Sam Houston State University vs Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online: which has better ROI?
Sam Houston State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $65,616 in 11.2 years versus 12.9 years at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, on median earnings of $54,211 vs $55,736 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Sam Houston State University | Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,404 | $23,698 |
| Total net cost | $65,616 | $94,792 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,211 | $55,736 |
| Median debt | $21,983 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 11.2 yrs | 12.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $51,404 | $52,728 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Sam Houston State University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?
Sam Houston State University, at $16,404 a year after aid versus $23,698 — a gap of $7,294 a year, or $29,176 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Sam Houston State University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates earn more?
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates report a median $55,736 ten years after entry, $1,525 more than the $54,211 at Sam Houston State 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, Sam Houston State University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?
Sam Houston State University: its completers carry a median $21,983 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, a difference of $2,267. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.