Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Abilene Christian University at a Glance
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.
1906
120 years old
$812M
$812 million ( FY 2024)
7,274
5,101 undergrad · 2,173 grad
450
208 acres
Identity
Is Abilene Christian University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Abilene Christian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,736 — 4% above average — while paying $26,182/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 60% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Abilene Christian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Abilene Christian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #54 of 84 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | St. Joseph's University-New York | 56 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| #6 | Augustana College | 53 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| #54 | Abilene Christian University | 32 | $26,182 | $55,736 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Abilene Christian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in TX.
Best Programs at Abilene Christian University
The highest-earning program at Abilene Christian University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other at $30,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Abilene Christian University earns $58,400, while a Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduate earns $30,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $22,500 for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,182/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,400 | $58,400 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $42,200 | $42,200 | $20,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,000 | $42,000 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,600 | $41,600 | $18,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $30,700 | $30,700 | $22,500 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Abilene, TX
- Student Body
- 3,195 students
- Admission Rate
- 66%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,182
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,736
- Median Student Debt
- $24,250