Abilene Christian University: A Popular Choice For Students

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas. Founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute, ACU has since grown to become one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest, with a total student population of over 6,000. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a wide range of majors for students to choose from. ACU's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual formation has made it a popular choice for students seeking a Christ-centered education.

Abilene Christian University's total student population

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas. It was founded in 1906 as the Childers Classical Institute and is affiliated with the Churches of Christ.

As of Fall 2024, ACU has a total student population of 6,730, marking the university's largest-ever student body and seven consecutive years of record enrollment. This number reflects an increase of 8% over the previous year, 27% over the past five years, and 48% over the past ten years.

The student body is comprised of 4,630 undergraduate students and 2,100 graduate students. ACU's ethnic diversity stands at 47%, with students from 52 states and territories, and 56 nations. The university's student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and it offers 88 baccalaureate majors and 175 areas of study.

ACU's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #296 in National Universities, and it has an annual block tuition and student activity fees of $44,200. The university provides a vibrant student experience, involving undergraduate students in real-world research, producing Fulbright scholars, and offering highly-regarded study abroad opportunities.

Undergraduate and graduate enrolment

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas. It was founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute and is affiliated with Churches of Christ.

ACU is one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest, offering a wide range of online and residential undergraduate and graduate programs.

In Fall 2023, ACU had a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,175. The university welcomed more than 6,000 students in Fall 2023, marking its sixth consecutive year of record enrolment. The total student population was 6,219, including 4,069 undergraduate students and 2,150 graduate students.

ACU set an all-time enrolment record in Fall 2024, with a total student population of 6,730, including 4,630 undergraduate students and 2,100 graduate students. This reflects an increase of 8% over the previous year and more than 27% over the past five years.

The university has seen growth in both online and residential enrolment. Among residential students, ACU achieved an 81% retention rate of first-year to second-year students, the highest in its history. Additionally, retention of Hispanic and Black students improved by 7% since 2019, surpassing the goals set out in the university's strategic plan.

Abilene and Dallas campus student numbers

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university located in Abilene, Texas, with a satellite campus in Addison, Texas, known as ACU Dallas. ACU was founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute and has since grown to become one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest.

As of Fall 2024, ACU has an all-time high enrolment of 6,730 students, marking seven consecutive years of record enrolment. This number includes 1,104 new freshmen, a mix of residential and online students, and a diverse group of students from Texas, the rest of the United States, and abroad.

Breaking down the student population further, the Abilene campus has 3,598 students, while the ACU Dallas campus in Addison has 3,132 students enrolled in online programs. This brings the total number of online students to over 50% of the student body.

Previously, in Fall 2023, ACU's total enrolment was 6,219, with 4,196 undergraduate and 2,023 graduate students. At that time, the Abilene campus had 3,535 students, and the ACU Dallas campus had 2,684.

ACU's student body is diverse, with representation from 52 states and territories and 56 nations. The university's ethnic diversity stands at 47%, with a notable improvement in the retention of Hispanic and Black students, surpassing the goals set out in ACU's strategic plan.

International student numbers

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university located in Abilene, Texas. The university has a large student population, with a total of 6,219 students as of 2023. This includes 4,069 undergraduate students and 2,150 graduate students.

In terms of international student numbers, ACU is home to a diverse group of learners from around the world. The university reports having approximately 156 international students on campus, with 113 of them being undergraduates. This data is from 2020, and the total number of international students has likely grown since then. For example, in 2023, ACU welcomed 39 international students as part of its freshman class.

The countries with the largest on-campus communities at ACU are China, Japan, and Nigeria. Other countries with notable representation include Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Jamaica, and Nepal. The international student population at ACU has been growing over the years, with an average growth rate of 3.6%. This growth is attributed to various countries, with Nepal being the largest contributor, followed by Mexico, Singapore, and India.

International students at ACU pursue a range of degree programs, with the most popular being Business Administration & Management, Accounting, and Marketing. Other popular choices include Design & Applied Arts, Basic Developmental & Remedial Education, Finance & Financial Management, and Computer Science.

The university's commitment to academic excellence and integration of faith and learning attract students from around the world. ACU's vibrant campus life, strong sense of community, and emphasis on athletics also contribute to its appeal. Additionally, ACU's focus on research, service learning, and community engagement provide international students with a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

Student enrolment trends

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas. Founded in 1906 as the Childers Classical Institute, it is one of the largest private institutions in the Southwest. ACU has experienced significant growth in student enrolment over the years, setting records for its total student population.

Abilene Christian University's total student population has shown a consistent upward trend in recent years, with the university welcoming more than 6,000 students in the fall of 2023. This marked the university's sixth consecutive year of record enrolment, with a total of 6,219 students. The enrolment numbers reflected a 4.6% increase over the previous year and a remarkable 19% increase over the past five years.

In 2024, ACU continued its impressive growth trajectory, setting an all-time enrolment record. The university enrolled more than 6,700 students, surpassing the previous year's record and marking seven consecutive years of record enrolment. The total student population for that year stood at 6,730, representing an 8% increase over the previous year and a substantial 27% increase over the past five years.

The growth in student enrolment at ACU can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the university's strong academic reputation and the quality of its academic programs. ACU offers a wide range of programs, including business, nursing, kinesiology, psychology, and engineering, among others. The university's commitment to providing a vibrant student experience, involving undergraduate students in real-world research, and offering highly regarded study abroad opportunities have also contributed to its enrolment trends.

Another factor in ACU's enrolment trends is its Christ-centered community and values. The university's focus on spiritual formation and Christian values attracts students seeking to connect their faith with their education. The ethnic diversity of the student body has also increased over the years, with an ethnic diversity percentage of 47% in 2024.

The enrolment numbers at ACU reflect the university's appeal to students from various regions. In 2023, the university welcomed 1,021 new freshmen from Texas, other states in the continental US, and across the world. Similarly, in 2024, the university enrolled 1,104 new freshmen with diverse backgrounds, including international students.

The growth in student enrolment has led to the expansion of ACU's campus and the addition of new residence halls. The university has also invested in new academic programs and facilities, such as the Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center, to accommodate the increasing demand and provide a world-class education to its growing student population.

In summary, Abilene Christian University has experienced a notable upward trend in student enrolment over the years, setting consecutive records and attracting students from diverse backgrounds. The university's academic excellence, vibrant student experience, and commitment to spiritual formation have contributed to its strong enrolment numbers.

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