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 program gives you a modest financial return that hinges almost entirely on which major you pick. At a net price near $12,700 a year, the cost stays reasonable for a private nonprofit, and median debt of $24,250 lines up with what most online programs carry. But the payoff splits sharply by field.
Nursing is the clear win here. At $58,522, it out-earns every other program on the list and beats the school-wide median. Business administration and marketing land in the mid-$40,000s, which covers the debt but leaves less room. The bottom two programs are where the math turns against you. Criminal justice and human development both pay under $32,000, and human development carries the highest debt on the list at $26,000. If you borrow the full amount for that degree, you are paying more to earn less.
The retention rate is the biggest red flag. Only 40% of students return after their first year. That means most people who start this program leave, and if you leave with debt and no degree, none of the earnings numbers apply to you. This is the specific risk to weigh before enrolling.
On price, families earning under $48,000 actually pay the least, around $11,000 to $12,700. If your household earns over $75,000, expect to pay closer to $16,000-$17,900, so the aid tilts toward lower incomes.
This school fits you if you are set on nursing and confident you will finish. Business and marketing work if you keep borrowing low. If you are drawn to criminal justice or human development, the earnings do not justify the debt, and you should compare a cheaper option first.
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.