Abilene Christian University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Texas state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~66%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1000–1230 (EBRW 510–630 • Math 490–600)
- Average HS GPA: ~3.55
Source: Admissions profiles from national publishers (2024–2025). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
ACU at a Glance
Last verified: October 12, 2025
ACU is a private Christian university where strong academics and involvement can meaningfully reduce the sticker price. Most admits receive renewable automatic merit ($10k–$22k/yr), while standout leaders can add the Presidential Scholarship ($5k/yr). The marquee value: National Merit Finalists & Semi-Finalists get full tuition (plus a $1,500 annual stipend) when coordinated with other aid.
Use this guide to time your applications (many priority dates fall around December 1), understand stacking rules, and see where Honors and departmental options can nudge you toward ACU-level pricing that competes with public alternatives.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. ACU is test-optional and superscores; however, certain awards (e.g., Presidential) require an official test score.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 19–27; SAT 1000–1230 (EBRW 510–630 • Math 490–600). These are typical ranges for enrolled freshmen.
What’s the average net price? About $27,401 after aid (federal data). Net price varies by income; use ACU’s net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does ACU offer full tuition or full ride? Yes — full tuition for National Merit Finalists & Semi-Finalists (automatic with aid coordination) plus a $1,500/yr stipend. ACU does not advertise a general full-ride for all admits.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Abilene Christian University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (annual block up to 36 credits) | $45,800 | $45,800 |
| Housing & Meals (standard on-campus) | $13,600 | $13,600 |
| Total (before aid) | $59,400 | $59,400 |
• Award: up to $4,270 per year (base), or up to $6,405 for “exceptional need.”
• How it works: need-based state aid, determined via FAFSA and ACU’s financial aid office.
• Example: A student with need could see their $63,500 COA reduced by $4,270 just from this grant, before ACU scholarships.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant?
Texas residents enrolled at least ¾ time at a private nonprofit college, with financial need. Students on athletic scholarships or in ministry-leading programs don’t qualify.
How much does it really save?
Between $4,270 and $6,405 per year, depending on financial need. That’s money off the bill before ACU adds its own scholarships.
Do families need to apply separately?
No. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and ACU’s financial aid process—there’s no separate form beyond the FAFSA.
https://acu.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?222179-Abilene-Christian-University=
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/tuition-equalization-grant-fy-2026-program-guidelines/
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/correspondence/departmental-correspondence/tuition-equalization-grant-fy-2026-and-fy-2027-maximum-award-amounts-memo/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
ACU awards generous, renewable merit scholarships based on admitted students’ GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. No separate application is required; all admitted freshmen are automatically considered for these awards based on admissions credentials. Test-optional applicants are eligible for most scholarships except the Presidential and National Merit packages, which require official scores.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royce L. Money Chancellor’s Award | $22,000 | Top GPA, test scores, and class rank | No | Yes (3.0 GPA needed) | Students with ~31+ ACT / 1390+ SAT and GPA 3.8+ (based on ACU published bands) | Dec. 1 priority; Mar. 1 regular |
| John C. Stevens Award | $20,000 | Strong GPA and test scores | No | Yes (3.0 GPA needed) | ~29–30 ACT / 1330–1380 SAT, GPA 3.7+ (estimates from published data) | Dec. 1; Mar. 1 |
| A.B. Barret Award | $19,500 | Solid academics | No | Yes (2.5 GPA) | ~25–28 ACT / 1200–1320 SAT, GPA 3.4–3.6 | Dec. 1; Mar. 1 |
| Dean’s Award | $17,000 | Good academics | No | Yes (2.5 GPA) | Admits with ~3.2–3.5 GPA, mid-20s ACT | Dec. 1; Mar. 1 |
| University Award | $10,000 | All admissible applicants | No | Yes (2.5 GPA) | Students with consistent grades/tests who meet admission standards | Dec. 1; Mar. 1 |
GPA/test bands shown are based on ACU’s published criteria and recent award patterns—cutoffs may vary each year. ACU superscores ACT, SAT, and CLT for awarding scholarships. Test-optional merit is available, but the highest awards require official test scores.
National Merit: Finalists/Semifinalists get full tuition (after grants) and a $1,500 annual stipend; Commended Scholars receive $2,000/year. No extra application—just notify ACU and submit the FAFSA.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate application?
No, all admitted students are automatically considered.
Does ACU superscore ACT/SAT/CLT?
Yes, superscoring is confirmed for all tests and considered for both admission and scholarships.
Can these stack with other awards?
Yes, but institutional funding cannot exceed full tuition. Need-based, state, and external awards may stack up to cost-of-attendance.
What deadlines matter?
December 1 is the priority date; March 1 is regular. Apply early for full consideration.
