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 & Milwaukee, WI
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Mount Mary University, they're comparing two private institutions that serve similar populations but deliver remarkably different results. Both schools practice broad access admission and serve around 60% Pell grant recipients.
Yet ACU graduates typically earn $6,991 more while paying $5,581 less per year. The gap isn't just in raw outcomes — it's in institutional effectiveness at transforming student potential into career success.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$25,288
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$18,000
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. Mount Mary concentrates on health and rehabilitation programs, though specific percentage data varies by year.
ACU's largest programs include Sports and Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67). Mount Mary's top programs center on Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (26 graduates), Psychology (19), and Design and Applied Arts (17).
These different concentrations help explain the earnings trajectories at each institution.
For students prioritizing both affordability and career outcomes, ACU delivers superior value — costing less while producing graduates who earn more and exceed demographic predictions by a wider margin. Mount Mary offers specialized programs in health and rehabilitation fields, making it the better choice for students specifically drawn to those career paths who value a small college environment.
The data points to ACU as demonstrating stronger institutional effectiveness at developing student potential. However, the right choice depends on your program interests, geographic preferences, and family circumstances.
If you're comparing similar private institutions with broad access missions, ACU's combination of lower cost and stronger outcomes is compelling.
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.
