Abilene Christian University

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Values-Based ACU Programs in Abilene and Online

Abilene Christian University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Online Christian Colleges for Future Missionaries.

Divided into eight schools with 94 percent job placement, Abilene Christian University awards 77 bachelor’s, 30 master’s, and three doctoral degrees at a 13:1 learner-faculty ratio. For example, the 128-credit Multimedia BS gives undergrads Adobe Creative Cloud access to develop aesthetic designs for 99 West and Morris & Mitchell projects. Chaired by Dr. Jim Carpenter, the Animal Science BS customizes 128-credit tracks for Biotechnology, Livestock Management, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Animal Business with Alpha Epsilon Sigma membership. Online on Moodle, the Global Service MA gives aspiring missionaries a 48-credit, 2.5-year curriculum of ATS-approved courses like Contemporary Cultures and study abroad trips from Leipzig to Laos. Since August 2014, the 69-credit Occupational Therapy MS has graduated cohorts of 25 for 100 percent NBCOT certification after two 12-week internships, such as Encompass Health. Other opportunities include the Computer Science BS, English BA, Interior Design BS, Sociology BS, Higher Education MEd, Conflict Management MA, and Organizational Leadership EdD.

About Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University originated in September 1906 when the Churches of Christ backed a West Texas school named after Colonel J.W. Childers for teaching Grades 7-12. Six years later, President Jesse P. Sewell enlarged its mission to two-year associate degrees as Abilene Christian College. In 1919, the first Bachelor of Arts was launched for senior collegiate status. On September 5, 1929, President Batsell Baxter cut the ribbon for its present 262-acre hilltop campus one mile northeast of downtown. By 1955, Abilene Christian had earned accreditation, surpassed 2,000 enrollment, and acquired Camp Barkeley for dorms. Chief Justice Jack Pope recommended the Abilene Christian University name be adopted in Spring 1976. Its Mesquite satellite was given independence in 1982 as Amberton University. In 2015, another Addison location was built for graduate programs like the Master of Divinity. Budgeting $706 million, Abilene Christian University now educates 5,149 Wildcats from 42 countries online and on-site with 80+ clubs like Bio Buds. The U.S. News & World Report named ACU the West’s 21st best university, 14th top undergrad school, 10th best value, and fourth most innovative college.

Abilene Christian University Accreditation Details

On July 6, 2011, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees voted to reaffirm the Level VI accreditation through 2021 at Abilene Christian University under the 11th president, Dr. Philip J. Schubert, who accepted its Alcatel-Lucent Analyst Choice Award. Located 969 miles east via Interstate 20 in Decatur, Georgia, this giant 11-state Gulf Coast accreditor is recognized by the U.S. Education Department to evaluate ACU’s curriculum. The Provost Office also lists these accreditations:

  •  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  •  American Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  •  Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  •  Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  •  Association of Theological Schools
  •  Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy
  •  Council on Social Work Education
  •  Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
  •  National Association of Schools of Music
  •  Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Communication
  •  Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  •  Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Abilene Christian University Application Requirements

Admission to Abilene Christian University is classified “moderately selective” by Peterson’s since only 5,217 of the 10,252 Fall 2017 applicants conquered the 51 percent acceptance rate. Freshmen must be graduating with a 15-unit, college-prep secondary curriculum or GED. Ranking in a class’s upper half for a minimum 2.0 GPA is expected. For Reading, first-year Wildcats need a 19 ACT, 470 SAT, or higher mark. Math scores must be at least 20 for the ACT and 500 for the SAT. Test-optional enrollment unlocks after finishing 24+ non-remedial credits at regionally accredited institutions. The Texas Common Course Numbering System is used to transfer up to 96 credits graded “C” or better only. Non-native English speakers skip ESL courses with an 80 TOEFL iBT, 6.0 IELTS, 52 CAE, or 51 PTE score. The Graduate Programs Division mandates accredited bachelor’s GPAs of 3.0 and greater, but requirements diverge. The Master of Athletic Training necessitates nine prerequisites like Physics and Nutrition. Teaching and Learning MEd cohorts must have no scores under 3 on a Dispositions Review. The Speech-Language Pathology MS demands a combined GRE mark over 287.

Abilene Christian University enforces freshmen deadlines of November 1st for Early Action, February 15th for Regular Decision, and May 1st for National Candidates. Undergrad transfers have until January 15th for Spring and August 24th for Fall entry. The Graduate Programs Division has several degree-specific dates though. For instance, the Doctor of Ministry has January 31st and the Master of Accountancy has August 10th deadlines yearly. Use the ApplyTexas portal to file the ACU Application online for $50 ($35 if before November). Mail official transcripts to 1600 Campus Court in Abilene, TX 79601. Use the 6001 SAT or 4050 ACT code for test submissions. Attach add-ons like the immunization form, transfer evaluation, two recommendations, personal essay, CPR certification, teaching license, and résumé. Contact (325) 674-2949 or info@admissions.acu.edu with questions.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2018-19, Abilene Christian University is billing full-time undergrads $17,400 per term or $34,800 each annual block. Living at the Taylor County campus’ dorms like Edwards Hall adds $5,320 for yearly housing. Standard meal plans for McGlothlin Center are $5,030 extra. ACU budgets $1,250 for texts and $3,342 for personal needs. Annual bachelor’s attendance equals $49,770 on-site and $39,392 at home. The Graduate Programs Division charges average tuition of $20,664 per year, but rates vary. New Testament MA students pay $656 per credit or $31,488 total. The Counseling Psychology MS tuition is $1,194 per credit or $71,640 overall. The Dietetic Internship Certificate has a flat-rate $4,875 fee.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Student Financial Services Office at Wildcat Central gets 97 percent of incoming students tuition aid averaging $18,599 for $17.98 million combined. University funds include the Royce L. Money Chancellor’s Award, John C. Stevens Award, A.B. Barret Award, Dean’s Award, Presidential Scholarship, Servant-Leader Scholarship, Bob & Kay Onstead Scholarship, Engineering & Physics Experiential Learning Award, Bible Major Tuition Discount, Missionary Dependent Scholarship, and Transfer Transition Grant. Online Organization Development MS cohorts meeting the 3.0 GPA minimum deduct $2,000. The National Hispanic Recognition Program gifts $6,000 for selected Latino/a freshmen based on PSAT scores. Wildcat Pay Plans offer monthly billing with zero interest for $50 fees. FAFSA applications coded 003537 check Federal Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, Stafford Loan, and Work-Study eligibility. Graduate assistantship positions, such as the AT&T Learning Studio for Communications MA students, are paid over $10/hour. Texans also claim the Tuition Equalization Grant, Armed Services Scholarship, Fifth Year Accounting Scholarship, and more.

Search through more than 100 nonprofit, evangelical degrees at the Abilene Christian University website.

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