Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online — Online Programs, Tuition & Accreditation
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online
All programs offered completely via distance education
16633 Dallas Parkway, Suite 800, Addison, Texas 75001
Phone: (855) 219-7300
Website: www.acu.edu/academics/online/undergraduate
Quick Facts
| Type | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) — accreditation is held by the parent institution, Abilene Christian University, and covers this online campus |
| Total Enrolment | 1,224 (all undergraduate) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 25 to 1 |
| Online Programs | Undergraduate — 100% of students enrolled exclusively in distance education |
| Awards Offered | Bachelor's degree |
| Religious Affiliation | Churches of Christ |
| Federal Financial Aid | Yes — eligible for Pell Grants and Direct Loans |
| Military/Veteran Friendly | Yes — Yellow Ribbon Program participant, credit for military training, dedicated veteran support services |
| Credit Accepted | Advanced Placement (AP) credits |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (Fall 2024) |
| Cohort Default Rate | 0.0% (2021) — indicates strong student loan repayment outcomes |
Tuition & Fees (2024–2025)
| Tuition & Fees | $14,520 per year |
| Books & Supplies (estimated) | $1,250 per year |
| Total Estimated Cost (off campus) | $30,670 per year |
| Total Estimated Cost (living with family) | $19,042 per year |
As a private institution, ACU Online charges the same tuition rate regardless of state residency. Tuition has remained unchanged since 2021–2022. Figures are sourced from NCES College Navigator — verify directly with the institution before making financial decisions.
Financial Aid Snapshot (2023–2024)
| Students Receiving Any Financial Aid | 100% of full-time beginning students |
| Students Receiving Grants/Scholarships | 86% — average award $6,611 |
| Students Receiving Pell Grants | 71% — average award $7,159 |
| Students Receiving Institutional Aid | 50% — average award $837 |
| Students Taking Federal Loans | 67% — average loan $7,076 |
| Average Net Price (2023–2024) | $23,684 |
Average Net Price by Family Income (2023–2024)
| $0 – $30,000 | $24,283 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $22,852 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $21,723 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $26,586 |
Net price is calculated by subtracting grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. These figures represent what students actually paid on average after aid was applied.
Retention Rate
| Full-Time Student Retention | 48% (students who began Fall 2023 and returned Fall 2024) |
| Part-Time Student Retention | 30% |
| Graduation Rate | Not yet available — this online campus was not in operation in 2018–2019, so the standard six-year graduation rate has not yet been measured by NCES |
Retention and graduation figures should be interpreted with caution for online programmes. Online students are more likely to be working adults studying part-time, whose completion timelines and patterns differ significantly from traditional students.
Admissions
| Acceptance Rate | 100% — open admissions (Fall 2024: 182 applicants, all admitted) |
| Test Scores (SAT/ACT) | Not considered (test blind) |
| Secondary School Record | Not required, but considered |
| GPA / Class Rank / Essays / Recommendations | Not considered |
| English Proficiency Test | Not required, but considered (test optional) |
ACU Online has a very accessible admissions process with no standardised test requirements and 100% acceptance. International students may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Student Demographics (Fall 2024)
| Attendance | 77% full-time, 23% part-time |
| Gender | 83% female, 17% male |
| Age | 69% aged 25 and over, 31% aged 24 and under |
| Residency | 86% in-state (Texas), 10% out-of-state, 3% unknown |
Online Programs Offered (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business, Management & Marketing
- Business Administration and Management, General
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General
- Organizational Leadership
Communication & Media
- Communication, General
Computer & Information Sciences
- Information Technology
Family & Human Sciences
- Human Development and Family Studies, General
Health Professions
- Health/Health Care Administration and Management
- Registered Nursing (RN)
- Speech-Language Pathology
Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies
Kinesiology & Fitness
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
Psychology
- Psychology, General
Theology
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Visual & Performing Arts
- Digital Arts
All programmes listed above are offered entirely via distance education. Programme availability may change — verify current offerings directly with ACU Online.
Student Services Available to Online Students
- Academic and career counselling
- Placement services for graduates
- Disability services — learn more
- Dedicated support for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Military & Veteran Support
| Yellow Ribbon Program | Yes — participant in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program |
| Military Credit | Credit awarded for military training |
| Veteran Support | Dedicated point of contact for veterans, servicemembers, and families |
| GI Bill Recipients (2023–2024) | 93 students — average benefit $7,331 |
| DoD Tuition Assistance Recipients | 18 students — average benefit $1,949 |
| Veteran Tuition Policies | View veteran scholarships and tuition policies |
Important Links
| Admissions | www.acu.edu/admissions-aid/online |
| Apply Online | abilenechristianuniversity.force.com |
| Financial Aid | www.acu.edu/admissions-aid/online/financial-aid |
| Net Price Calculator | www.highered.texas.gov/apps/NPC/?Fice=003537 |
| Disability Services | www.acu.edu/about/uap/overview-2 |
| Mission Statement | www.acu.edu/about/our-mission |
About Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online is the fully online undergraduate division of Abilene Christian University, a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Based administratively in Addison, Texas (near Dallas), it offers bachelor's degrees entirely via distance education across a range of fields including business, healthcare, IT, psychology, and criminal justice. The programme has open admissions with a 100% acceptance rate and no standardised test requirements, making it accessible to working adults and non-traditional students. With 69% of students aged 25 and over, it primarily serves an adult learner population. All students are eligible for federal financial aid, and the university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans.
Community Discussion
Have you attended Abilene Christian University Online or are you considering it? Share your experience or ask questions in our Course & Program Reviews forum.
Information on this page is sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator database and the institution's official website. Data reflects the most recently available reporting year. Details may have changed — always verify directly with Abilene Christian University before making enrolment or financial decisions. Last updated: April 2026.