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 & Orangeburg, NY
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Dominican University New York, they're comparing two private institutions that serve fundamentally different purposes. ACU operates as a broad-access institution in Texas, welcoming nearly all applicants and serving 60% Pell grant recipients.
Dominican maintains more selective admission in New York's suburbs. Both produce working graduates, but the data reveals a striking difference in institutional effectiveness — ACU transforms student outcomes far beyond demographic predictions.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$25,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$23,900
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. Dominican emphasizes health sciences and social work, though specific percentages vary by year.
ACU's largest programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67), reflecting its comprehensive professional focus. Dominican's top programs center on Nursing (107 graduates) and Social Sciences (65), indicating its health and human services mission.
These program concentrations shape different career trajectories and regional job market connections.
For students seeking institutional effectiveness and affordability, ACU delivers exceptional value by serving challenging student populations and producing strong outcomes. The school costs $13,473/year less while generating earnings $18,627 beyond demographic predictions — a remarkable achievement for any institution.
Dominican offers higher raw earnings and serves the New York metropolitan job market, making it attractive for students prioritizing location and willing to pay premium prices. The data points to ACU as the stronger value proposition, but students drawn to healthcare careers or New York connections may find Dominican worth the investment.
Choose based on your career goals, family finances, and willingness to relocate for opportunity.
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.
