Abilene Christian University Scholarships (2025–2026) | Automatic, Competitive & Hidden Awards

Abilene Christian University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Abilene Christian University is a private faith-based school in Texas where the sticker price can feel intimidating, but scholarships and grants change the story quickly. This guide breaks down real costs, automatic and competitive aid, and even the state’s Tuition Equalization Grant so families—especially first-gen parents—know what’s possible. Be sure to also check the Texas state aid guide for programs that pair with ACU scholarships.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Abilene Christian University

Expense Cost (All Students)
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (annual block up to 36 credits) $45,800
Housing & Meal Plan (average) $13,600
Books & Supplies $900
Travel $1,500
Personal $1,830
Loan Fees $70
Total (before aid) $63,700
Average Net Price: $28,311 (2022–2023 NCES). That’s what families actually paid after scholarships and grants—no loans included.
Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): For Texas residents attending private universities like ACU.
• Award: up to $4,270 per year (base), or $6,405 for “exceptional need.”
• How it works: need-based state aid, applied automatically through your FAFSA and ACU’s financial aid office.
• Example: A student with need could see their $63,700 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.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Royce L. Money Chancellor’s Award $22,000/yr Top GPA, test scores, and class rank No Yes (3.0 GPA) Students with ~31+ ACT / 1390+ SAT and GPA 3.8+*
John C. Stevens Award $20,000/yr Strong GPA and test scores No Yes (3.0 GPA) ~29–30 ACT / 1330–1380 SAT, GPA 3.7+*
A.B. Barret Award $19,500/yr Solid academics No Yes (2.5 GPA) ~25–28 ACT / 1200–1320 SAT, GPA 3.4–3.6*
Dean’s Award $17,000/yr Good academics No Yes (2.5 GPA) Admits with ~3.2–3.5 GPA, mid-20s ACT*
University Award $10,000/yr All admissible applicants No Yes (2.5 GPA) Students with consistent grades/tests who meet admission standards*

*GPA and test bands are estimates based on ACU’s published criteria and past award patterns. Actual cutoffs may vary each year depending on applicant pool and funding.

Note: Abilene Christian University also participates in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Finalists and Semifinalists can receive full tuition packages with additional stipends.

Automatic Merit FAQ

Do I need to submit a separate application?
No, all admitted students are automatically considered. Just apply for admission by the priority deadlines (Dec 1 or Mar 1).

Does ACU superscore test results?
Yes. ACU considers your best subscores across ACT, SAT, or CLT when calculating scholarship eligibility.

Can I get scholarships without a test score?
Yes. Test-optional applicants are considered for merit awards, but the Presidential Scholarship requires a qualifying test score.

Can these stack with other awards?
Yes, most merit awards can stack with need-based aid and special programs, but total institutional aid usually cannot exceed full tuition.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These are selective awards with extra steps or limited slots on top of ACU’s automatic merit. National Merit packages are especially strong here. Hit the Dec 1 priority date when possible; some options remain open to Mar 1.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
National Merit Finalist & Semifinalist Package Full tuition (after grants) + $1,500/yr stipend; up to 4 years Designated NMF/NSMF; enroll full-time; submit proof of status; FAFSA recommended. Stacks with ACU aid up to full tuition (housing/meal not covered). No separate app; provide documentation. Aim for Dec 1 priority (Mar 1 final). Yes (good standing/credit pace) Students officially recognized as National Merit Finalists or Semifinalists who complete financial aid steps on time.
National Merit Commended Scholar Award $2,000/yr; up to 4 years Commended status; submit certificate. Stackable with ACU merit (not beyond tuition). No separate app; provide documentation by scholarship deadlines. Yes (good standing/credit pace) Commended scholars who enroll full-time and keep GPA on track.
Presidential Scholarship $5,000/yr; up to 4 years Holistic review emphasizing leadership, service, faith involvement, and academics; test score required. No separate app; considered from admission file. Target Dec 1 for best consideration (Mar 1 final). Yes (university renewal standards) Students with a GPA above ~3.8, rigorous coursework, and leadership or service roles; typically ACT scores in the 28–32 range or SAT scores around 1300–1420*.

Stacking rules: Competitive awards generally coordinate with automatic merit and grants up to full tuition. Housing/meal plans are typically not covered unless explicitly stated.

Note: For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program,check out our full coverage guide.

Competitive Scholarships FAQ

How do National Merit packages work at ACU?
Finalists/Semifinalists receive a full-tuition guarantee (after grants) plus a $1,500 annual stipend; Commended scholars receive $2,000 per year. Provide your official documentation and complete the FAFSA.

Does a Presidential Scholarship require test scores?
Yes. ACU is test-optional for admission, but the Presidential award specifically requires a qualifying test score. ACU will superscore ACT/SAT/CLT when reviewing.

Can these competitive awards stack with automatic merit?
Usually yes—ACU coordinates all institutional aid up to full tuition. Room/board are generally separate.

