Abilene Christian University
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 296(↑24) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
School Characteristics: Private, non-Profit (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Churches of Christ
School Chief: Dr. Phil Schubert (President)
Website: www.acu.edu/; Phone: 3256742000
Abilene Christian University Important Facts
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention
Over the years, Abilene Christian University has experienced a steady increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate and graduate students. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for undergraduates rose from $28,350 to $42,240, reflecting a significant hike of over 49%. This trend in rising costs aligns with broader national trends in higher education, where tuition fees have consistently outpaced inflation, raising concerns about affordability for students and families.
In terms of student success metrics, the university has shown notable improvement in graduation rates. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from approximately 37% in 2013 to around 53% in 2021, with slight fluctuations in subsequent years. This upward trajectory indicates enhanced academic support and resources, contributing to a more favorable environment for student completion. The 150% graduation rate also demonstrates that a significant number of students are ultimately completing their degrees, even if it takes longer than the standard timeframe.
Retention rates have also remained relatively strong, hovering around 75% to 79% since 2013. Retention is a critical measure of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness. The university's ability to maintain a retention rate above 75% suggests that students are finding value in their educational experience, which is essential for fostering a thriving academic community.
Moreover, the gender ratio among undergraduate and graduate students has shown a slight shift towards a higher representation of female students, reflecting broader societal trends in higher education. This shift could be indicative of changing demographics and preferences among prospective students.
Overall, while tuition continues to climb, the improvements in graduation and retention rates are promising indicators of the university's commitment to student success and educational quality. Balancing affordability with these positive outcomes will be crucial for Abilene Christian University as it navigates the challenges of modern higher education.
Abilene Christian University Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduate Numbers in 2023 at Abilene Christian University
The data from Abilene Christian University for the year 2023 reveals several notable trends in graduate numbers across various disciplines. A significant observation is the dominance of master's degrees in fields like Marriage and Family Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology, which produced 69 and 63 graduates respectively. This highlights a growing demand for advanced professional training in health-related fields, possibly reflecting broader societal needs for mental health services and communication support.
Interestingly, the education sector shows a stark contrast, with no bachelor or associate degrees awarded in Educational Leadership, indicating a potential gap in entry-level education roles. This could raise concerns about future leadership in educational institutions, emphasizing the need for targeted recruitment strategies to attract students into this field.
Moreover, the data indicates a low representation of international students in graduate programs, particularly in disciplines such as Business Administration and Registered Nursing, where the number of international students graduating is minimal. This could suggest barriers to entry for international students or a lack of robust outreach and support programs that make these fields appealing to a global audience.
In contrast, the absence of associate degree graduates across most fields may signal a shift in focus toward higher academic achievements, as institutions adapt to evolving job market demands. As industries increasingly seek specialized skills, universities must evaluate their program offerings and student support systems to ensure they meet these demands effectively. Overall, the trends suggest a need for strategic adjustments in program development and recruitment to better align with current and future workforce requirements.
Abilene Christian University Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Admission Trends at Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University has experienced notable fluctuations in its admission rates over the years, which reflect broader trends in higher education. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rates for male students ranged from approximately 47.1% to 86.9%, while female students faced slightly varying rates, peaking at 71.8% in 2022. The significant dip in acceptance rates during 2012, where the male acceptance rate soared to 86.9%, is particularly striking and may indicate either a strategic shift in the university's admissions policies or changes in applicant behavior during that time. The enrolment numbers also highlight a dynamic student body, with a consistent trend of approximately 800 to 1,000 new students each year, peaking at 1,072 in 2016. However, the data presents a concerning picture with the number of denied applicants often outpacing enrolment figures, suggesting that the university is becoming increasingly selective. For instance, in 2014, over 5,200 applicants were denied admission, despite enrolling only 1,030 students. The university's ranking has seen a decline in recent years, dropping from 250th in 2023 to 320th in 2024. This trend may influence future applications, as prospective students often consider institutional prestige in their decision-making process. As competition intensifies in the higher education landscape, Abilene Christian University may need to reassess its recruitment strategies to attract a diverse and talented student body while maintaining its academic standards.
