Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Tifton, GA & Hays, KS
When students choose between Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Fort Hays State University, they're comparing two distinct paths through public higher education. ABAC offers specialized agricultural and veterinary science programs in rural Georgia, while Fort Hays provides comprehensive business and liberal arts education in Kansas.
Both serve as affordable regional universities, but the career trajectories they enable differ significantly. The data reveals how program concentration shapes long-term earning potential in ways that transcend simple cost comparisons.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$16,750
federal loans
$21,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$9,604
borrowed by parents
$11,833
borrowed by parents
ABAC is predominantly agriculture-focused, with its largest program graduating 97 students annually in Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science. The institution also produces graduates in Biology (40), Business (37), and Teacher Education (35), but maintains its core agricultural mission.
Fort Hays State has a completely different profile: business-focused, with 37. 8% of graduates earning degrees in business fields.
Fort Hays's largest programs include Business Administration (482 graduates) and Business Operations (479), followed by Liberal Arts and Sciences (249). This fundamental difference in program concentration explains much of the earnings gap between institutions.
For students committed to agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, or related fields, ABAC delivers specialized training at an exceptionally low price point. The earnings gap reflects career field differences, not institutional quality — agricultural careers simply pay less than business careers in most markets.
Fort Hays State offers the stronger financial value for students open to business, education, or general studies, with higher completion rates and earnings that justify the extra cost. The data points to Fort Hays as the better investment for most career-focused students, but ABAC serves an essential niche for agricultural science careers.
Your choice should align with your specific field of interest rather than general 'value' metrics.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
