About Abilene Christian University
Students pay an average net price of $27,401 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $42,380. Graduates earn a median of $55,736 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,250 manageable with monthly payments around $257. The 96.9% employment rate shows strong career outcomes for graduates. This represents solid value for a private Christian education.
The student body is 60% female and draws heavily from Texas, with 87% of students coming from in-state. ACU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Wildcats, offering 13 varsity sports with over $10 million in athletic scholarships. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention, while the 60% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor expected at this faith-centered institution.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.2%
- Retention Rate
- 79.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,736
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,068 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,522 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Certificate | $54,661 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $53,358 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,631 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $44,747 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,426 |
Campus Life
Weekends revolve around Wildcat athletics, particularly football games that draw passionate crowds to the Division I program. Students gather for intramural sports, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby Buffalo Gap or Sweetwater Lake. The Churches of Christ affiliation shapes daily rhythms through required chapel services and faith-integrated coursework. With 86.85% of students from Texas, the campus culture reflects Lone Star State values mixed with Christian fellowship. Study groups often form around the library's 24-hour spaces, while residence hall communities organize everything from movie nights to service projects that extend ACU's mission beyond campus borders.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,508 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Incest | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–58°F
- July Avg
- 73°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 25.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.2%
- Women
- 59.8%
- White
- 62.6%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 18.0%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 86.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.0%
Location
- Address
- Abilene, Texas 79699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,736
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,363
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Abilene Christian University?
Abilene Christian University accepts 65.79% of applicants. The school looks for students who share its Christian mission and values. With an average SAT score of 1175, ACU attracts solid students who want faith-integrated education.
How much does Abilene Christian University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,401 after aid, well below the sticker price of $56,130. The university provides institutional grants averaging $26,280 to help make Christian education affordable. Only 42.23% of students need federal loans to finance their education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Abilene Christian University?
ACU maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,129 total students. This size allows for personal attention while supporting strong programs in business, education, and ministry. The university emphasizes mentorship relationships between Christian faculty and students.
What are the career outcomes for Abilene Christian University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $55,736 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 96.9%. The 60.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's supportive Christian community environment. Alumni include notable figures like Dr. Phil McGraw and NFL players Hunter Renfrow and Danieal Manning.
Where is Abilene Christian University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Abilene, Texas, a mid-sized city that provides internship and job opportunities. With housing for 2,508 students and 13 NCAA Division I sports teams, campus life centers around Christian fellowship. Women make up 59.80% of the student body, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.
Does Abilene Christian University have a religious affiliation?
ACU is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and was founded in 1906 with a strong Christian mission. The university integrates faith with academics across all programs and requires chapel attendance. This religious foundation attracts students seeking both academic excellence and spiritual growth in a Christian environment.
