Abilene Christian University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX with Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Abilene Christian University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (5,219 students vs. 1,440 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Abilene Christian University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Southwestern University is in Georgetown, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Abilene Christian University 13:1; Southwestern University 11:1.

Abilene Christian University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Abilene Christian University or SU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Abilene Christian University than SU ($28,760 vs. $32,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Abilene Christian University are 3.5% lower than at Southwestern University ($14,540 vs. $15,072).
• Southwestern University is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Abilene Christian University (about $9,613 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at SU than at Abilene Christian University (about $9,613 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Southwestern University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern University students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Abilene Christian University students ($35,162 vs. $30,542).

Abilene Christian University vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Abilene Christian University or SU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SU and Abilene Christian University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwestern University (1220) is 50 points higher than at Abilene Christian University (1170).
• Incoming SU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Abilene Christian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 1070/1270; Southwestern University 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 22/28; Southwestern University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Abilene Christian University - Test optional; SU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027; SU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at SU (3.5).
• Abilene Christian University has a higher acceptance rate (66%) than SU (43.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Abilene Christian University vs. 13.8% at SU.

Abilene Christian University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Abilene Christian University and SU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Southwestern University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Abilene Christian University's (60%).
• Graduates from Southwestern University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have a $1,568 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($25,325 vs. $26,893).
• Among borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($261 vs. $278).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Abilene Christian University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.