At $12,714/yr net price, Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates earn $55,736/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,736/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,714 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,856 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,736/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,736/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,740/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,018/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,221/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,857/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,522 | $24,850 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $21,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $22,864 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,741 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $26,500 |
Analysis
Abilene Christian University's online undergraduate programs deliver weak financial returns for most majors. The median debt of $24,250 creates a challenging payback scenario when paired with earnings that fall short of expectations across multiple fields.
Nursing stands as the clear financial winner, generating $58,522 annually with manageable debt levels. This program justifies the investment and positions graduates well in Texas healthcare markets. Business administration and marketing produce more modest returns at $44,170 and $42,682 respectively, requiring careful consideration of your career goals and debt tolerance.
Criminal justice and human development programs present concerning financial prospects. Criminal justice graduates earn just $31,741 annually while human development majors face the worst combination of low earnings ($30,771) and high debt ($26,000). These programs create genuine financial hardship for most graduates.
The 40% retention rate signals broader institutional challenges that extend beyond finances. This low persistence rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, creating a significant risk of debt without degree completion.
Your financial aid prospects look promising with nearly 60% of students receiving assistance. However, the net price of $12,714 annually still requires substantial borrowing for most families, making careful program selection critical.
Choose ACU online if you're pursuing nursing and can access strong financial aid packages. The convenience of online delivery may justify slightly lower returns for working adults in business fields. Avoid this school for criminal justice or human development majors where the debt burden far exceeds earning potential. Consider regional public universities for better value in most non-nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online worth the cost?
With a net price of $12,714 per year and median earnings of $55,736 ten years after graduation, ACU online offers decent value for the cost. The low debt burden of $24,250 makes it financially manageable for most students.
What are the highest paying programs at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $58,522 annually, while business administration follows at $44,170. Avoid criminal justice and human development programs, which only pay around $31,000-$32,000 despite similar tuition costs.
How much debt do Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates have?
The median debt is $24,250, which is reasonable given the earning potential. Most nursing and business graduates can manage this debt load with their higher starting salaries.
Does Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online have good financial aid?
The net price of $12,714 suggests decent financial aid packages that bring costs down from the full tuition. With a 99% acceptance rate, most applicants who apply will receive some form of aid.