Analysis
At roughly $16,000 in debt for an associate's degree, this program appears manageable compared to the national median of $19,000 for marketing associates—though these figures come from similar programs nationally, not ABAC's actual graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests that if the $42,000 earnings estimate holds true, graduates would owe less than five months' salary, which is traditionally considered reasonable.
However, Georgia has 21 schools offering marketing associate's degrees, and none report actual outcomes data—a red flag suggesting either very small graduating classes or unclear career pathways for this credential level. Marketing is typically a bachelor's-focused field where associate's degrees may limit advancement. The estimated $42,000 first-year salary sits at the national median for this credential, but that doesn't tell you whether ABAC's specific program connects students to those opportunities in South Georgia's more limited job market.
The real question is whether an associate's in marketing serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or a terminal credential. If your child plans to transfer and complete a four-year degree, this could be an affordable start. If they're hoping to launch a marketing career with just the associate's, understand that you're relying on estimates from peer programs elsewhere—without visibility into where ABAC's own graduates actually land or what they actually earn.
Where Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,195 | $41,955* | — | $15,597* | — | |
| $4,448 | $48,724* | $46,865 | $14,943* | 0.31 | |
| $16,450 | $45,084* | — | $22,546* | 0.50 | |
| $4,058 | $44,748* | — | $19,652* | 0.44 | |
| $10,899 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| $15,117 | $44,293* | $44,488 | $27,167* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $41,955* | — | $19,149* | 0.46 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.