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A nationally recognized leader in student success for 2022-23

USNWR 2022-23 graphic

For the fourth year in a row, ACU is the highest-ranking university in Texas in the U.S. News & World Report “Academic Programs to Look For” benchmarks focused on student success – placing in six of eight categories this year. ACU was one of only 19 U.S. institutions ranked in the top 50 nationally in both Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects and Undergraduate Teaching, alongside Carnegie Mellon, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Rice, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Yale in the 2022-23 rankings.  


Here, we look at some of the people and programs that make ACU’s student experience unique.

Service Learning: #5 in the nation

emily shafer in ugandaACU’s mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, along with the proven benefits of service learning as a high-impact practice in higher education, has made service learning a signature feature of the ACU experience. A service learning component is incorporated in courses spanning all majors. Learn more


First-Year Experience: #8 in the nation

One of the best first-year experiences

ACU’s innovative approach to student orientation ensures all new Wildcats and their families begin their journey with a comprehensive introduction to college life. They learn about campus through an online series leading up to a two-day on-campus summer orientation. Just before school starts, Wildcat Week immerses them in the academic, social and spiritual life of ACU, and connects them with student mentors. Learn more


Learning Communities: #9 in the nation

One of the best learning communities

ACU students find many opportunities to join learning communities, ranging from the Cornerstone seminar class for new students to cohort programs within specific majors that span a student’s collegiate career. Study abroad and global service learning trips enable students to participate in courses with the same cohort in an international setting. Learn more


Senior Capstone: #22 in the nation

londyn-gray-cornerstoneSenior Capstones provide students a culminating experience to their years at ACU. They create a project that integrates and applies what they’ve learned, often through a research paper, a performance, a portfolio of “best work,” or an exhibit of artwork. Learn more


Undergrad Research/Creative Projects: #28 in the nation

student researchStudents learn key skills that open doors for graduate school and successful careers through numerous undergraduate research opportunities at ACU. Through the support of ACU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and individual faculty mentors, students engage in laboratory and field research in the natural sciences, and projects in the social sciences, performing and fine arts, humanities, and business. Learn more


Study Abroad: #35 in the nation

One of the best service learning experiences

By immersing in a new culture, ACU Study Abroad programs inspire students to build connections, discover new things about themselves and the world, and expand their perspective in a way that strengthens and deepens their faith and intellect. Learn more

Best Undergraduate Teaching: #41 in the nation

richard beck in leipzigAt the heart of learning at ACU are dedicated faculty who are experts in their fields, passionately committed to students’ growth and success. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, each student benefits from personalized instruction and one-on-one mentoring in addition to classroom learning. Learn more

 
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