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 & Montgomery, AL
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Huntingdon College, they're comparing two business-focused institutions that serve similar student populations but deliver vastly different results. Both are private colleges with comparable program offerings, yet ACU consistently outperforms expectations while Huntingdon falls short.
The data reveals a clear story of institutional effectiveness — one school transforms student potential into career success, the other doesn't. This comparison illustrates why looking beyond marketing materials matters when choosing where to invest in your future.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$33,075
borrowed by parents
Both schools concentrate heavily on business programs, with ACU producing 27% of its graduates in business fields and Huntingdon at 35%. ACU's largest programs include Sports and Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67), alongside Business Administration (59).
Huntingdon focuses more narrowly: Business Administration leads with 58 graduates, followed by Sports and Kinesiology (55). ACU offers more program diversity with strong nursing and finance concentrations, while Huntingdon's smaller scale means fewer specialized options.
These program compositions shape career trajectories, but institutional effectiveness matters more than specific majors for long-term outcomes.
For students prioritizing institutional effectiveness and long-term career outcomes, ACU delivers superior value despite requiring financial stretching. ACU costs $8,687 less annually, graduates earn $6,135 more at the median, and the school demonstrates genuine ability to transform student potential into career success.
Huntingdon offers a smaller college experience in Montgomery versus Abilene, making it potentially attractive for students who prioritize that environment and can manage the financial risk. The data points decisively to ACU as the stronger choice — better outcomes at lower cost with proven institutional effectiveness.
Unless geographic preference for Alabama is paramount, ACU represents the wiser investment for your educational future.
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.
