Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Abilene Christian University vary significantly by field of study, with business and health programs generally delivering the strongest earnings outcomes. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, national and state rankings, and enrollment size rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 18 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, rankings, and student enrollment metrics.
#10 nationally
$91K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Abilene Christian University.
Business programs at Abilene Christian University stand out nationally, with Accounting Technology ranking #9 nationally and #1 in Texas while producing graduates earning $91,013. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #49 nationally with graduates earning $78,790.
These programs demonstrate exceptional value with high rankings and strong earnings outcomes. Business Administration shows more moderate performance at #249 nationally with $55,282 earnings.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing career outcomes and strong return on investment in applied business fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. |
Program rankings reflect actual graduate outcomes in the labor market rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Median earnings represent federal College Scorecard data for graduates 10 years after enrollment, based on cohorts large enough to ensure reliable reporting. Rankings compare programs nationally and within Texas against all institutions offering similar degrees. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess overall return on investment. Students should note that program outcomes can vary significantly within the same institution based on field of study, with business and health programs typically producing higher earnings than education or arts programs. These differences reflect labor market realities rather than program quality, and students should align program choice with career goals and earnings expectations.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #10 |
| $91,013★ |
| — |
| 50 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #50 | $78,790 | — | 71 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #250 | $55,282 | — | 59 |
| Digital Marketing. | #177 | $50,361 | — | 38 |
Health programs show solid performance with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduating 67 students annually with median earnings of $65,914, ranking #241 nationally. Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology serves fewer students (25 graduates) but achieves stronger national ranking at #39 with earnings of $56,699.
Both programs demonstrate career preparation effectiveness, though with different enrollment scales and outcome patterns. These programs suit students seeking healthcare careers with steady employment prospects and moderate-to-strong earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #243 | $65,914★ | — | 67 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #45 | $56,699 | — | 25 |
Biology serves 30 graduates annually with median earnings of $51,357, ranking #184 nationally and #12 in Texas. The program shows moderate performance metrics typical of undergraduate biology programs, with many graduates likely continuing to graduate or professional study.
Earnings outcomes may reflect early-career positions before advanced degree completion. This field suits students planning medical, research, or graduate school pathways rather than immediate workforce entry focused on earnings maximization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #181 | $51,357 | — | 30 |
Psychology ranks #93 nationally and #6 in Texas, graduating 45 students with median earnings of $48,543. The program shows solid state-level performance while maintaining moderate enrollment.
Forensic Social Work serves fewer students (25 graduates) but achieves stronger outcomes with $51,741 earnings and #50 national ranking. These programs typically prepare students for counseling, social services, or graduate study continuation.
Best suited for students interested in human services with understanding that earnings may be lower than business or health fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #43 | $51,741★ | — | 25 |
| Psychology, General. | #91 | $48,543 | — | 45 |
Advertising. leads communications with 38K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising.Small sample | #78 | $37,568 | — | 10 |
Commercial Photography serves 26 graduates with earnings of $20,824, representing one of the more challenging economic outcomes among the institution's programs. While ranked #110 nationally, the field demonstrates the creative arts earnings reality where financial outcomes often lag other disciplines significantly.
Students should carefully consider career prospects and earnings expectations when choosing this path, understanding that success in creative fields often depends on entrepreneurship and market factors beyond educational quality.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies.Small sample | — | $30,173★ | — | 7 |
| Commercial Photography. | #128 | $20,824 | — | 26 |
Adult and Continuing Education graduates 36 students annually with median earnings of $45,386, ranking #114 nationally and #1 in Texas. The program shows strong state-level positioning while serving moderate enrollment numbers.
Education careers typically offer stable employment with moderate earnings and opportunities for public service. This field is best suited for students prioritizing teaching impact and career stability over maximum earnings potential, with understanding of typical education sector compensation levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | #39 | $53,941★ | — | 14 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #116 | $45,386 | — | 36 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 32K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration.Small sample | #198 | $31,741 | — | 11 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. leads other & interdisciplinary with 56K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #27 | $55,898★ | — | 72 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.Small sample | — | $44,785 | — | 6 |
| Adult Development and Aging.Small sample | #41 | $43,979 | — | 18 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