Abilene Christian University Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Trends in Admission Test Scores at Abilene Christian University
The data from Abilene Christian University over the years reveals significant fluctuations in both the submission rates of standardized test scores and the performance of admitted students. Notably, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has varied between 35% and 56%, indicating a potential shift in the applicant pool's approach towards standardized testing.
In terms of performance, the SAT reading and math scores have shown a general increase over the years, with the 25th percentile scores moving from around 480-510 in the early years to 540-550 in recent years. In contrast, the 75th percentile scores have also seen a rise, reaching up to 650, suggesting that the university is attracting higher-caliber students.
The ACT scores reflect a similar upward trend, with composite scores starting from around 20 to 25 over the years. This may correlate with the increasing competition in university admissions, where students are striving to enhance their profiles through better test scores.
Furthermore, the declining number of applicants submitting test scores in recent years might be indicative of a broader trend in higher education, where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies. This could lead to a more holistic review process, potentially impacting the diversity and academic profiles of admitted students.
Overall, these observations highlight the evolving landscape of college admissions, where test scores remain a significant factor, yet their role is increasingly being reassessed in light of broader educational trends and student preferences.
Abilene Christian University Students Diversity
Analysis of Student Demographics at Abilene Christian University (2023)
The student population at Abilene Christian University in 2023 presents a diverse landscape across various categories. Notably, undergraduate freshmen comprise the largest group with 894 students, where 36.9% are male and 63.1% are female, indicating a prevalent trend of female enrollment in this category. This gender distribution is echoed in the undergraduate juniors, who total 2,130 students with 38.1% males and 61.9% females, further highlighting a consistent pattern in gender representation within the undergraduate program.
In contrast, the graduate student body, consisting of 1,868 individuals, reveals a more significant gender imbalance, with only 28.1% male representation and 71.9% female. This disparity may reflect broader trends in higher education, where women increasingly dominate graduate studies, particularly in fields such as education and healthcare.
The undergraduate transfer students present a unique profile, with a nearly balanced gender ratio of 48.7% male and 51.3% female among 117 students. This balance could suggest a more equitable recruitment strategy or a diverse range of transfer pathways that appeal to both genders.
Furthermore, when examining the racial and ethnic compositions, specific details are noted for each category, particularly among white students, who represent the majority across different classifications. This demographic insight aligns with national trends in higher education, where white students still constitute a significant portion of university populations, although the increasing representation of other ethnic groups is crucial for fostering diversity and inclusiveness.
Overall, the demographic data from Abilene Christian University emphasizes the importance of understanding gender and racial dynamics in higher education, reflecting broader societal trends and challenges in achieving equity and representation across student bodies.
Abilene Christian University Students Age Distribution
Age Composition of Students at Abilene Christian University in 2023
The age distribution of students at Abilene Christian University in 2023 reveals a diverse demographic that reflects broader trends in higher education. A significant proportion of the student body, particularly undergraduates, falls within the 18-19 age range, constituting approximately 36% of the total enrollment. This aligns with national trends where many students enter college immediately after high school, indicating a strong influx of traditional-aged students.
Moving to the age group of 20-21, we observe that this cohort comprises around 27% of the total student population. The presence of a small number of graduate students in this age range suggests that most students are pursuing undergraduate degrees, although some may be transitioning to graduate studies later.
Interestingly, as we analyze older age groups, participation declines sharply. The 22-24 age group represents about 20% of the total, while students aged 25 and above constitute a smaller fraction, with only about 11% of total enrollment. The data indicates that older students are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age ranges, where graduate enrollment is notably higher.
Overall, the age distribution at the university highlights a mix of traditional and non-traditional students, reflecting the evolving landscape of higher education. This diversity not only enriches the campus culture but also fosters a variety of perspectives in academic discussions, preparing students for a multifaceted world post-graduation.
Abilene Christian University International Students Trends
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Abilene Christian University
The data on international student enrollment at Abilene Christian University over the years presents a nuanced picture of trends in higher education. The percentage of international undergraduate students has shown a gradual increase from 4.01% in 2004 to a peak of 5.01% in 2012, before experiencing a steady decline in the following years. By 2023, the percentage dipped to 3.89%. This decline may reflect broader trends affecting international student mobility, including geopolitical factors, visa regulations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global travel and education.
