From Grit to Graduation: One Student’s Self-Funded Journey at Montclair State University

At a time when the average national student loan debt post-graduation averages almost $40,000, Allison Abrom self-funded her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science at Montclair State University. No loans. No financial assistance whatsover.

“I’m extremely proud to say that my working experiences have allowed me to pay for my bachelor’s degree program all on my own,” says Abrom, who will be participating in Winter 2026 Commencement Tuesday at Prudential Center in Newark. A student in Montclair’s College for Community Health, Abrom’s degree concentration was in Applied Nutrition and Wellness with a  minor in Sports Nutrition.

Balancing work and academics, she adds, taught her lessons that will shape her future. “I now have a better commitment to financial planning, proper time management and a passion for working and what I do.”

Her father, Gregory Abrom, says, “We are extremely proud of Allison and all she has accomplished. She can now start her life without the burden of debt. Allison learned she can set a goal and accomplish it no matter what stands in the way.”

Determination from Day One

Abrom enrolled at Montclair in fall 2019 knowing her path might look different. She and her parents thought it was possible for her to self-fund her education without incurring student debt. “My parents and I view college and higher education as a privilege,” she says, adding that “working to pay for my education fully will set me up for financial freedom and success.”

At times, Abrom took only as many classes as she could afford. She was determined to do it on her own – and she’s not afraid to apply herself.

“I’m a really hard worker,” she says proudly. “I genuinely like to work, and so does pretty much everybody in my family.” Abrom worked more than full-time as a head food server at a country club while working toward her bachelor’s degree, saving as much money as she could along the way.

That work ethic became the foundation of her college experience. Associate Professor of Nutrition and Food Studies Doreen Liou says that showed in her school projects. She describes Abrom as “a proactive student, projecting a positive attitude and zeal in learning.”

Sacrifices That Paid Off

To stay enrolled at Montclair, Abrom often worked 40 to 50 hours a week at the country club until the demand became unsustainable. Although it paid well, she quit when expectations began to conflict with her education.

“They were expecting me to put the work before school, so I was like, I can’t be in that environment anymore,” she says.

She found a desk job closer to home at a golf simulator – one that allowed her to study during slower periods.

Social sacrifices followed as well, as tuition and textbooks took priority. “I had to say no to certain social outings, which allowed me to put more time into work,” she says. “I felt like I was kind of distancing myself from friends, but now my friends are so proud of me, so it doesn’t matter.”

It definitely was hard, especially being young in your 20s, to be more responsible with money but in the end, it was worth it.” Allison Abrom ’26, BS Nutrition and Food Science

Learning By Doing

Last summer, Abrom completed her required nutrition internship at the Meadowlands YMCA, where she assisted with the SNAP-Ed food pantry program, developed nutritious recipes using pantry ingredients and wrote nutrition-focused articles. She also created healthy recipes for YMCA members.

“I was granted a working environment that prompted creativity and allowed me to fully trust in my own knowledge and education,” she says.

The experience reinforced her commitment to community-based nutrition and wellness – work that aligns directly with Montclair’s public-service mission.

Looking Ahead – and Giving Back

Abrom will be cheered on by her father, mother, Laura, and brother, Drew, at Commencement on January 13. Her long-term goals include careers in corporate wellness, sports counseling or community nutrition, as well as teaching as an adjunct professor.

“I am incredibly thankful for my time in my undergraduate program at Montclair State University,” she says, “and I am proud of the person it has helped me become both in a professional and personal way.”

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that college graduates with student loan debt are more likely to question whether college was worth the cost. Abrom’s answer is emphatically clear. In fact, her immediate post-Commencement plans: to pursue a master’s degree and a certificate in Nutrition and Exercise Science at Montclair State University.

She’ll be paying her own way, of course.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University’s graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

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Prospective students: Learn more about Montclair’s Nutrition and Food Science programs.

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