Abilene Christian University vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX with Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sam Houston State University is larger than Abilene Christian University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 5,219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Abilene Christian University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Abilene Christian University 13:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

Abilene Christian University vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Abilene Christian University or SHSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Sam Houston State University than Abilene Christian University ($14,737 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sam Houston State University are 19.4% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($11,720 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 379% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $34,972 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.8% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Sam Houston State University (about $25,132 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $19,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Sam Houston State University (100% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 186.3% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($30,542 vs. $10,669).

Abilene Christian University vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Abilene Christian University or SHSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SHSU and Abilene Christian University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 140 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming Abilene Christian University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at SHSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 1070/1270; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 22/28; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Abilene Christian University - Test optional; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Abilene Christian University vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

Abilene Christian University vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Abilene Christian University and SHSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Abilene Christian University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Sam Houston State University's (50%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $3,825 lower median loan debt than Abilene Christian University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,325).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Abilene Christian University graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SHSU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.