. It is affiliated with Churches of Christ.

Worth considering if you're looking for a smaller faith-based university with a manageable debt load — graduates leave with just $14,750 in median debt, which is genuinely low. That said, only 60% of students finish their degree, meaning 4 in 10 who start don't make it to graduation, so ask hard questions about academic support before committing. Median earnings of $48,900 after 10 years are modest but reasonable given the debt picture, making this a better fit for students with a clear sense of purpose tied to ACU's Church of Christ mission than for those still figuring out their direction.

Founded
1906
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions15%
Business & Marketing11%
Biological Sciences10%
Communications8%
Psychology6%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Education5%
Engineering3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Bobby MorrowJohn LayfieldDaniel JohnstonEarl YoungMax LucadoJeev Milkha SinghJanice HahnTed PoeRandall Cobb

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1189
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$42,380
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,380
Avg Net Price
$27,401
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants22%
Median debt at graduation$14,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
60%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino18%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,129 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Abilene Christian University

1600 Campus Court

Abilene, TX 79699

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.