Abilene Christian University vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

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

Tarleton State University is larger than Abilene Christian University based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 5,219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Abilene Christian University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Tarleton State University is in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Abilene Christian University 13:1; Tarleton State University 20:1.

Abilene Christian University vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Abilene Christian University or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University than Abilene Christian University ($16,159 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tarleton State University are 24.9% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($10,920 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 432.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $35,898 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143.6% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Tarleton State University (about $26,058 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Tarleton State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 285.2% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($30,542 vs. $7,929).

Abilene Christian University vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Abilene Christian University or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton and Abilene Christian University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 100 points higher than at Tarleton (1070).
• Incoming Abilene Christian University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Tarleton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 1070/1270; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 22/28; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Abilene Christian University - Test optional; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027; Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• Tarleton has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Abilene Christian University vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

Abilene Christian University vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Abilene Christian University and Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Abilene Christian University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Tarleton graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $5,575 lower median loan debt than Abilene Christian University graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,325).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Abilene Christian University graduates ($204 vs. $261).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tarleton students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 56%)

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.