Private Christian research university in West Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ since 1906.
ACU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education through eight colleges: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Biblical Studies; Business Administration; Health and Behavioral Sciences; Health and Human Services; Leadership and Professional Studies; Learning and Development; and the Onstead College of Science and Engineering. The university provides 148+ academic programs including 88 undergraduate majors and 185 areas of study, with options for on-campus, online, and professional education formats. Accreditations span business (AACSB), engineering (ABET), nursing (CCNE), social work (CSWE), education (TEAC), journalism (ACEJMC), and theology (ATS).
Classified as an R2 institution by the Carnegie Foundation for high research spending and doctorate production, ACU supports faculty and student research across multiple disciplines. The university operates an NPR station (KACU, established 1986) and maintains a university press (founded 1983) that publishes approximately 36 titles annually. In 2022, ACU applied to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a construction license for a molten salt research reactor, targeting criticality by December 2025.
ACU competes in NCAA Division I FCS as a member of the Western Athletic Conference and United Athletic Conference (football). The Wildcats have won 54 NCAA national championships in track and field (32 men's, 22 women's) and were NAIA national football champions in 1973 and 1977. Notable traditions include Sing Song (annual a cappella competition since 1956) and Summit (annual lectureship begun in 1918). The university maintains strong Olympic representation, with alumni including three-time 1956 gold medalist Bobby Morrow.
The 208-acre urban campus in Abilene features the Onstead-Packer Bible Studies Building, Chapel on the Hill, and Tower of Light. ACU operates an NPR station and student newspaper (The Optimist, founded 1912). The university recognizes student organizations including social clubs (equivalent to fraternities/sororities) and the LGBT student association Voice (recognized 2016). An expansion campus in Addison, Texas (ACU Dallas) offers graduate programs including MBA and Ed.D. in organizational leadership.
ACU accepts applications for on-campus undergraduate, on-campus graduate, and online degree programs. The university provides comprehensive support services including academic advising, writing and speaking centers, pre-health advising, and international student services. Contact: On-Campus Undergrad (800-460-6228), On-Campus Graduate (325-674-6911), Online Programs (855-219-7300).