Built for Belonging: A Parent’s Guide to ACU’s Resources

At Abilene Christian University, we surround students with support so they can become who they’re called to be. And we want you, as their parent, to feel confident guiding your student through this milestone decision. On this page, you’ll learn about our rigorous academic programs, deep faith foundation, robust campus safety and affordable financial pathways. Use our interactive table of contents below to skip directly to the specific topics that matter most to your family.

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Family portrait with a new graduate just after Commencement.

Who Is ACU?

At Abilene Christian University, we cultivate courageous world-shapers. We deliver an exceptional Christian education without compromise, meaning we balance top-tier academic rigor with deep spiritual development. Your freshman will join a close-knit community where faculty mentors know them by name and invest in their personal character.

Spiritual growth is woven into the weekly rhythms of our residential campus. Chapel is a historic tradition where our community pauses to worship, pray and learn together. We encourage you to explore our history and traditions to see how our campus environment will help your student grow spiritually and intellectually.

Explore our History and Traditions

ACU by the Numbers

92%

of graduates employed or accepted into graduate school within 6 months

87%

of research is done by undergraduate students

Research at ACU

92%

of students participate in student organizations

Discover More at ACU

Prepared for a Successful and Meaningful Career

We are deeply committed to ensuring that your investment yields strong, measurable career outcomes. Our graduates enter the workforce with the career competencies needed to lead a beautiful life of service and leadership. ACU alumni are highly sought after by top corporate employers, medical centers and elite graduate schools across the nation. We track our graduate outcomes closely so that your family can feel confident in the long-term value of an ACU degree.

ACU Alumni

Spirited Student Life and Campus Traditions

College life is shaped by the memories formed outside of the classroom. At ACU, your student will step into a highly supportive residential community that prioritizes participation. From competitive sports and student government to historic traditions like Sing Song, your freshman will quickly find a place where they truly belong. These shared experiences build what we call relational anchors: lifelong friendships and mentorships that support your student.

Student Clubs and Groups

Campus Safety and Wellness

Your student's safety, physical health and emotional well-being are our highest institutional priorities. Our professional university police department protects the campus 24/7, providing services like motorist assistance and night-time safety escorts. Additionally, our on-campus Medical and Counseling Care Center ensures that your freshman has access to professional healthcare and mental wellness support right when they need it. Wherever they are on campus, your student will be surrounded by care.

ACU Police Department
A professor lectures students in a College of Business Administration classroom.

Explore More

No matter your student's interest, we have a path where they'll thrive. They'll explore big ideas, practice in-demand skills and develop mentoring relationships that will launch them into the workforce. Plus, your high schooler can start earning credit now with our dual credit and early college experiences.

Academics at ACU
Students work on a project together in ACU's library.

Discover Academic Programs

We offer more than 180 areas of undergraduate study, ensuring your student can find a path where they’ll thrive. From highly competitive programs in nursing and business to innovative research in the sciences, our curriculum prepares students to confidently step into high-demand industries. Our 14:1 faculty-student ratio means your freshman will work directly alongside expert, Christ-like scholars rather than being lost in a massive lecture hall. You can view our undergraduate residential degree programs to search through majors, view course requirements and find the perfect fit for your student.

Undergraduate Residential Degree Programs

Start Early with Dual Credit Enrollment

If you have a driven high school student who is eager to kickstart their college education, we provide an elite pathway to earn early credits. Dual enrollment, offered through the Rising Scholars program, allows high school students to take university courses online, helping them build academic confidence. This program offers academic rigor while letting your family save money on future undergraduate tuition. Explore available courses and apply to ACU’s dual credit enrollment program to see how your student can get a head start.

Apply to Dual Credit Enrollment
A Rising Scholars group shows their WC hand signs at the Abilene Zoo.

Engage in a Summer Experience with Rising Scholars

Current sophomores and juniors can join standout faculty and other exceptional students for a week of learning and growing in community. With opportunities abroad and on ACU’s campus, your student can choose the program that suits their interests. Students who complete a Rising Scholars summer session will receive a $1,000 scholarship, applied upon full-time enrollment at ACU. Explore the Rising Scholars offerings to see what sparks your student’s curiosity.

Rising Scholars Offerings

Schedule Your Visit

Tour guide shows prospective students around ACU's campus.

