Abilene Christian University (ACU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Abilene Christian University
Set under big West Texas skies, Abilene Christian is known for pairing a faith-shaped education with practical, hands-on learning. Students dive into the arts and sciences, business, health, technology, and communication in discussion-driven classes, then take ideas into labs, studios, maker spaces, and performance halls. Support is close at hand through tutoring, advising, counseling, and a career center that treats internships and mentoring as part of the curriculum.
Campus life mixes regular chapel, service projects, and a loud Wildcat spirit with a beloved student-produced musical tradition that packs the house each year. The vibe is friendly, grounded, and collaborative. Abilene's small-city scene offers coffeehouses, galleries, and easy access to trails and lake days, plus connections to regional nonprofits, hospitals, schools, and businesses. Graduates point to tight-knit faculty guidance and a strong Texas network; notable alumni include author Max Lucado and NFL great Wilbert Montgomery.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Abilene Christian University (ACU) offers 72 degree programs across 25 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,336 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (9 programs, 327 graduates), Business (7 programs, 211 graduates), Education (11 programs, 138 graduates), Theology (6 programs, 84 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 66 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (9 programs, 327 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapy | 74 |
|
Master's
|
51.1505 |
| Speech-Language Pathology | 73 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.0203 |
| Nursing Practice | 50 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
| Registered Nursing | 45 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Dietetics | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3101 |
| Occupational Therapy | 23 |
|
Master's
|
51.2306 |
| Health Administration and Management | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Athletic Training | 8 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 7 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.1005 |
Business (7 programs, 211 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 93 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Finance, General | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Marketing Management | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Information Resources Management | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1206 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 2 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0206 |
| Organizational Leadership | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0213 |
Education (11 programs, 138 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 77 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Higher Education Administration | 18 |
|
Master's
|
13.0406 |
| Elementary Education | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| General Education | 8 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Music Teacher Education | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| Elementary Special Education Teaching | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1017 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| Social Studies Teacher Education | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1318 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
| Biology Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1322 |
| History Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1328 |
Theology (6 programs, 84 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 29 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (O)
|
39.0799 |
| Divinity and Ministry | 26 |
|
Master's
|
39.0602 |
| Biblical Studies | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
39.0201 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
39.9999 |
| Theological Studies | 3 |
|
Master's
|
39.0601 |
| Missionary Studies | 2 |
|
Master's
|
39.0301 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 66 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 66 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Psychology (4 programs, 62 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
| Counseling Psychology | 12 |
|
Master's
|
42.2803 |
| School Psychology | 4 |
|
Master's
|
42.2805 |
| Clinical Psychology | 3 |
|
Master's
|
42.2801 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 58 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 48 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Communication (4 programs, 56 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
09.0101 |
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0702 |
| Journalism | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
| Public Relations and Advertising | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0999 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 49 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
Public Services (1 programs, 38 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Abilene Christian University (ACU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Abilene Christian University (ACU)
How much does it cost to attend Abilene Christian University (ACU)?
The annual tuition at Abilene Christian University (ACU) is $42,240 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $59,262 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,500 and books and supplies $1,250.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Abilene Christian University offer?
Abilene Christian University (ACU) offers 72 academic programs across 25 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Doctorate (Other), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (11 programs)
- Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (6 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Abilene Christian University?
Abilene Christian University (ACU) has an 63.9% acceptance rate and a 12.8% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 10,510
- Students admitted: 6,714
- Students enrolled: 862
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Abilene Christian University?
Abilene Christian University (ACU) provides financial aid to 28% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $27,914 and average loans of $11,103.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,253
- State/Local grants: $3,822
- Institutional grants: $25,306
- Federal loans: $5,128
The university supports 890 students with grants and 441 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Abilene Christian University graduates?
Abilene Christian University (ACU) graduates earn a median salary of $46,727 after 6 years and $55,736 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $36,361 (25th percentile) to $80,010 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.