School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

Compare School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Abilene Christian University is larger than School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on total student enrollment (5,219 students vs. 3,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University than School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($28,760 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Abilene Christian University are 12.1% lower than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($14,540 vs. $16,550).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is 27.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Abilene Christian University (about $12,220 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.6% higher at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than at Abilene Christian University (about $12,220 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 52.3% larger than aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students ($30,542 vs. $20,050).

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 20 points higher than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150).
• Incoming Abilene Christian University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25; Abilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026; Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (3.51).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (77.5%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Abilene Christian University? 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).

• The graduation rate at School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the same as at Abilene Christian University (60% vs. 60%).
• Graduates from Abilene Christian University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have a $388 lower median loan debt than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates ($25,325 vs. $25,713).
• Among borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates ($261 vs. $265).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 62%)

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.