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Abilene Christian University ranked among the top private universities in the nation for financial health in the Forbes 2024 College Financial Grades, receiving an A rating.

The list assessed 876 private universities based on financial data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Only 54 institutions received an A grade or higher, and ACU was fourth among Texas schools.

“I’m incredibly proud of our administration, faculty and staff and their dedication to stewarding our resources in such a complex environment,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “This recognition acknowledges ACU’s solid financial foundation – allowing us to provide a world-class education and an exceptional experience for Abilene Christian students.” 

The Forbes College Financial Grades report used nine metrics in evaluating the financial health of private, not-for-profit colleges:

• Endowment assets per full-time equivalent student (17.5%)
• Primary reserve ratio (15%)
• Tuition as a percentage of core revenues (15%)
• Viability ratio (10%)
• Core operating margin (10%)
• Return on assets (10%)
• Admissions yield (7.5%)
• Percent of freshmen getting grant aid (7.5%)
• Instruction expenses per full-time equivalent student (7.5%)

ACU’s net assets reached $1 billion in 2023, thanks in part to the outstanding performance of the university’s endowment, which was valued at $823 million as of July 2024.

— Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 16, 2024