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 & Notre Dame, IN
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Saint Mary's College, they're comparing institutions with fundamentally different missions and student populations. ACU serves 60% Pell grant recipients in Texas, while Saint Mary's serves 24% Pell recipients in Indiana.
Yet ACU not only costs significantly less but also delivers earnings that substantially exceed expectations for its student demographics. The data reveals a clear case of institutional effectiveness versus premium pricing.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$27,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$48,565
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), Finance (71), and Nursing (67).
Saint Mary's has a more balanced health-focused mix, with Nursing as the top program (47 graduates), followed by Business Administration (44) and Psychology (32). Both schools offer nursing programs, but ACU's business concentration and Saint Mary's liberal arts breadth create different career pathway emphases.
For students prioritizing economic value and outcomes that exceed expectations, ACU delivers $18,627 in earnings beyond demographic predictions at $15,838/year less than Saint Mary's. Saint Mary's offers higher completion rates and may appeal to students seeking a traditional liberal arts college experience in Indiana, but the financial math is challenging.
The data points to ACU as demonstrating superior institutional effectiveness — transforming a more economically diverse student body into strong career outcomes while keeping costs manageable. If affordability matters and you're comfortable with ACU's completion risk, the value advantage is substantial.
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.
