Organizer Information
Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas, United States. Its academic offerings include undergraduate and graduate study across the arts, humanities, communication, design, theatre, education, and other disciplines. The university's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences includes relevant opportunities for students interested in creative practice and media-related fields.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Abilene Christian University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and specialist programs, depending on the field
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, BS, BBA, MA, MFA and other program-specific degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine arts, graphic design, interior architecture and design, art therapy, theatre, journalism, multimedia, communication, sports media and digital entertainment technology
- Relevant Programs: Art (BFA); Graphic Design (BS); Art Therapy (BS); Interior Architecture (BS); Theatre (BFA); Journalism (BA/BS); Multimedia (BS); Digital Entertainment Technology (BS); graduate programs in other disciplines
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Undergraduate and graduate application schedules vary by program and applicant category.
- Application Deadline: Graduate deadlines vary by program; undergraduate application dates and scholarship deadlines should be checked separately.
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring entry options depend on the program.
- Application Fee: $50 for standard undergraduate and general on-campus graduate applications; program-specific exceptions apply.
- Tuition: Undergraduate tuition and student activity fee: $47,350 for 2026–2027.
- Funding: Merit-based scholarships and additional program-specific awards are available. Abilene Christian University+4
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
ACU offers undergraduate programs in studio art, visual communication, design, theatre and media-related disciplines. Relevant options include:
- Fine Arts: Art (BFA), including studio-based creative study.
- Graphic Design: BFA Graphic Design, BS Graphic Design/Advertising and BS Graphic Design/User Experience.
- Design and Built Environments: Interior Architecture and Design (BS).
- Art and Therapy: Art Therapy (BS).
- Film and Media-Related Fields: Multimedia (BS), Digital Entertainment Technology (BS), Journalism (BA/BS), Communication and Sports Media.
- Performing Arts: Theatre (BFA).
Program names and degree options should be checked against the current catalog, as offerings may change.
General Eligibility
- ACU accepts applications from domestic and international students. Applicants must satisfy the academic and documentation requirements for their intended study level and program.
- First-year undergraduate applicants generally apply with secondary-school records, while transfer applicants submit relevant college transcripts. Graduate applicants must meet the requirements of their chosen graduate program.
- Admission to a degree program and eligibility for a departmental scholarship are separate decisions. In particular, the Art and Design Department's scholarship portfolio is not a general admission requirement for its undergraduate programs.
Educational Background
- First-year undergraduate applicants: Official high-school transcripts and evidence of secondary-school completion are required.
- Transfer applicants: College transcripts are required alongside the relevant academic records.
- Graduate applicants: A bachelor's degree or other qualifying prior education is required as specified by the individual program.
- International applicants: Academic documents must be submitted in their original language with an official English translation when the original documents are not in English.
Graduate admission prerequisites, minimum GPA requirements and acceptable prior disciplines are program-specific.
Language Requirements
- International applicants to residential undergraduate programs must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an approved exemption.
- ACU lists the following minimum scores for international undergraduate admission:
| Test | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 overall, with at least 19 in reading and writing |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in reading and writing |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
- ACU also accepts proof of citizenship from an English-proficiency-exempt country. Graduate and online applicants should verify the requirements for their specific program and application route.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $50 | Non-refundable |
| On-campus graduate | $50 | Individual programs may have different requirements |
| Transfer undergraduate | Waived | The undergraduate application portal identifies a transfer-student waiver |
The MA in English admissions FAQ separately lists a $65 application fee. Applicants should follow the fee displayed for their particular program and application portal.
Tuition
| Study level or category | Tuition and fees | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate, 2026–2027 | $47,350 | Annual block tuition and student activity fee |
| On-campus graduate | Program-specific | Per credit hour |
| Online undergraduate | $395 per credit hour | Additional $310 resource fee per session |
| Online graduate | $600–$1,105 per credit hour | Program-specific rates |
| Online doctoral programs | $650–$767 per credit hour | Program-specific rates |
The undergraduate annual block-tuition amount covers tuition and required student fees for the applicable full-time enrollment arrangement, but excludes housing, food and certain individual or course-specific charges.
Additional costs may include:
- Undergraduate international students: The published 2026–2027 estimate lists $13,900 for housing and food, $1,660 for health insurance, $900 for books and supplies, $1,290 for required technology and personal expenses, and $450 for winter-break housing and food. The stated I-20 total is $65,550.
- Graduate students: A $295 thesis fee applies to thesis programs; late registration costs $10 per course, and a parking permit is listed at $50.
- Online students: Resource fees and program-specific charges apply in addition to the stated tuition rates.
Funding & Financial Support
ACU offers institutional scholarships and other financial support, subject to eligibility and award conditions.
- International undergraduate students: Merit-based scholarships for 2026–2027 range up to $22,000 per year for eligible full-time students. Renewal depends on maintaining the required GPA.
- Art and Design: Selected incoming freshmen majoring in art, graphic design, interior architecture and design, art education or art therapy may apply for departmental merit scholarships and study-abroad or travel vouchers. The department awards $1,000 scholarships to the top eight qualifying portfolios under its published scholarship scheme.
- Graduate students: On-campus graduate programs offer academic scholarships or tuition discounts. Program-level assistantships and other funding opportunities may also be available.
- International graduate students: Scholarship eligibility and availability depend on the individual program and award conditions.
Scholarships are competitive where applicable and should not be treated as guaranteed tuition coverage.
University Services & Academic Support
- ACU provides international student support through its Office of International Students and Visiting Scholars, including immigration-related guidance and assistance with international student matters.
- The university also offers graduate program advising, admissions support, financial-aid guidance and program-based academic resources. Students interested in creative disciplines should consult their department regarding access to studios, specialist facilities, exhibitions, equipment and other course-related opportunities.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on study level, applicant category and program.
- Undergraduate applicants: Complete the application and submit official high-school and/or college transcripts. ACT, SAT or CLT scores may be submitted; ACU allows test-optional applications for eligible undergraduate applicants.
- International undergraduate applicants: Submit proof of English proficiency unless exempt, academic records with official English translations where required, and a passport copy for immigration documentation.
- Art and Design scholarship applicants: Submit a portfolio of approximately 10–15 original works. The portfolio should include a cover page identifying the applicant and intended major, plus each work's title, medium and dimensions. An artist statement and information about awards or relevant coursework are optional.
- Graduate applicants: Submit the materials required by the selected program. These may differ across departments and application systems.
A portfolio is not required for admission to the Art and Design Department simply by virtue of applying to the department; it is required for consideration under its designated incoming-student portfolio scholarship.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- Graduate Admissions Portal
- International Undergraduate Admissions Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Fall 2027 undergraduate applications: Open as of 28 October 2026
- Art and Design scholarship portfolio deadline: 1 March 2027
- Art and Design scholarship recipient notification: 1 April 2027
- Honors College early application deadline: 1 December 2026
- Honors College regular application deadline: 1 April 2027
- Honors Fellow offer acceptance deadline: 1 May 2027
- Honors College membership acceptance deadline: 1 June 2027
Location
Abilene Christian University — Abilene, Texas, United States
Additional Details
- ACU's academic offerings include residential and online pathways, with different tuition structures and application requirements. International students considering residential study should account for the university's published financial documentation requirements, including evidence of sufficient funds for the estimated cost of one year of study.
- Applicants interested in film production or filmmaking should review the official degree listings carefully: the programs identified above include media-related options, but a dedicated film-production degree has not been established by the sources cited here.