At $27,401/yr net price, Abilene Christian University 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) | $27,401 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,736/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,736/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.2% |
| 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 | $22,928/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,199/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,921/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,540/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,121/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,068 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $63,005 | $54,837 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,522 | $24,850 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $22,375 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Certificate | $54,661 | $33,823 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $53,358 | $40,875 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,631 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $44,747 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $21,500 |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,426 |
The Risk Factor
60.2% of students at Abilene Christian University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Abilene Christian University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for select professional programs but concerning debt loads in others. Your return on investment depends heavily on your major choice and career goals.
Accounting and finance majors see the strongest payoffs, with accounting graduates earning over $64,000 annually while maintaining reasonable debt levels. Nursing offers solid middle-ground returns at nearly $59,000 in earnings with manageable debt of $24,850. These programs align well with regional healthcare and business job markets in Texas.
Communication disorders stands out as a financial risk despite high earnings potential. Graduates earn $63,000 annually but carry $54,837 in debt, more than double the school median. This debt burden significantly erodes the program's apparent value.
The 60% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without completing their degree, making the investment a total loss. The 80% retention rate suggests many departures happen later in college, after accumulating substantial debt.
You should consider ACU if you plan to study accounting, finance, or nursing and value the Christian campus environment. The school works best for students who can commit to completing their degree and have clear career direction in these stronger-paying fields.
Avoid ACU if you need substantial financial aid, as only 22% of students receive assistance. The $27,401 annual net price requires significant family resources. Students interested in liberal arts or uncertain about their major face higher financial risk given the mixed program outcomes and graduation rate concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abilene Christian University worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,401 and median earnings of $55,736 after 10 years, ACU provides modest returns that barely justify the cost for most students. The 60% graduation rate means 4 in 10 students never finish, making this a risky investment.
What are the best paying majors at Abilene Christian University?
Accounting leads at $64,068 annually, followed by communication disorders at $63,005 and nursing at $58,522. Most other programs fall well below these figures, with some barely reaching $50,000 despite the high tuition costs.
How much student debt do Abilene Christian University graduates have?
The median debt is $24,250, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with starting salaries often in the $50,000 range, graduates still face tight budgets for several years after graduation.
Does Abilene Christian University have good job placement rates?
The school's 60% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, the modest salary outcomes indicate graduates face competitive job markets in most fields.