Abilene Christian University

Life at ACU revolves around its close-knit Christian community, where 60% of students live on campus. The university fosters engagement through:

• 100+ student organizations and productions
• Active Greek life (though exact participation rates aren't specified)
• Campus traditions that blend Texan culture with faith-based service

Reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on being 'fully known and deeply loved,' though the dry West Texas location means students create much of their own social scene. The Instagram-savvy @acu_studentlife team showcases daily campus happenings, from chapel services to intramural sports.

ACU graduates see solid returns on their investment:

• 49% four-year graduation rate (65% six-year rate)
• $46,727 median salary six years post-graduation
• $55,736 median 10-year earnings

The one-year post-grad earnings average $36,427, rising to $55K+ within a decade. Notably, the university outperforms many peers in producing graduates who go on to earn terminal degrees, particularly in medicine and research fields.

With a total cost of attendance?Cost of attendanceThe full estimated yearly cost of a college: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses, before any financial aid. at $63,630, ACU provides substantial financial aid to offset expenses:

• Average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.: $28,311 after aid
• Typical aid package: $22,044 for undergraduates

The university encourages prospective students to use its detailed net price calculator (taking ~3 minutes) for personalized estimates. While not the most affordable option in Texas, ACU's strong outcomes in graduate school placement and mid-career earnings help justify the investment for many families.

ACU carves out a unique niche as a university where serious academics and devout Christianity intersect without apology. Its strengths are threefold:

1. Pre-Professional Pipeline: Unusually strong track record of sending graduates to medical school and PhD programs, with STEM curricula that rival larger universities. 2. Intentional Community: The 60% on-campus population creates a residential culture where faith permeates everything from classroom discussions to late-night dorm conversations. 3. Texan Identity: From its architecture to its hospitality, ACU embraces its regional roots while maintaining global ambitions through study abroad and research programs.

For students seeking rigorous academics within an unambiguously Christian framework—and who don't mind trading coastal vibes for West Texas sunsets—ACU delivers a distinctive college experience.