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 Shaw University, they're weighing completion risk against upfront cost. Both are private nonprofit institutions serving similar student populations, but the outcomes diverge dramatically.
ACU graduates 60% of students while Shaw graduates just 20%. This completion gap overshadows the modest price difference and shapes everything else about the comparison.
The question becomes: what good is a lower sticker price if most students don't finish?
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$32,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$17,479
borrowed by parents
ACU is predominantly business-focused, with 27% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. Shaw has a more specialized focus in Parks & Recreation programs, though business remains significant at 16% of graduates.
ACU's largest programs include Sports & Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67). Shaw's top programs include Business Administration (24) and Social Work (20).
The program concentrations reflect different institutional missions, with ACU offering broader professional preparation across business, health, and education fields.
For students prioritizing degree completion and career outcomes, ACU delivers dramatically superior value despite costing slightly more. The 40-percentage-point completion gap fundamentally changes the value equation — Shaw's lower price means nothing if you're among the 80% who don't graduate.
ACU graduates earn $21,327 more at the median and show strong institutional effectiveness in achieving outcomes beyond demographic predictions. Shaw may appeal to students seeking the lowest possible upfront cost, but the completion risk makes it a poor financial choice for most students.
The data strongly favors ACU for students serious about completing their degree and building career prospects.
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.
