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 & Lexington, VA
When students choose between Abilene Christian University and Washington and Lee University, they're comparing two institutions that serve fundamentally different student populations and career trajectories. ACU, based in Texas, operates with broad access admission and serves 60% Pell grant recipients.
W&L, a highly selective Virginia liberal arts college, accepts just 17% of applicants and serves 11% Pell students. The earnings data reflects these different missions, with W&L graduates earning significantly more but ACU demonstrating strong outcomes for its demographic profile.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,250
federal loans
$19,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$26,542
borrowed by parents
$38,000
borrowed by parents
Both institutions are predominantly business-focused, with ACU awarding 27% of degrees in business fields and W&L at 27% as well. ACU's largest programs include Sports and Kinesiology (72 graduates), Finance (71), and Nursing (67), reflecting a mix of professional preparation and liberal arts.
W&L emphasizes Business Administration (95 graduates), Accounting (61), and Economics (56), alongside traditional liberal arts like Political Science and History. This program overlap makes the outcome differences particularly notable given similar academic concentrations.
For students seeking strong outcomes with broad access, ACU delivers $18,627 in earnings beyond demographic predictions while keeping costs manageable at $12,714/year. W&L offers substantially higher career earnings at $94,810 and excellent completion rates, making it the stronger choice for families who can afford the investment and students who gain admission to this highly selective institution.
The data points to W&L as delivering superior career outcomes, but ACU demonstrates impressive value for students from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds. The right choice depends entirely on your family's financial capacity, academic preparation, and whether you value broad access or highly selective environments.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor Washington And Lee, 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.
