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 & Worcester, MA
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and College of the Holy Cross, they're comparing fundamentally different educational paths. ACU offers broad access education in Texas, accepting all applicants and serving 60% Pell grant recipients.
Holy Cross provides highly selective liberal arts education in Massachusetts, accepting just 21% of applicants from a predominantly affluent student body. The data reveals a striking pattern: Holy Cross delivers higher raw earnings, but ACU demonstrates superior institutional effectiveness relative to its student demographics.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$39,032
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields alongside strong programs in nursing and kinesiology. Holy Cross has a different academic mix centered on social sciences (31% of graduates), with economics, political science, and psychology as the largest programs.
ACU's top programs include Sports and Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67). Holy Cross emphasizes Economics (112), Political Science (111), and Psychology (110).
These different program concentrations help explain the significant earnings gap between institutions.
For students seeking maximum earnings potential and who can handle selective admissions, Holy Cross delivers substantially higher career outcomes that justify the premium cost over time. ACU offers the better choice for students prioritizing affordability and institutional effectiveness — it transforms students from modest backgrounds into successful professionals at a fraction of the cost.
The data points to Holy Cross for families who can afford the investment and want maximum earning power, but ACU demonstrates remarkable value in serving students that other institutions might not admit. The right choice depends entirely on your family's financial capacity, academic preparation, and tolerance for educational investment risk.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor College Holy, 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.
