American College of the Building Arts
American College of the Building Arts is a private nonprofit university in Charleston, SC ranked #229 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 140 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 62.1%. Students most often pursue STEM innovation.
Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 100.0% first-year retention, and 64.0% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $26,389, about $9,391 more than the national median. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is American College of the Building Arts Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
American College of the Building Arts graduates 64.0% of students within six years and keeps 100.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use American College of the Building Arts's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $20,572 |
| Books and Supplies | $950 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $38,984 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 19.9% of American College of the Building Arts students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Use American College of the Building Arts's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings Not reported
- 10-Year Median Earnings Not reported
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $10,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for American College of the Building Arts graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
American College of the Building Arts vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how American College of the Building Arts's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes American College of the Building Arts's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-610
- SAT Math 530-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 140
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 100.0%
- Graduation Rate 64.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into American College of the Building Arts
1. Meet Academic Requirements: American College of the Building Arts requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 62.1%, American College of the Building Arts is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 62.1% acceptance rate, American College of the Building Arts is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050 and 1230 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among American College of the Building Arts undergraduates. Architectural Sciences and Technology and Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and I draw the most students.
- Architectural Sciences and Technology 100.0%
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and I 0.0%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for American College of the Building Arts. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Associate's Degree, 5 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 140
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 81.4%
- Female Students 18.6%
- Caucasian 92.9%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 1.4%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 19.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects American College of the Building Arts's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of American College of the Building Arts's undergraduate population. Women make up 18.6% of the student body, while men represent 81.4%.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at American College of the Building Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 92.9% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Men make up 81.4% of undergraduates. About 19.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at American College of the Building Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
American College of the Building Arts offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #229 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $26,389 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $0 median earnings. With 64.0% graduating within six years and 100.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: American College of the Building Arts's Positioning
With a A- grade and #229 ranking, American College of the Building Arts competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $26,389 annually, American College of the Building Arts charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 100.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $18,472 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $0 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $16,389+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: American College of the Building Arts ranks #229 of 1971 institutions, with 0 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 64.0% six-year graduation rate sits 1.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 100.0% first-year retention is 23.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Average net price of $26,389 is roughly $6,490 higher than the national median of $19,899.
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 62.1% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 100.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Average net price of $26,389 is about $6,490 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 19.9% trails the national share by 13.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
American College of the Building Arts, a private nonprofit university in Charleston, SC, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It appears at #229 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A-, Support A, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
100.0% of learners come back after year one while 64.0% complete the degree within six years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $26,389 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $38,984.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,595 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 19.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six-year earnings data is not available for this institution.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
62.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the American College of the Building Arts admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other South Carolina campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Charleston, SC 29403-4223
- Website acba.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Endowment$1.8M