On-Campus Experiences

Rising Scholars

Held on our beautiful campus in Abilene, Texas, students enroll in one course during their Rising Scholars on Campus experience. This program will showcase what college life is like as a Wildcat. You’ll live in the dorm, eat in the campus center, study in the library, worship together and make memories in our charming town of Abilene.

Held on our beautiful campus in Abilene, Texas, students enroll in one course during their Rising Scholars on Campus experience. This program will showcase what college life is like as a Wildcat. You’ll live in the dorm, eat in the campus center, study in the library, worship together and make memories in our charming town of Abilene.

Main Content

KEY DATES


November 1, 2024

Application Opens

January 15, 2025

Early Application Deadline

When: July 13-29, 2025

Cost: $1,000 – includes course fees for one hour credit, lodging, all meals, group excursions, and activities. 

“ACU is the only school we have visited that has offered our senior a chance to “test drive” the college experience.  Most decisions are made on a one time campus tour, but this program allowed my daughter to truly experience what classes would be like, dorm life, how easy it is to connect with like minded people and explore the local atmosphere.” – 2023 Rising Scholar Parent

 

2025 RISING SCHOLARS ON CAMPUS OFFERINGS COMING SOON

Important Dates

  • November 1, 2024 – Application opens 
  • January 15, 2025 – Early Application Deadline
    • February 1, 2025 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to early admits to guarantee spot
  • June 1, 2025 – Regular Application Deadline (applications will be accepted until June 1 as space is available)
    • June 15, 2025 – student contract and $500 non-refundable payment due to regular deadline admits 
  • June 20 – Waitlist students notified if space is available 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Submit the online application.
  • Students must be a current high school sophomore or junior.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation completed by a current high school teacher or administrator.
  • Rising Scholars on campus is competitive and limited spots are available.

Students who enroll in Rising Scholars are enrolling as an ACU student for a one hour course. Students are expected to go to class and complete all assignments related to the course. 

Rising Scholars stay on campus in Bullock Hall. Men and women are housed separately in the dorm.

The program begins on Sunday evening and concludes on Saturday morning. Students will go to class Monday through Friday for approximately 3 hours each day. Outside of class, students will live the ACU experience. Activities include spiritual development, intramurals, small groups, games, experiences around Abilene and free time.

Yes, students can choose to bring a vehicle to campus. If given permission by their parents, students can leave campus during free time.

Yes, curfew will be enforced by residence life staff at 11 p.m. each evening

American Airlines flies into Abilene Regional Airport. ACU will provide transportation from ABI airport to campus.