Abilene Christian University: A Student Population Overview

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest. It was founded in 1906 and has a total student population of 6,219, including 4,069 undergraduate and 2,150 graduate students. The university's campus size is 272 acres and is located in Abilene, Texas. ACU offers a variety of academic programs, including 88 Baccalaureate majors and 77 master's and specialist degree programs. The university is known for its Christian values and innovative teaching, with a focus on experiential learning opportunities.

Undergraduate vs graduate student population

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest. It has a total student population of 6,219, with 4,069 undergraduate students and 2,150 graduate students. ACU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on Christian values and innovative teaching. The university is committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their future endeavours.

The undergraduate population at ACU is diverse and vibrant. With a total of 4,069 students, the university offers a variety of baccalaureate majors, areas of study, and student organizations to cater to different interests and talents. The undergraduate programs are designed to provide a solid academic foundation, with a blend of theoretical and practical learning. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges for National Universities is #296, reflecting the quality of its undergraduate education.

On the other hand, the graduate programs at ACU cater to 2,150 students. The university offers a range of master's and specialist degree programs, as well as doctoral degree programs. The graduate programs are designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in various fields, such as health, business, and education. ACU's graduate programs are recognised for their academic excellence, with the university receiving rankings and recognitions for its performance.

The student population at ACU is not only diverse in terms of academic programs but also in terms of demographics. The university welcomes students from 52 states and territories and 56 nations, fostering a global community on campus. The gender distribution at ACU is 34.42% male and 65.58% female, with a slightly higher proportion of female students. Additionally, the student body includes a mix of full-time and part-time students, with 3,458 full-time and 1,621 part-time enrollees.

The undergraduate and graduate populations at ACU complement each other, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The university's focus on Christian values, academic excellence, and experiential learning provides a unique educational experience for its students. With a blend of traditional classroom learning, chapel sessions, and extracurricular opportunities, ACU offers a holistic approach to higher education, empowering its students to succeed in their chosen paths.

Gender distribution

Abilene Christian University has a total enrollment of 5,079 students for the 2022-2023 academic year, with a gender distribution of 34.42% male (1,748 students) and 65.58% female (3,331 students). The gender distribution is heavily skewed towards women, with nearly twice as many female students as male.

The gender distribution varies between undergraduate and graduate programs. There are 1,224 male and 1,987 female students in undergraduate programs, while there are 524 male and 1,344 female students enrolled in graduate programs. In both cases, the population is majority female, but the disparity is more pronounced in graduate programs, where there are more than twice as many female students as male.

The gender distribution at Abilene Christian University is also reflected in the number of degrees awarded. In 2022, 430 degrees were awarded to men, while 772 were awarded to women. This is a ratio of 1:1.8, indicating that women are graduating at a higher rate than men.

The student body at Abilene Christian University is diverse, with students from 49 states and 46-56 nations. The university is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and requires students to attend daily chapel sessions and take several Bible courses before graduation.

Online learning

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private institution in the Southwest that offers online and residential undergraduate and graduate programs. ACU has a total student population of 6,219, with 4,069 undergraduate students and 2,150 graduate students.

ACU offers online bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as certificate programs, that provide students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere. The online programs are designed to be collaborative, engaging, and rigorous, with class conversations and interactions between peers and professors to advance students' skills and knowledge. ACU Online supports students in their success and guides them toward their career goals.

The online bachelor's degree programs combine Christian values, real-world skills, and career-boosting connections. Students become part of a vibrant, virtual, Christ-centered community. ACU offers a range of majors, including Business Management, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Criminal Justice, and Healthcare Administration, among others.

The online graduate degree programs are designed for busy working adults, allowing them to balance their work, life, and other commitments while pursuing their degrees. ACU offers a variety of master's and doctoral programs, such as Business Administration, Christian Ministry, Conflict Management and Resolution, and Education Specialist in Organizational Leadership.

ACU also offers online undergraduate and graduate certificate programs that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest while gaining valuable knowledge and skills in a short period. These programs can enhance career opportunities and provide an edge in a competitive market.

