Arcadia vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Arcadia University in Glenside, PA 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 Arcadia based on total student enrollment (5,219 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arcadia University is located in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arcadia University 10:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

Arcadia vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arcadia 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 Abilene Christian University than Arcadia ($28,760 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Abilene Christian University are 15.4% lower than at Arcadia University ($14,540 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Abilene Christian University (about $5,410 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Arcadia than at Abilene Christian University (about $5,410 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Arcadia University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 13.6% larger than aid received by Abilene Christian University students ($34,705 vs. $30,542).

Arcadia vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arcadia 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 Arcadia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arcadia University (1170) is the same as at Abilene Christian University (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arcadia University 1065/1265; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAbilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arcadia - Test optional; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Arcadia has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.4% at Arcadia vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

Arcadia vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arcadia 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).

• Arcadia University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Abilene Christian University's (60%).
• Graduates from Arcadia University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 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 Arcadia graduates ($25,325 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arcadia students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.