Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Abraham Baldwin's agriculture program offers something many ag programs don't: strong earnings growth after graduation. While graduates start near the national median at $42,107—placing them at the 32nd percentile nationally—they see their earnings jump 26% to $52,914 by year four. That $10,800 increase is significant, suggesting that graduates build valuable skills and connections that pay off as they gain experience in the field. With debt under $23,000 (a 0.55 ratio to first-year earnings), graduates can manage payments while their earning power increases.

Context matters here: Abraham Baldwin is Georgia's only public institution offering this bachelor's degree, effectively making it the in-state option for Georgians pursuing ag careers. The program sits at the 60th percentile within the state, though that comparison is limited given few alternatives. The 77% admission rate and modest SAT scores reflect its accessibility mission, serving a substantial population of first-generation and working-class students (34% receive Pell grants).

For families with genuine interest in agriculture—particularly those in Georgia or the Southeast—this represents a practical pathway. The starting salary won't turn heads, but the low debt burden and consistent earnings trajectory create financial stability in a sector where hands-on experience matters more than prestige. Students should enter understanding they're choosing steady career growth over high starting pay.