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 & Raleigh, NC
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Saint Augustine's University, they're comparing two private institutions that serve similar student populations but deliver vastly different outcomes. Both schools focus on business programs and serve roughly 55-60% Pell grant recipients.
The critical difference lies in institutional effectiveness: ACU graduates earn $20,006 more annually and achieve results far beyond demographic predictions, while Saint Augustine's underperforms expectations. The question becomes whether location and institutional mission matter more than measurable outcomes.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$29,669
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$17,000
borrowed by parents
Both universities are business-focused, with ACU concentrating 27% of graduates in business fields and Saint Augustine's at 20%. ACU's largest programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67), reflecting diverse career preparation.
Saint Augustine's top programs center on Business Administration (20 graduates), Criminal Justice (19), and Sports/Kinesiology (16). While both emphasize practical career preparation, ACU's program breadth and larger scale provide more specialized pathways, particularly in high-earning fields like nursing and finance that help explain the earnings premium.
For students prioritizing measurable outcomes and institutional effectiveness, ACU delivers superior results across every metric that matters: lower costs, higher completion rates, and earnings that exceed demographic predictions by nearly $19,000. Saint Augustine's offers the advantage of location in Raleigh's larger metropolitan area and may appeal to students specifically drawn to its mission and community.
However, the data overwhelmingly favors ACU as the stronger financial choice. With ACU costing less upfront and producing graduates who earn 56% more, the value equation isn't close.
Individual program interests and geographic preferences matter, but for families focused on return on investment, ACU represents the clear winner.
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.