In contrast, the graduate student segment exhibits a more volatile trend, with the percentage of international students fluctuating significantly. It peaked at 5.43% in 2008 and then saw a notable drop to 2.04% in 2020, coinciding with the pandemic's onset. However, there was a slight rebound to 3.00% by 2023. This fluctuation can be attributed to changes in program offerings, recruitment strategies, and the overall attractiveness of U.S. graduate programs to international students.
The overall trend indicates that while there may be challenges, the university continues to attract a diverse population of international students. It is essential for institutions like Abilene Christian University to adapt their strategies to enhance recruitment and support for international students, ensuring they remain competitive in the global education market. As universities increasingly recognize the value of international perspectives in enriching the educational environment, maintaining and growing this demographic will be crucial.
Abilene Christian University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here is a brief introduction to some notable schools near Abilene Christian University:
Texas Christian University: Ranked 105th in the 2025 US News rankings, Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private university located in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts and professional education.
Baylor University: With a rank of 91, Baylor University is a private Christian university in Waco, Texas. It is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and offers a wide variety of programs across different fields of study.
Southern Methodist University: Also ranked 91st, Southern Methodist University (SMU) is located in Dallas, Texas. SMU is known for its strong focus on research and offers a rich array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
The University of Texas at Austin: Ranked 30th, this flagship institution of the University of Texas System is located in Austin, Texas. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its vibrant campus life and research opportunities.
Rice University: With an impressive rank of 18, Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas. It is renowned for its high academic standards and offers a wide range of programs, particularly in science and engineering.
Texas A & M University-College Station: This public research university, ranked 51st, is located in College Station, Texas. It is known for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs, and has a large student body with a vibrant campus culture.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and are recognized for their academic excellence, making them key options for students in the region.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Rates at Abilene Christian University
The crime statistics for Abilene Christian University reveal a fluctuating trend over the years 2013 to 2023. Notably, the average number of crimes per 1000 students peaked in 2020 at 8.39. This spike could be linked to various factors, including increased campus security measures or heightened awareness and reporting of incidents during that year, which was marked by significant social and political upheaval across the United States.
The types of offenses reported include serious crimes such as assault and drug-related incidents, though it is important to highlight that there were no recorded incidents of gun-related arrests or domestic violence in several years. This absence could indicate effective preventative measures or perhaps underreporting.
Interestingly, the overall trend shows a decline from 2014, where the rate dropped to 3.45, suggesting that efforts to improve campus safety may have been beneficial. However, the fluctuations in subsequent years indicate that continuous monitoring and proactive strategies are necessary to maintain and further reduce crime rates.
As universities nationwide confront similar challenges, the data from Abilene Christian University serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and community engagement in fostering a safe educational environment. It also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue about campus safety and student well-being, particularly in light of broader societal issues. For those interested in understanding crime rates and their calculations, further information can be found here.
Reference
- Abilene Christian University Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Abilene Christian University Related News
The Future of Nuclear Energy: Innovations in Molten Salt Reactors
Published on: November 6, 2024 | Updated on: November 6, 2024
Introduction to Advanced Nuclear Technology and University Involvement The recent announcement from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) regarding its involvement in the Natura MSR-1 project represents a significant milestone in the evolution of nuclear energy technology in the United State...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Abilene Christian University, Clean Energy, climate change, Energy Demand, Molten Salt Reactor, nuclear energy, Purdue University-Main Campus, SafetyThe Role of Universities in Promoting Civic Dialogue and Engagement
Published on: September 28, 2024 | Updated on: September 28, 2024
Introduction: The Importance of Constructive Dialogue in Higher Education In the current political climate, the role of universities in fostering constructive dialogue has never been more critical. As institutions that serve as microcosms of society, universities are uniquely positioned to cultivate...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Abilene Christian University, Civic Engagement, Community Conversation, Democratic Dialogue, Syracuse University, universityMichigan State University Alumni Donates 10 Million Dollars for Sports Programs
Published on: September 19, 2024 | Updated on: September 19, 2024
