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 & Richmond, IN
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Earlham College, they're comparing institutions with fundamentally different approaches to student success. ACU, located in Abilene, Texas, serves 60% Pell grant recipients with broad access admission.
Earlham, a selective liberal arts college in Richmond, Indiana, serves a more affluent population at 25% Pell recipients. Yet ACU graduates dramatically outperform earnings expectations while Earlham's fall short — all while costing significantly less.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$23,488
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$23,050
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. Top programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67).
Earlham emphasizes biological sciences, with Business Administration (40 graduates), Biology (19), and Biochemistry (17) leading the way. These different program concentrations help explain career trajectories, though they don't account for ACU's superior performance relative to student demographics.
For students prioritizing financial value and career outcomes, ACU delivers higher earnings at $11,800/year less cost — a rare combination of affordability and results. ACU's ability to serve predominantly low-income students while dramatically exceeding earnings expectations demonstrates exceptional institutional effectiveness.
Earlham offers a traditional liberal arts experience with higher graduation rates, making it the better choice for students who value that environment and can manage the premium without excessive borrowing. The data points decisively to ACU as the stronger financial value, particularly for first-generation and low-income students seeking upward mobility.
However, students drawn to Earlham's intimate liberal arts culture may find the premium justified for non-financial reasons.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor Abilene Christian, 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.
