Education & Higher Institutions

A Driving Force for Business

Consider Abilene as the future frontier. Abilene offers the ideal space for employers to grow locally, nationally, and internationally, as the region is home to a reliable network of nationally-ranked higher education institutions. The region’s three private universities, community college, technical college, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center equip students to enter the workforce with highly-specialized training.

Abilene’s K-12 schools provide a strong foundation for students to progress into higher education. Abilene Independent School District (ISD) received an overall grade of “B” for the second year in a row for the 2018-2019 school year, and the nine campuses received a combined 22 distinction designations. Additionally, all three of Abilene ISD’s high schools achieved post-secondary readiness during the 2019 school year. Wylie Independent School District (ISD) received an overall grade of “A” and was recognized as a Purple Heart School for their support of military families.

In a global economy, forward-thinking insights and a broader perspective separates Abilene’s 140,000-strong labor shed from the competition.

Learn more about Abilene’s top and major employers.

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Industry Data

Education & Higher Institutions

Fast Facts

Key Employers

ACU

Abilene Christian University

HSU Logo

Hardin Simmons University

McMurry University

McMurry University

Texas Tech University Health Services Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College

Cisco College

AISD

Abilene Independent School District

Wylie

Wylie Independent School District

Primary Schools

Shaping Young Minds

Abilene, TX is not only home to impressive private and state universities, but is also home to notable K-12 public schools that promote excellency. The Wylie Independent School District educates on intermediate, junior high and high school levels while Abilene Independent School District hosts several public elementary, middle and high schools. Abilene ISD also provides The Academy for Technology, Engineering, Math & Science (ATEMS), which received an “A” district school rating for the 2018-2019 school year.

Additionally, Abilene Christian Schools and St. John’s Episcopal School provide accredited, personalized education for students in K-12 and K-5 respectively. In Abilene, students receive the education and hands-on experiences that bring them viable skills for the marketplace.

Young boy playing at The Grace Exhibit

Private Universities

The Best of the Best Located in the Heart of West Central Texas

With three private, four-year universities in Abilene – Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University – students benefit from a diverse offering of degrees and program tracks to give companies a competitive edge.

Exterior of Hardin Simmons University

Texas State Technical College

Specialized and Ready to Address Business Needs

Home to the #1 best community college in Texas, Texas State Technical College in Abilene continues to provide high-quality training and learning opportunities for post-grad careers. With more than 25,000 students in the region, Abilene has the resources to prepare the workforce for the present and future demands of companies across industries nationwide.

supervisor watching student with welding equipment

Health and Lifescience Institutions

Committed to Health and Wellness Needs of Today and Tomorrow

In addition to the comprehensive community of universities, Abilene is also home to institutions committed to training individuals entering the healthcare and life sciences industries. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has graduated more than 28,000 health care professionals — the most in the state of Texas. Additionally, Cisco College’s Health Sciences programs equip students with the forward-thinking experience medical practices need to remain innovative.

medical professional looking through a microscope

Development Corporation of Abilene is a proud recipient of the following recognition: