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 & Salisbury, MD
When students choose between Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Salisbury University, they're comparing fundamentally different educational missions and outcomes. ABAC serves as Georgia's agricultural college with highly specialized programs, while Salisbury operates as a comprehensive regional university in Maryland.
The most striking difference isn't cost or programs—it's completion rates. With only 29% of ABAC students graduating versus 67% at Salisbury, the decision involves weighing specialized agricultural training against broader career preparation and dramatically different completion probabilities.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$16,750
federal loans
$21,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$9,604
borrowed by parents
$33,815
borrowed by parents
ABAC is agriculture-focused, with specialized programs in Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science serving 97 graduates annually, Biology (40 graduates), and Agricultural Business Management (34). This represents Georgia's premier agricultural training institution.
Salisbury has a business-oriented mix: Communications leads with 177 graduates, followed by Social Work (137), Teacher Education (136), and Sports/Kinesiology (134). These program differences explain much of the earnings gap—agriculture careers typically start lower than business and communications fields, though they offer different lifestyle benefits and regional opportunities.
For students with clear agricultural career goals and strong academic preparation, ABAC delivers specialized training at low cost in a supportive environment. However, the 29% completion rate represents a significant risk that most students won't finish their degrees.
Salisbury offers broader career preparation, nearly 2. 5x higher completion rates, and substantially higher earnings for graduates.
The data points to Salisbury as the stronger choice for most students—the completion advantage alone justifies the higher investment. Choose ABAC only if you're committed to agricultural careers and confident in your academic preparation.
For everyone else, Salisbury's combination of completion rates and career outcomes provides better long-term value despite higher upfront costs.
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.
