At $6,061/yr net price, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduates earn $34,996/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $996/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,061 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,996/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$996/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,191/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,468/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,007/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,865/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,972/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,999 | $14,753 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $20,500 |
| Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $20,215 |
| Forestry. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $20,065 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,133 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,960 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,658 | $20,924 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,388 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College offers strongly low costs but delivers weak financial returns for most graduates. With a net price of just $6,061 annually, you'll graduate with minimal debt, but median earnings of $34,996 after ten years barely justify even this modest investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,999 annually and carrying only $14,753 in debt. This program generates strong returns that justify your investment. Applied horticulture and general agriculture programs produce moderate earnings around $42,000, though you'll carry slightly more debt near $20,500.
The college's 29% graduation rate presents serious financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll still carry debt without the earnings boost that comes with graduation. The low retention rate of 69% suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled.
ABAC works financially if you're pursuing nursing or have a genuine commitment to agricultural careers in rural Georgia. The region's agricultural economy provides relevant job opportunities, and the low cost structure minimizes your financial exposure. You should consider this school if you want hands-on agricultural training without accumulating significant debt.
Avoid ABAC if you're unsure about your major or considering it as a backup option. The weak graduation rates and limited earning potential in most programs make this a poor choice for undecided students. Business and forestry programs particularly underperform given the debt levels.
Financial aid reaches only 34% of students, suggesting most families can afford the low sticker price without assistance. Focus on completing your degree quickly to maximize your return on this modest investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College worth the money?
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College offers a low net price of $6,061 per year, but graduates earn just $34,996 ten years after enrollment. The nursing programs show strong returns at $57,000, while other majors struggle to justify even the modest cost.
What is the job market like for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduates?
Nursing graduates from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College earn competitive salaries around $57,000, but most other programs lead to below-average earnings. Agriculture and forestry majors typically earn $36,000-$42,000, which may not provide strong financial returns.
How much student debt do Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students graduate with?
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduates carry a median debt of $16,750, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with typical earnings of $35,000, debt payments may still strain budgets for non-nursing majors.
What are the best paying majors at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College?
Registered Nursing is the clear winner at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with graduates earning $57,000. Applied Horticulture follows at $42,000, while most other programs including business and agriculture cluster around $32,000-$37,000.