Abilene Christian University vs Southwestern University: which has better ROI?
Southwestern University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $116,896 in 13.7 years versus 14.2 years at Abilene Christian University, on median earnings of $56,878 vs $55,736 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Abilene Christian University | Southwestern University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $26,182 | $29,224 |
| Total net cost | $104,728 | $116,896 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,736 | $56,878 |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 14.2 yrs | 13.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $42,792 | $53,464 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Abilene Christian University or Southwestern University?
Abilene Christian University, at $26,182 a year after aid versus $29,224 — a gap of $3,042 a year, or $12,168 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Abilene Christian University or Southwestern University graduates earn more?
Southwestern University graduates report a median $56,878 ten years after entry, $1,142 more than the $55,736 at Abilene Christian University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Abilene Christian University or Southwestern University?
Abilene Christian University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Southwestern University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at Southwestern University, against 59% at Abilene Christian University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.