What deadlines matter most?
Dec 1 is the priority date for maximum consideration; Mar 1 is the regular deadline. Honors-related funding may have additional spring review dates.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the automatic and competitive awards, ACU has a range of niche scholarships and discounts tied to identity, participation, or special circumstances. These are worth a look if your student fits the profile.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
College Board National Recognition Award Up to $6,000/yr Students recognized by College Board (First-Gen, African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, or Rural/Small Town). No — submit certificate to admissions Yes (while enrolled full-time) Recognized scholars who provide documentation and file the FAFSA.
Big Purple Marching Band Participation Scholarship Base participation award (all members); additional awards vary All members of the ACU Marching Band in good standing. Color guard and percussion may require auditions. No — awarded automatically with participation Yes (must remain active each year) Students who participate in marching band; larger awards possible with successful Music Department auditions.
Department of Music Scholarships Varies by audition Audition-based; open to music majors and non-majors. Yes — Music Department audition required Yes (contingent on continued participation) Students who audition successfully; awards scale with performance level.
Church-Match Scholarship Up to $500/yr Student’s church contributes; ACU matches dollar-for-dollar. Yes — form required with church contribution Yes Students whose churches provide financial support toward tuition.
Missionary Dependent Discount 75% tuition discount Children of full-time U.S.-based missionaries serving on foreign mission fields. Yes — ACU application required Yes Missionary dependents who submit required paperwork and file the FAFSA.
Christian College Employee Dependent Discount At least 50% tuition discount Dependents of full-time employees at Church of Christ universities. Yes — ACU application required Yes Students whose parent is employed full-time at a qualifying Christian college.
Department of Art & Design Scholarships $1,000+ for top portfolios Students who submit a portfolio for review. Yes — portfolio submission required Yes Students with standout portfolios in art and design.
Department of Education Endowed Scholarships Varies (merit + need) Students enrolled in Education programs; merit and financial need considered. Yes — via department Yes Education majors recommended by faculty with strong academic and need profiles.
Halbert Center for Missions — Richard & Gay Flow Endowed Scholarship Varies Students with demonstrated interest in cross-cultural service or missions. Yes — apply through Halbert Center Yes (case by case) Students with strong service records and commitment to cross-cultural ministry.
Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) $4,270–$6,405/yr Texas residents at private nonprofits; must file FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. No — automatic with FAFSA Yes Texas residents with demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA.
Study Abroad Scholarships Pool of at least $15,000 (divided among participants) Students accepted into semester or summer study abroad programs. Yes — via Study Abroad Office No (per program cycle) Applicants who demonstrate financial need or strong program fit.

*Dollar ranges and eligibility requirements are based on ACU and state sources. Some amounts are listed as “varies” because departments set awards individually; families should confirm directly with the awarding office.

  • First-Generation Students: ACU’s 1GEN program offers mentoring, workshops, and a dedicated aid counselor. While not a direct scholarship, it helps connect first-gen students to resources and aid opportunities.
  • McNair Scholars Program: A federally funded TRIO program for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students pursuing graduate study. Provides research stipends and graduate prep support.
  • ACU Endowed Scholarships: Numerous donor-funded awards based on financial need; amounts and selection vary each year.
  • FAFSA-Based Grants: Students may qualify for Federal Pell Grants and other need-based aid simply by filing the FAFSA.

Hidden Gem FAQ

Can these smaller scholarships stack with my student’s automatic merit?
Yes, most of them can. The only cap is that institutional aid usually cannot exceed full tuition.

How do departmental awards work?
Students apply through their intended major (like Art or Business) with portfolios, test scores, or faculty recommendations. Amounts can be significant, especially in Business cohorts.

What’s unique about ACU’s discounts?
ACU supports church and missionary families with deep tuition discounts (50%–75%). That’s unusual compared to many private universities.

Do I need to complete a separate application?
Yes for most hidden gems (church match, missionary, departmental, study abroad). Band and TEG are awarded automatically once you qualify.

⭐ 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.

Standout Program:
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.

🎖️ 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).

What a Typical ACU Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Honors Perks That Matter:
  • 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?
Honors Fellowship Award $5,000/yr (on top of automatic merit) Must be a Presidential Scholar, admitted to the Honors College, with ACT ≥33 or SAT ≥1450, plus strong GPA (3.5+), leadership, and activities. No — considered automatically from admissions file Yes (maintain Honors standing) Incoming freshmen with top academics, rigorous coursework, and leadership/service records, plus high test scores.
  • Travel Grants: Funding to offset costs for study abroad programs or presenting at academic conferences.
  • Project Thesis Funding: Grants for Honors students completing research or creative thesis projects.
  • Office of Major Scholarships: Coaching and support for competitive national awards like the Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright.

Note: The Honors College has a small annual fee, but waivers are available for students with financial need.

Honors College FAQ

Is admission automatic for top students?
No. Students must complete the separate Honors application with essays by the deadline.

Does being in Honors add extra time to graduation?
No. Requirements are designed to fit within a standard four-year plan.

When should my student apply?
By Dec 1 for priority consideration. A spring deadline is available for transfers and current ACU students.

Are there extra scholarships in Honors?
Yes. The competitive Honors Fellow Scholarship provides additional funding on top of other ACU merit awards.

Final Thoughts

For families considering Abilene Christian University, the numbers don’t have to be overwhelming. Between generous automatic merit, full-tuition National Merit packages, and hidden discounts for church or missionary families, many students pay far less than the $63k sticker price. Add in ACU’s strong pre-health pipeline and Honors opportunities, and it’s clear why this private Texas university can be a smart choice—especially for first-gen parents who want a clear picture of costs and support.

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✅ Last updated: September 24, 2025

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