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Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia stands out among Applied Horticulture programs with a net cost of just $6,061 annually, yet its graduates earn $42,123 median income after completion. This remarkable return on investment reflects the college's agricultural focus in a state where specialty crop production generates over $1.4 billion annually. The cost spread across these 15 programs spans from Abraham Baldwin's rock-bottom pricing to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at $15,624, showing how geography and institutional type create dramatic price differences. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with only two private institutions making the cut. The earnings data reveals surprising patterns, with graduates from some lower-cost programs outperforming those from higher-priced institutions. Brigham Young University Idaho offers another compelling value proposition at $7,131 net cost, while major research universities like University of Florida and University of Georgia provide extensive resources at competitive prices. These programs prepare students for careers in greenhouse management, market design, plant breeding, and agricultural business operations across the nation's growing specialty agriculture sector.
29
Programs
$6,061 – $19,899
Net Price Range
$35,182
Avg. Program Earnings
65.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
2 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
5 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
6 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
7 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
8 $11,593 $7,272 28.2%
9 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
10 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
11 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
12 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
13 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
14 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
15 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
16 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
17 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
18 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
19 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
20 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
21 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
22 $17,525 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
23 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
24 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
25 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
26 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
27 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
28 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
29 $19,899 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Abraham Baldwin graduates at $42,123 and BYU-Idaho graduates at $31,038?

Regional job markets and program specialization drive these differences significantly. Abraham Baldwin sits in Georgia's major agricultural region where specialty crop and turf management positions command higher salaries. The college's focus on practical agricultural applications aligns with industry needs in the Southeast. BYU-Idaho serves a different regional market with varying salary scales and agricultural focus areas.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in these horticulture programs?

The data shows no clear correlation between price and completion rates across these programs. University of Florida achieves a 91.5% graduation rate at $6,351 net cost, while Kent State Salem shows 28.2% completion at $11,593. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo maintains 85.2% graduation rates at the higher end of this price range. Program structure and student support services matter more than tuition levels for completion success.

Is the University of Florida's $6,351 net cost sustainable for out-of-state students?

Florida residents pay just $6,381 in-state tuition, making the $6,351 net cost achievable primarily for state residents after financial aid. Out-of-state students face significantly higher base costs before aid calculations. The university's 91.5% graduation rate and strong agricultural programs make it attractive, but non-residents should carefully examine their total cost structure. Florida's year-round growing season creates excellent internship and job opportunities that help offset educational investments.

Does program size affect job placement outcomes in Applied Horticulture?

Smaller programs often provide more individualized attention and industry connections, though large research universities offer extensive resources and alumni networks. Abraham Baldwin's focused agricultural mission creates direct industry partnerships despite its smaller scale. Major universities like Purdue and University of Georgia provide research opportunities and broader career pathways. The 95.56% acceptance rate at BYU-Idaho suggests strong demand for accessible horticulture education.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing these programs?

Graduates enter varied career paths including greenhouse operations, market design firms, agricultural supply companies, and government agencies. The $29,685 to $42,123 earnings range reflects positions from entry-level technicians to specialized consultants and managers. Many work for nurseries, golf courses, botanical gardens, and agricultural extension services. Regional agriculture strength influences local opportunities, with Southeast and West Coast graduates often finding more specialized positions in high-value crop production.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.