Abilene Christian University vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Abilene Christian University is larger than St. Mary's University based on total student enrollment (5,219 students vs. 3,456 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Abilene Christian University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Abilene Christian University 13:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

Abilene Christian University vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Abilene Christian University or St. Mary's University? 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 St. Mary's University than Abilene Christian University ($20,412 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. Mary's University are 11.3% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($12,894 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Mary's University (about $6,766 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at Abilene Christian University than at St. Mary's University (about $6,766 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University as at St. Mary's University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by St. Mary's University students ($30,542 vs. $27,464).

Abilene Christian University vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Abilene Christian University or St. Mary's University? 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 St. Mary's University and Abilene Christian University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 60 points higher than at St. Mary's University (1110).
• Incoming Abilene Christian University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at St. Mary's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 1070/1270; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 22/28; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Abilene Christian University - Test optional; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027; St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at St. Mary's University (3.61).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Abilene Christian University vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

Abilene Christian University vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Abilene Christian University and St. Mary's University? 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).

• Abilene Christian University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than St. Mary's University's (58%).
• Graduates from St. Mary's University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have a $1,675 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's University graduates ($25,325 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Mary's University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 59%)

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.