More than 7,200 students enrolled at Abilene Christian University this fall, marking the university’s largest-ever student body and an eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The student total of 7,274 reflects an increase of 787 students or 12% over last year, 37% over the past five years and 60% over the past 10 years.
A large class of residential freshmen, an intentional focus on retention and continued growth in ACU’s online programs have all contributed to the eight consecutive years of record enrollments, said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president.
“The high numbers we’re seeing this year, and for the past seven years, confirm that students are attracted to our unique offering: a world class academic education delivered in a Christ-centered community,” Schubert said. “We are committed to welcoming each of them as an integral part of our mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.”
This fall’s record enrollment includes 1,031 new freshmen who come from every region of Texas, the continental United States and across the world with 22 valedictorians, one National Merit Finalist, two National Merit Semifinalists and 31 international students. Among the top programs of interest for incoming students are nursing, kinesiology, finance, psychology and management.
ACU’s overall undergraduate enrollment is up 10% compared to last year. Among residential undergraduates, first-year to second-year student retention hit a record 82%, and the university’s four-year graduation rate recorded an all-time high.
Demand continues to be strong for ACU Online offerings as well, with online enrollment up 25% compared to last year. Undergraduate enrollment in online programs is up 39%, and graduate enrollment is up 13%.
Fall 2025 Quick Facts
- Undergraduate students: 5,101
- Graduate students: 2,173
- Abilene campus: 3,675
- ACU Online (Dallas): 3,599
- International students: 212
This university-wide enrollment growth is supported by key institutional achievements, including the university’s new Research 2 (R2) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the recent completion of a $300 million comprehensive fundraising campaign.
