AU vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

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

Abilene Christian University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (5,219 students vs. 4,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

AU vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Abilene Christian 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 Anderson University than Abilene Christian University ($24,434 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 12.5% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($12,720 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 26.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $9,230 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.4% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Anderson University (about $9,230 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Anderson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Anderson University students ($30,542 vs. $25,969).

AU vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Abilene Christian 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 Abilene Christian University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 20 points higher than at Abilene Christian University (1170).
• Incoming AU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Abilene Christian University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Abilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Abilene Christian University (3.65).
• Abilene Christian University has a higher acceptance rate (66%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

AU vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Abilene Christian 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 Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Abilene Christian University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have a $1,537 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($25,325 vs. $26,862).
• Among borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($261 vs. $277).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 60%)

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.