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 & New Concord, OH
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Muskingum University, they're comparing two private institutions that serve similar student populations but deliver vastly different outcomes. Both are small-to-medium Christian universities with broad access admission policies, yet ACU consistently outperforms expectations while Muskingum underperforms.
The data reveals a $21,491 gap in earnings beyond demographic predictions—one of the largest institutional effectiveness differences we track. This isn't just about different career paths; it's about institutional impact on student success.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$25,369
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$21,502
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. The largest programs include Sports and Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67).
Muskingum has a more health-focused profile, with nursing as the top program (29 graduates), followed by Business Administration (25) and History (20). Both schools offer similar program mixes with strong liberal arts foundations, making the earnings differences more striking since they're not explained by different career concentrations.
For students seeking institutional effectiveness, ACU delivers dramatically superior outcomes at a lower price point. The $21,491 gap in earnings beyond expectations represents genuine institutional value—ACU helps students achieve more than their demographics would predict.
Muskingum offers a smaller, intimate Ohio liberal arts experience that some families may prefer, but the financial data strongly favors ACU. The combination of lower cost, higher earnings, and superior institutional effectiveness makes ACU the clear winner for families prioritizing economic outcomes.
Unless geography or specific program offerings at Muskingum are decisive factors, ACU provides substantially better value for your educational investment.
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.