Self-Care Tips for Online Students

ACU provides resources and tips for online students to maintain their mental health and well-being. These include:

• Connect with yourself: Evaluate your stress levels, reflect on your goals, and identify areas of improvement.
• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and grace, especially during challenging times.
• Practice vocational formation: Stay present and mindful, connecting your passions, values, and sense of self with your education.
• Maintain work-life balance: Create boundaries between your schoolwork and daily routine to avoid burnout and make time for priorities outside of school.
• Indulge in brain breaks: Take breaks from the screen and find activities that help you unwind and restore your mental energy.

Student demographics

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest. It has a total student population of 6,219, with 4,069 undergraduate students and 2,150 graduate students. The university's student body is diverse, with individuals from 52 states and territories and 56 nations.

In terms of gender distribution, ACU has a higher percentage of female students, with approximately 3,331 women and 1,748 men. The university also has a significant number of international students, with individuals from 46 to 56 nations represented on campus.

When it comes to race and ethnicity, the student population at ACU is predominantly White, making up about 56% of the total student body. Other racial and ethnic groups include Hispanic or Latino (18.8% - 953 students), Black or African American (12.7% - 646 students), Two or More Races (3.76% - 195 students), Asian (1.87% - 95 students), and American Indian or Alaska Native (0.571% - 29 students). Additionally, there are 117 students who identify with other races or ethnicities.

The student body at ACU is diverse in terms of age as well. While the majority of students are under the age of 25 (around 68% or 3,596 students), there is also a significant number of students over the age of 25 (approximately 32% or 1,483 students). The university also has a small population of students under the age of 18 (80 students) and over the age of 65 (22 students).

In summary, the student demographics at Abilene Christian University reflect a diverse and inclusive community, with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives represented on campus.

Student life

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private institution founded in 1906. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,175 (fall 2023) and a total student population of 6,219. The campus size is 272 acres and is located in Abilene, Texas. ACU offers a vibrant and immersive student life with various opportunities for students to get involved and thrive. Here is an overview of the student life at ACU:

Campus Living

Campus living at ACU is deeply relational and convenient. Residential students join a supportive community that celebrates diversity and encourages spiritual growth. Residential amenities include quality dining options, access to health and wellness facilities, laundry services, communal social and study spaces, and flexible dorm arrangements.

Dining Services

ACU offers a variety of dining options to suit different schedules and preferences. In addition to the residential dining hall, The World Famous Bean, students can enjoy dining at Einstein Bros Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and other local and national hotspots.

Student Organizations

With over 100 student organizations, ACU provides abundant opportunities for students to apply their talents, develop leadership skills, and gain real-world experience. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities include intramural sports, Greek life, art, music, and business clubs, among others.

Recreation and Wellness

ACU boasts a world-class recreation and wellness centre with a lazy river, a bouldering wall, personal trainers, and outdoor adventure equipment. The university also offers fitness classes and intramural sports, encouraging students to discover and push their limits.

Spiritual Formation

Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, ACU requires students to attend daily chapel services and take several Bible courses before graduation. The university's chapel services and ministry opportunities connect students with God, each other, and the broader community in Abilene.

Academic Support

ACU provides comprehensive academic support to ensure students' success. In addition to access to brilliant librarians and faculty members, students can benefit from tutoring services, academic advising, and tools to track their progress toward graduation.

Campus Safety

The university prioritizes the safety and security of its students. The ACU Police Department serves the campus and surrounding areas 24/7, and an alert text messaging system keeps students updated on potential dangers, including weather alerts.

Study Abroad

ACU offers faculty-led study abroad semester programs, providing students with opportunities to engage with different cultures and gain global perspectives. Study abroad locations include Oxford, Montevideo, and Leipzig, among others.

Wildcat Central

Student Services and Academic Advising have united to form Wildcat Central, a one-stop shop for all student services. This includes undergraduate academic advising, financial aid counselling, billing inquiries, ID cards, meal plans, transcripts, and more.

In conclusion, student life at Abilene Christian University is vibrant and community-oriented, offering a well-rounded experience that nurtures academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development.

Frequently asked questions