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 & Pittsburgh, PA
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Carlow University, they're comparing two private nonprofit institutions with fundamentally different value propositions. Both schools serve similar student populations with broad access admission policies, but ACU in Texas dramatically outperforms earnings expectations while Carlow in Pennsylvania falls short — despite costing $8,108 more per year.
The data reveals a clear institutional effectiveness gap that should inform your decision.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$25,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$19,684
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. The largest programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67), reflecting a practical career orientation.
Carlow takes a different approach, concentrating heavily on health sciences with Nursing as its flagship program (124 graduates annually), followed by Biology (35) and Psychology (28). These program differences help explain the earnings trajectories, with ACU's business emphasis translating to stronger career outcomes.
For students prioritizing measurable outcomes and financial value, ACU delivers superior results at a lower cost. The $8,108 annual savings combined with $18,627 in earnings beyond expectations creates a compelling value proposition.
Carlow offers specialized health science programs and a Pennsylvania location, making it the better choice for students specifically drawn to nursing or allied health careers in the Northeast. However, the data points to ACU as the stronger institutional choice — it costs less, delivers higher earnings, and demonstrates exceptional effectiveness in transforming student outcomes.
Unless geography or specific health programs drive your decision, ACU offers better value.
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.
