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American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About American College of the Building Arts

In Charleston, a city known for living architecture, the American College of the Building Arts treats the city itself as a studio. Academics center on craftsmanship, preservation, and building science, pairing design thinking with serious shop time and careful attention to safety. Students move between workshops and studios, tool rooms and materials labs, with access to advising, tutoring, a small library, and career services that understand hands-on work.

Campus life feels collaborative and close-knit. You see critiques around workbenches, low-key clubs, public craft demos, and end-of-term showcases that draw neighbors in. Internships and apprenticeships are common, with site visits and employer connections built into the rhythm of the year. Charleston adds the rest: historic job sites, artisan neighborhoods, galleries, beaches, and waterfront breaks. The culture prizes skill, humility, and patience. And there's a quiet pride in finishing a piece built to last.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
649 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, USA
Website
acba.edu
Unit ID
485698

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
ACCSC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Campus Setting
Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Carnegie Classification
Tribal College
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$20,572
Tuition $19,872 + Fee $700
Out-of-State
$20,572
Tuition $19,872 + Fee $700
Student Profile
Total Students 140
Undergraduate 140
Graduate/Other 0
Male: 114 Female: 26
Applications
Total Applicants 58
Admitted 36
Enrolled 36
Acceptance: 62.1% Yield: 100%
Staff
Total Staff 27
Full-time 24
Part-time 3
Full-time: 88.9% Part-time: 11.1%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) offers 1 degree programs across 1 major academic fields, graduating approximately 22 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Architecture (1 programs, 22 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Architecture (1 programs, 22 graduates)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Architectural and Building Sciences 22
Associate's
Bachelor's
04.0902

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at American College of the Building Arts (ACBA).

Application Requirements

Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Recommendations
Required
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Neither required nor recommended
Personal Statement or Essay
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1050 - 1230
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 520 - 610
Median: 560
Math 530 - 620
Median: 570
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
18 - 26
25th-75th percentile
English 17 - 25
Median: 22
Math 18 - 26
Median: 23

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

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$21,522
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$21,522
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$20,572
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$20,572
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$12,761 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$950
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,701 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,701
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

16%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$10,186
Avg. Loan
$4,990
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,990
Additional
Students with Any Grant
10
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
6
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
2
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$8,917
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

64%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
100%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
Median Salary After 6 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$12,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about American College of the Building Arts (ACBA)

How much does it cost to attend American College of the Building Arts (ACBA)?

The annual tuition at American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) is $20,572 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,522 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,761 (off-campus) and books and supplies $950.

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 American College of the Building Arts offer?

American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) offers 1 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (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 American College of the Building Arts?

American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) has an 62.1% acceptance rate and a 100% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 58
  • Students admitted: 36
  • Students enrolled: 36

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 American College of the Building Arts?

American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $10,186 and average loans of $4,990.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $6,345
  • Institutional grants: $8,917
  • Federal loans: $4,990

The university supports 10 students with grants and 6 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.

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