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 & Laurinburg, NC
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and St. Andrews University, they're comparing two private Christian institutions with fundamentally different track records.
Both schools emphasize business programs and serve similar student populations. But the completion rates tell a stark story: ACU graduates 60% of students while St.
Andrews graduates just 27%. This isn't just about academic outcomes — it's about financial survival for families investing in higher education.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$25,250
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$24,764
borrowed by parents
Both institutions are business-focused, with ACU seeing 27% of graduates earn business degrees and St. Andrews at 30%.
ACU's largest programs include Sports/Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67), alongside Business Administration (59). St.
Andrews concentrates on Business Administration (31 graduates) and Teacher Education (21). ACU offers more program diversity with nursing and kinesiology strength, while St.
Andrews emphasizes education alongside business. These similar program mixes suggest the completion gap isn't driven by academic focus differences.
For students prioritizing degree completion and career outcomes, ACU delivers substantially better value despite being cheaper. The 33-percentage-point graduation rate gap makes this comparison straightforward — ACU students are more than twice as likely to finish their degrees and earn the projected salaries.
St. Andrews offers a smaller campus experience in North Carolina, making it the choice for students specifically drawn to that environment and confident they'll complete their studies.
The data overwhelmingly favors ACU as the safer investment, combining lower costs with dramatically higher completion rates and stronger earnings for graduates.
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.
