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 & Saint Paul, MN
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and University of St. Thomas, they're comparing schools with fundamentally different missions serving vastly different student populations.
ACU in Texas operates with broad access policies, serving 60% Pell grant recipients, while St. Thomas in Minnesota serves a more affluent student body with just 20% Pell students.
The earnings data reveals a striking pattern: ACU dramatically outperforms demographic predictions while St. Thomas falls short of expectations despite higher raw outcomes.
This comparison highlights institutional effectiveness versus baseline outcomes.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$23,250
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$24,467
borrowed by parents
Both schools emphasize business programs, but with different concentrations. ACU's program mix includes 27% Business graduates alongside significant Health and Sports/Kinesiology programs.
Top programs include Sports and Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67). St.
Thomas concentrates even more heavily on business at 40% of graduates, with substantial engineering programs (9%). Their largest programs include Business Administration (171 graduates), Finance (119), and Marketing (117).
This business-heavy focus at both institutions provides similar career preparation, though St. Thomas offers stronger engineering pathways.
For students prioritizing institutional effectiveness and affordability, ACU demonstrates stronger value through its ability to dramatically exceed earnings expectations for low-income students. St.
Thomas offers higher baseline earnings and better completion rates, making it the better choice for students who can afford the premium and value the Minnesota location plus stronger engineering programs. The data reveals ACU as the stronger institutional performer — transforming student outcomes beyond demographic predictions — while St.
Thomas provides solid but predictable outcomes for an affluent student body. If affordability matters and you believe in institutional value-add, ACU is the compelling choice.
If you can manage higher costs and want higher baseline earnings, St. Thomas delivers reliable outcomes.
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.
