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 & Sylvania, OH
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Lourdes University, they're comparing institutions with fundamentally different effectiveness records. Both are private nonprofit schools, but ACU in Texas delivers outcomes that far exceed demographic predictions while costing significantly less.
Lourdes in Ohio struggles to meet expectations for its student population. The data reveals a clear institutional performance gap that goes beyond simple cost differences.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$31,810
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 annually), Finance (71), and Nursing (67).
Lourdes has a different mix, with nursing as its dominant program (67 graduates) followed by Business Administration (21) and Teacher Education (16). These program concentrations help explain career trajectories, though ACU's stronger institutional effectiveness shows across multiple fields.
For students prioritizing value and institutional effectiveness, ACU delivers superior outcomes at lower cost — a rare combination in higher education. ACU achieves higher earnings while serving twice the percentage of low-income students, demonstrating exceptional institutional effectiveness.
Lourdes offers smaller class sizes and an Ohio location, making it the better choice for students who prioritize those factors and can manage the higher debt burden. The data points to ACU as the stronger financial and educational value, but the right choice depends on your geographic preferences, program interests, and family circumstances.
If cost and outcomes matter most, ACU is the clear winner.
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.