ACU First-Year Scholarships – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/
ACU Incoming Freshman – https://acu.edu/admissions/
ACU National Merit Scholarships – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/national-merit/
ACU Merit Awards Summary – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/first-year/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These are selective awards with extra steps or limited slots on top of ACU’s automatic merit. National Merit awards are especially strong. Aim for the Dec 1 priority date when possible; some options remain open to Mar 1.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Merit Finalist & Semifinalist Package | Full tuition (after grants) + $1,500/yr stipend; up to 4 years | Official NMF/NSMF designation; enroll full-time and submit documentation; FAFSA recommended; stacks with ACU merit up to full tuition (housing/meal not covered) | No separate app—provide documents to ACU counselor | Yes (maintain full-time and good standing) | Finalists and Semifinalists who submit documentation and meet aid steps | Dec. 1 priority; Mar. 1 regular |
| National Merit Commended Scholar Award | $2,000/yr; up to 4 years | Commended status; submit certificate; stackable with ACU merit up to tuition | No separate app—provide documents by deadline | Yes (good standing/full-time) | Commended scholars enrolling full-time; maintain GPA | Dec. 1; Mar. 1 |
| Presidential Scholarship | $5,000/yr; up to 4 years | Holistic review (academics, leadership, service, faith engagement); test score required | No separate app—reviewed in admissions file | Yes (must maintain standards & full-time) | Applicants with GPA above ~3.8, strong test scores, and leadership/service | Dec. 1 priority; Mar. 1 regular |
Stacking rules: Competitive awards generally coordinate with automatic merit and grants up to tuition. Room/board not covered unless specifically stated in award documents.
Note: For more info on National Merit, see ACU’s official guidance or financial aid page.
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
How do National Merit packages work at ACU?
Finalists/Semifinalists receive guaranteed full tuition (after grants) plus stipend; Commended scholars get $2,000 per year. Submit your certificate and the FAFSA promptly.
Does the Presidential Scholarship require test scores?
Yes; a qualifying ACT/SAT/CLT score is needed, and ACU superscores all exams.
Can these awards stack with ACU merit?
In most cases, yes—ACU coordinates all institutional, competitive, and grant aid up to tuition costs.
What deadlines matter?
Dec. 1 is priority for all competitive scholarships; Mar. 1 is the final regular review.
ACU Scholarships Index – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/
ACU National Merit – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/national-merit/
ACU Scholarships FAQ – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/first-year/
ACU Presidential Scholarship – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/first-year/
🎖️ Honors College
ACU’s Honors College offers a smaller community inside the university where high-achieving students get access to deeper academics, close mentorship, and unique travel or research opportunities. Admission is by a separate application, with short essays due around the Dec. 1 priority deadline (and a later spring deadline for transfers or current students).
GPA above 3.8 in high school, strong writing ability, leadership or service experience, and often ACT scores above 30 / SAT scores above 1350*.
*Scores are estimates from past award benchmarks; ACU does not publish exact cutoffs.
- Priority housing in Wessel Hall (Honors Living Learning Community)
- Small seminars with faculty mentors
- Funding for study abroad, conferences, and research
- Guidance from the Office of Major Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Fellowship Award | $5,000 (in addition to merit awards) | Must be a Presidential Scholar, admitted to Honors College, ACT ≥33 or SAT ≥1450, GPA 3.8+, leadership, and activities | No—automatically considered with Honors app | Yes (maintain Honors standing) | Top incoming freshmen with strong academics, essays, and leadership/service | Dec. 1 priority; Apr. 1 final |
- Travel Grants: Funding for study abroad or conference presentations; awards given per cycle, up to $1,500/project
- Project Thesis Funding: Competitive grants for Honors research or creative theses
- Office of Major Scholarships: Honors advising for national scholarships (Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, etc.)
Note: Honors College charges a small annual fee, but grants/waivers are available for students with demonstrated need.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic for top students?
No. Students must complete a separate Honors application with essays by the deadline.
Does Honors add time to graduation?
No. Honors requirements are designed to fit within a standard four-year degree plan.
What’s the best time to apply?
By Dec. 1 for priority consideration; April 1 is the regular deadline for fall entry, and transfers can apply in spring for summer/fall start.
Are there extra Honors scholarships?
Yes—Honors Fellowships provide funds on top of merit awards, plus project and conference travel grants.
ACU Honors College – https://acu.edu/academics/honors/
ACU Honors College Scholarships – https://acu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/honors/
ACU Study Abroad & Conference Grants – https://blogs.acu.edu/undergradresearch/
ACU Experiential Learning & Thesis Funding – https://acu.edu/experiential-learning/
⭐ College Specialty
Abilene Christian University blends its Church of Christ heritage with a growing research profile as a Carnegie R2 institution. Families often notice ACU’s personal scale, but what sets it apart is how its signature programs combine faith, service, and real-world preparation—especially in the health sciences and business.
Center for Pre-Health Professions (CPHP) — ACU reports 80–90% professional school acceptance rates for recent graduates. Students receive structured shadowing, medical mission opportunities, mock interviews, and faculty mentorship—making it one of the strongest pipelines for medicine, dentistry, and allied health in Texas.
- Entrepreneurship (Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy): Nationally recognized for its Wildcat Ventures student-run businesses and business plan competitions that prepare students to launch companies right out of college.
- Bible and Ministry: ACU is among the most prominent Church of Christ-affiliated institutions nationwide, with well-regarded programs in theology, missions, and ministry leadership.
- Journalism & Mass Communication: Accredited program with award-winning student media outlets and strong placement in Texas media markets.
- Education: Longstanding statewide recognition for teacher preparation, with ACU graduates serving across Texas school districts.