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 & Kirksville, MO
When students choose between Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Truman State University, they're weighing cost against completion likelihood. ABAC offers agricultural programs in rural Georgia at $6,061/year.
Truman provides liberal arts education in Missouri at $12,030/year. The starkest difference isn't price—it's that fewer than 3 in 10 ABAC students graduate within six years, compared to 7 in 10 at Truman.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$16,750
federal loans
$21,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$9,604
borrowed by parents
$14,503
borrowed by parents
ABAC is predominantly agriculture-focused, with specialized programs in Agricultural/Animal/Plant Sciences (97 graduates annually) and Agricultural Business (34 graduates). Truman has a more diversified mix: 16% Business, with top programs including Business Administration (124 graduates), Sports/Kinesiology (104), and Biology (97).
ABAC's agricultural concentration serves a specific career niche, while Truman's broader program offerings appeal to students pursuing varied professional paths.
For students committed to agricultural careers with strong self-direction, ABAC delivers specialized training at very low cost—but the 71% non-completion rate represents enormous risk. Truman provides a more traditional college experience with much higher completion rates and significantly better earnings outcomes for graduates.
The data strongly favors Truman for most students, despite the higher cost. ABAC makes sense primarily for students specifically seeking agricultural programs who have demonstrated academic preparation for college-level work.
The completion gap is the decisive factor—paying less means nothing if you don't graduate.
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.
