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 & St. Mary's City, MD
When students choose between Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and St. Mary's College of Maryland, they're comparing fundamentally different career trajectories.
Both are public institutions with similar acceptance rates around 75%, but ABAC in rural Georgia prepares students for agriculture and applied sciences, while St. Mary's in Maryland focuses on liberal arts and social sciences.
The earnings data reveals a $25,114 gap favoring St. Mary's — but at a significantly higher cost.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$16,750
federal loans
$21,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$9,604
borrowed by parents
$36,119
borrowed by parents
ABAC is predominantly agriculture-focused, with students concentrated in Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science (97 graduates), Biology (40), and Business (37). The program mix reflects its agricultural mission with specialized career training.
St. Mary's has a more traditional liberal arts profile: Psychology leads with 46 graduates, followed by Biology (41), English (35), and Natural Resources Conservation (33).
These program differences directly explain the earnings gap — agricultural and technical fields typically produce lower median salaries than liberal arts careers requiring advanced degrees.
For students prioritizing immediate affordability and hands-on career training, ABAC delivers specialized agricultural education at $12,301/year less. St.
Mary's offers higher long-term earning potential and a traditional college experience, making it the better choice for students planning graduate school or careers requiring liberal arts preparation. The data points to St.
Mary's as the stronger long-term financial investment for students who complete degrees — but ABAC provides accessible career training for students seeking immediate workforce entry. The right choice depends entirely on your career goals and family financial capacity.
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.