The Transformative Power of Alumni Donations in U.S. College Athletics On September 17, 2024, Michigan State University (MSU) made headlines with the announcement of a remarkable $10 million donation from alumni Kristen and Justin Ishbia. This generous contribution is earmarked for enhancing the uni...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Abilene Christian University, Alumni Donation, Eastern Michigan University, Elon University, Facility Upgrades, Michigan State University, Sports Programs, student athletesCaltech Physicist Harry Kimble Passes Away, A Giant in Quantum Optics
Published on: September 6, 2024 | Updated on: September 6, 2024
Remembering Harry Kimble: A Legacy in Quantum Physics On September 5, 2024, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) announced the passing of renowned physicist Harry Jeffrey Kimble, who died on September 2, 2024, at the age of 75. Kimble was a pioneer in the fields of quantum optics and qua...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Abilene Christian University, California Institute of Technology, Caltech, Harry Kimble, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, physics, Quantum OpticsAbilene Christian University Important Facts Trends
Abilene Christian University degrees/majors
Abilene Christian University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | $62,077 | ||||
Athletic Training/Trainer. | - | ||||
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. | $43,665 | ||||
Occupational Therapy/Therapist. | $74,437 | ||||
Dietetics/Dietitian. | - | ||||
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $72,481-$122,705 | ||||
Nursing Practice. | $72,481-$122,705 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $45,196-$81,656 | ||||
Accounting. | $60,619-$66,230 | ||||
Finance, General. | $53,590 | ||||
Information Resources Management. | - | ||||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $47,524 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Education, General. | $53,628 | ||||
Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $49,155-$81,952 | ||||
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. | $49,155-$81,952 | ||||
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs. | - | ||||
Elementary Education and Teaching. | $50,486 | ||||
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | $50,486 | ||||
Music Teacher Education. | $51,360 | ||||
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. | $51,360 | ||||
Social Studies Teacher Education. | $51,360 | ||||
Physics Teacher Education. | $51,360 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $27,148 | ||||
Clinical Psychology. | $52,566 | ||||
Counseling Psychology. | $52,566 | ||||
School Psychology. | $52,566 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bible/Biblical Studies. | - | ||||
Theology/Theological Studies. | - | ||||
Divinity/Ministry. | - | ||||
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other. | - | ||||
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | ||||
Biochemistry. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - | ||||
Journalism. | - | ||||
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - | ||||
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Work. | $42,977 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | $27,898 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interior Design. | $38,553 | ||||
Graphic Design. | $38,553 | ||||
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||||
Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | ||||
Music, General. | - | ||||
Voice and Opera. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Information Technology. | - | ||||
Computer Science. | - | ||||
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Human Development and Family Studies, General. | $30,278 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Political Science and Government, General. | - | ||||
Sociology, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | $54,455 | ||||
International/Globalization Studies. | - | ||||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $64,470 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | - | ||||
Animal Sciences, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pre-Architecture Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | - | ||||
Physics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Science. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Abilene Christian University Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
Abilene Christian University Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 115 | 88 |
Football | 105 | - |
Baseball | 39 | - |
Soccer | - | 32 |
Basketball | 15 | 13 |
Softball | - | 22 |
Tennis | 10 | 7 |
Volleyball | - | 17 |
Golf | 10 | - |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 98 | 91 |
Football | 119 | - |
Baseball | 39 | - |
Soccer | - | 33 |
Basketball | 15 | 15 |
Tennis | 11 | 9 |
Softball | - | 18 |
Volleyball | - | 18 |
Beach Volleyball | - | 18 |
Golf | 11 | - |
NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
All Track Combined | 109 | 80 |
Football | 115 | - |
Baseball | 38 | - |
Soccer | - | 35 |
Basketball | 15 | 13 |
Softball | - | 23 |
Tennis | 9 | 10 |
Volleyball | - | 16 |
Golf | 12 | - |
Beach Volleyball | - | 3 |
Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university located in Abilene, Texas. Established in 1906, ACU has a rich history and has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, fostering not only intellectual development but also character formation. ACU's mission statement underscores its dedication to educating students for Christian service and leadership, making it a unique institution where faith and learning are integrated.
The campus culture at ACU is vibrant and inclusive, offering a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports, which contribute to a well-rounded student life. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational centers, which enhance the learning experience. With a strong faculty-to-student ratio, ACU provides personalized attention and mentorship, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive academically. The university also promotes community involvement and service, preparing graduates to lead with integrity and purpose in their respective fields. Overall, Abilene Christian University is a nurturing environment that balances rigorous academics with spiritual growth, making it a distinguished choice for students seeking both personal and professional development.