What are the different ways I can pay my student bill?
Students can access and pay their bill through the Wildcat Pay Portal or in person at Wildcat Central, located in the McGlothlin Campus Center. Wildcat Central accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Cash transactions must be made with exact cash. Checks must be made payable to Abilene Christian University and should include the students name and ACU ID number in the memo line.
Checks or money orders can be mailed to the address below. ACU Mail Services recommends purchasing tracking on all mailed checks or money orders.
Abilene Christian University
ACU Box 27940
Abilene, TX 79699
How to add an Authorized User to the student account?
Students add Authorized User access to their Wildcat Pay Portal. Authorized Users can make payments, see account activity and access statements. To add an Authorized User, follow these steps listed here.
- From your myACU Dashboard, click on Wildcat Pay Portal under Balances Widget on the home screen.
- Under “My Profile Set Up” Click on “Authorized Users”
- Click on the “Add Authorized User “ tab and input the preferred email address.
- Select the type of access you are requesting for the “Authorized User”
- Adding the email address will send an invitation to create their “Authorized User” account with access to the students Wildcat Pay Portal.
- Click “Continue” and read all terms and conditions then select “I Agree”.
Authorized User Login Access is linked here.
Are there payment plans available?
Students can enroll in a 0% interest four-, five– or six-month Wildcat Pay Plan per semester. These plans charge a $50 fee to enroll, and some require a 5-10% down payment at the time of enrollment. Fall semester bills will be released in June, with the deadline of July 15 to enroll in the six-month pay plan. Visit acu.edu/payingyourbill to view Wildcat Payment Plan details.
What happens if student bills are unpaid?
A late fee of 1.242% will be charged on the entire unpaid balance. In addition, a registration hold will be placed on the students account until the balance is paid in full.
I can no longer afford my monthly installment
The best next step is to connect with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss available options. Please reach out at least 5 days before your monthly installment due date to help avoid returned payment or late fees.
What if I overpay or my student has a negative balance?
ACU will refund all overpayments or negative balances. Refunds are issued to the student unless the negative balance is created by a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, in which the parent receives the refund and indicates on the application their preferred refund method.
Students should set up an electronic refund account in the Wildcat Pay Portal. If an electronic refund account is not set up, a refund check will be mailed to the students permanent address.
Refunds begin processing during the second week of classes and continue weekly throughout the semester.
How do I make a payment out of my 529 account or Tuition Savings account?
The Wildcat Pay Portal is not set up to receive ACH payments from 529 or Tuition Savings accounts. ACU only accepts funds from 529 or Tuition Savings accounts by check.Checks must be made payable to Abilene Christian University. Please include the student name and ACU ID number in the memo. Mail checks or money order to the address below. ACU Mail Services recommends purchasing tracking on all mailed checks or money orders.
Abilene Christian University
ACU Box 27940
Abilene, TX 79699
What is financial settlement?
Financial Settlement is a required step in ACU’s enrollment process each semester for new and current students. Completing Financial Settlement simply means you’ve met the financial obligation for the semester. You can complete FInancial Settlement by paying the semester amount due in full, enrolling in a zero percent interest Wildcat Payment Plan or having an approved loan on the account to cover the semester balance. Students who fail to complete Financial Settlement are at risk of being dropped from their enrolled courses.
The Financial Settlement dates for 2026-2027 academic year:
Fall Semester: August 11
Spring Semester: January 6
What is FERPA? How is it different from an Authorized User?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, is a federal law designed to protect student information. Abilene Christian University cannot – except in certain limited situations – release personally identifiable information to any person other than the student without a completed FERPA. Essentially, a student can designate a FERPA User(s) on their account who will have access to their personal information. This differs from an Authorized User, the Authorized User only has access to financial information (account activity, statements, etc.). Students can add a FERPA User by reaching out to Wildcat Central by email wildcatcentral@acu.edu or stop by in person.
What are the costs for the 2026-2027 academic year?
Block Tuition & Student Activity Fee: $47,350
Average Cost for Housing and Food: $13,900*
Textbooks: $700
Total Direct Cost: $61,950
*Housing and Food rates vary by selection
Additional Estimated Expenses Include:
Loan Fees $70
Supplies $200
Miscellaneous $1,830
Transportation $1,500
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If I receive a scholarship or grant, will my need-based aid be impacted?
The federal government requires that scholarships and grants be included when determining your financial aid eligibility through the FAFSA. Because of this, any additional funding you receive from any source may require an adjustment to your federal or state aid. If an adjustment is needed, you will receive a revised financial aid offer.
Where do I send outside scholarship checks?
Outside scholarship checks must be mailed to ACU using the preferred mailing address below. Processing may take 4-6 weeks for the check to be received and applied to the students’ account. ACU Mail Services recommends purchasing tracking on all mailed checks or money orders.
Abilene Christian University
ACU Box 29007
ATTN: Bob Smith
Abilene, TX 79699
Are there scholarship applications that current enrolled students can apply for?
Each academic year ACU will open their Endowed Scholarship application for all students to complete. Current students should look out for an email each February, inviting them to apply for ACU Endowed Scholarships.
What about Study Abroad program scholarships?
If you are planning to enroll in an ACU Study Abroad program and are looking for scholarship opportunities, connect with ACU’s Study Abroad office first. Their team can help you apply for available scholarships and provide information about outside scholarship opportunities.
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Is it worth my time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
We recommend that all students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many factors are considered in calculating eligibility for need based aid. For priority consideration of scholarships and grants, we recommend completing the FAFSA each year by December 1.
What if our previous year’s income is greater than our current income?
First complete the FAFSA with the requested information, then contact your Financial Aid Counselor to discuss a Special Circumstance Appeal eligibility. These considerations are made at the family’s request and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What are the financial implications of enrolling in more than 36 credit hours in the academic year?
Block Tuition price is set for students to take up to 36 credit hours. If a student enrolls in greater than 36 credit hours they are subject to the “over block tuition rate” per credit hour above 36. Contact your Financial Aid Counselor for cost details and more information.
If I drop a class after the add/drop period, how will this impact my financial aid?
Dropping a course after the add/drop period will have financial implications. It is always best to consult with a financial aid representative before making a decision.
What loan options are available?
First complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan. You can find additional loan information and resources on ACU’s webpage: acu.edu/loans.
What are the financial implications of enrolling in less than full-time hours?
Students are charged per credit hour and scholarships are prorated per credit hour. For example, if you are in 6 hours, you will only receive 6 hours (50%) worth of your scholarships. Contact your Financial Aid Counselor for cost details and more information.
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