Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Abilene, TX & Decatur, GA
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Agnes Scott College, they're comparing two private colleges that produce remarkably similar career outcomes through fundamentally different approaches. ACU costs $12,714/year and serves predominantly working-class students in Texas.
Agnes Scott costs $24,224/year and serves a more affluent population in Georgia. The data reveals that ACU consistently beats earnings expectations for its student demographics, while Agnes Scott performs below predictions despite its selectivity advantage.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$26,749
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$28,820
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. Agnes Scott concentrates on biological sciences, with psychology, public health, and biology leading program enrollment.
ACU's largest programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67) — career-focused fields that drive employment outcomes. Agnes Scott's top programs include Psychology (25), Public Health (18), and Biology (17), reflecting its liberal arts mission and pre-professional preparation.
For students prioritizing financial value and institutional effectiveness, ACU delivers comparable career outcomes at $11,510/year less while demonstrating superior performance relative to student demographics. Agnes Scott offers higher graduation rates and a traditional liberal arts environment, making it the better choice for students who value that experience and can manage the higher cost.
The data points to ACU as the stronger financial value — it serves more challenging student populations yet achieves the same earnings outcomes at significantly lower cost. However, the right choice depends on your academic interests, geographic preferences, and family financial circumstances.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
