‘No Fee March’ highlights ABAC’s commitment to affordable higher education
TIFTON, Ga. — ABAC is waiving the application fee for prospective students during the month of March.
“No Fee March” is one example of how ABAC provides students with an affordable higher education option despite a national climate of rising costs and increasing student loan debt.
“No Fee March is our way to show prospective families that ABAC is committed to lowering barriers for our students,” said Ryan Hogan, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications. “We hope this relief makes applying to ABAC more accessible, as we understand the financial burden of college can be overwhelming for many students and their parents.”
ABAC is proud to offer the lowest cost of attendance in the region. Within a 100-mile radius of Tifton, ABAC offers the most cost-effective option among regional colleges and technical institutions when tuition and mandatory fees are combined. The low cost of attendance contributes to 55% of ABAC students graduating without student or parent loan debt. “Having zero student loan debt is a huge weight off my shoulders as I prepare to graduate in May,” said Mia McGurl, a senior agricultural communications major. “Being able to participate in the Neighbor Waiver and pay in-state tuition has significantly helped me with the financial burden college can bring students. I am extremely thankful for all of the opportunities ABAC has given me so far, and I want other students to know that college doesn't have to be a scary thing; we can do it together!"
Another way ABAC works with students to make college affordable is through an internally managed payment plan that does not charge interest. Many schools offer similar plans but through third parties, reducing the flexibility they can offer and often including interest charges. At ABAC, the Student Accounts Office can work with students on a case-by-case basis to make the payment plan as accessible as possible.
“Students are our priority,” said Jessica Miller, bursar at ABAC. “Offering an in‑house payment plan allows us to work directly with students, support their financial well‑being, and help them stay on track academically.”
ABAC’s commitment to affordability goes hand in hand with delivering exceptional quality, student experiences and outcomes. Students benefit from top-tier amenities—University Magazine named ABAC home to the best college dorms in Georgia for 2025—and dining services that prioritize Georgia-grown ingredients to provide nutritious, high-quality meals. State-of-the-art facilities, such as the new Agricultural Technology Building, give students hands-on learning opportunities that mirror real workforce environments. These investments yield outstanding results: nursing majors pass the NCLEX-RN at a 97% rate, and academic programs in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources consistently achieve near-100% job placement shortly after graduation.