Schedule Your Personal Campus Visit

The best way to know if ACU is right for you is to visit. Your family can take a tour, meet students and faculty and experience campus traditions. We would love to show you around and answer your questions. Plus, when your student visits by April 15 of their senior year, they’ll earn an $8,000 scholarship. Book your campus visit today to pick a date that works for you.

Book Your Campus Visit
A drone's view of Jacob's Dream sculpture and garden.

Explore Campus with an Interactive Virtual Tour

You don’t have to travel to see our beautiful campus. Our immersive virtual tour allows your family to explore our freshman residence halls, advanced learning labs and vibrant community spaces from any device. You’ll get an authentic feel for the day-to-day environment where your student will live and learn. We invite you to take our virtual tour to begin mapping out your student’s future home today.

Visit us Virtually
Aerial view of downtown Abilene highlighting the Grace Museum.

All About Abilene

Abilene is a fast-growing city of around 130,000 people, located 150 miles west of Ft. Worth. It offers the perfect combination of small-town community and big-city amenities. With a thriving downtown filled with local businesses, great dining and weekend festivals, Abilene will immediately feel like home. And its central location and convenient local airport mean that visits are easy. Find out more about all Abilene has to offer.

About Abilene

Financial Aid

We firmly believe that a world-class, faith-based education should remain affordable and accessible. All ACU applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and 100% of our admitted students receive financial aid. We prioritize total transparency, ensuring you understand your bill without hidden fees or surprise expenses down the road.

Explore Financial Aid

Take the Next Step

Our dedicated admissions team is here to make the application process transparent and easy. From your first questions to move-in day, your admissions counselor will walk with your family to help you feel confident in your choice.

Start the Application Process

If your student is ready to become a Wildcat, now is the best time to apply. Students can apply starting Aug. 1 of their senior year. The process is simple and easy to follow. We tell your student exactly what they need to send us (high school transcripts, for example). Encourage your student to move closer to their college goals by starting an undergraduate application whenever they’re ready.

Start an Undergraduate Application

Connect With Us

Navigating college admissions can feel overwhelming, but your family does not have to walk through this alone. When you request information, your family is connected to our dedicated admissions team. They will answer your questions about program selections, tuition details, scholarship opportunities and residential life.

Contact the Admissions Team

Contact Your Personal Admissions Counselor

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Every student has a dedicated counselor to help with questions about applications or financial aid. Your student’s counselor is there to support your family from start to finish.

Admissions Process Timeline

  1. Aug. 1 Application Opens

    (Free Until Sept. 1)

  2. Sept. 1 Application Fee Increases to $50

  3. Sept. 15 Notification of Admissions Begins

  4. Oct. 15 Priority Scholarship Awards Released

  5. Nov. 1 Early Non-Binding Application Deadline

  6. Dec. 1 Early Scholarship Deadline and begin filing FAFSA

  7. Jan. 15 FAFSA Priority Deadline

  8. Feb. 1 Regular Application Deadline

  9. March 1 Regular Scholarship Deadline, New Student Orientation Opens

  10. April 1 Late Application Deadline

  11. May 1 National Decision Day

Follow Along

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission is based on a holistic review of the student’s academic achievement and potential for success. We consider a student’s application, high school transcript and ACT, SAT or CLT test scores when making admissions decisions.

Yes. ACT, SAT or CLT scores are optional for admission. Students who apply test-optional will still be considered for merit-based scholarships, but they may not be eligible for our highest academic awards or for the Honors College.

ACU’s unique annual block tuition model means your student can take up to 36 credit hours per year for one price, including general fees. For 2026-27, the annual block tuition cost is $47,350.

We are committed to ensuring college is affordable and accessible. Our average yearly financial aid package for students is $29,200, and 100% of students receive financial aid. You can use our financial aid tools to estimate the cost of attendance for your student.

ACU offers more than 180 areas of study across a wide range of academic disciplines. Whether your student is interested in business, healthcare, engineering, education, the arts or the sciences, they’ll find programs designed to prepare them for their future career.

Families Trust ACU

“My parents always told me and my siblings that education would take us far. It wasn’t until I enrolled at ACU that I truly understood their words.”
Ana L.
Nursing
Class of 2027

  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Undergraduate Teaching in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Most Innovative in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Service Learning in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for First-Year Experiences in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Learning Communities in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
  • Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Engineering Programs in 2027 from U.S. News and World Report.
View Rankings and Recognition