Southwestern University vs Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online: which has better ROI?
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,792 in 12.9 years versus 13.7 years at Southwestern University, on median earnings of $55,736 vs $56,878 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southwestern University | Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,224 | $23,698 |
| Total net cost | $116,896 | $94,792 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,878 | $55,736 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 13.7 yrs | 12.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $53,464 | $52,728 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southwestern University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, at $23,698 a year after aid versus $29,224 — a gap of $5,526 a year, or $22,104 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southwestern University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online 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-Undergraduate Online. 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, Southwestern University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online: 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.