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Best Value Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College delivers strong value in applied horticulture with a net price of just $6,061 yet graduates earning $42,123. This Georgia institution produces some of the highest-paid graduates in the field despite being the most affordable option on our list. The 29% graduation rate reflects the hands-on nature of agricultural programs where many students transition directly into farming operations or family businesses before completing degrees. New Mexico State follows closely with a $6,747 net price, while private options like Brigham Young University charge $14,487 but maintain strong employment connections. The horticulture industry employs over 2 million workers across production, landscaping, and retail sectors, with the Southeast region leading in greenhouse and nursery production. Texas A&M and Colorado State anchor the mid-tier pricing at around $20,000 net cost, offering research opportunities and industry partnerships that justify higher expenses. Applied horticulture programs blend plant science with business management, preparing graduates for careers in greenhouse operations, garden center management, and agricultural consulting where starting salaries typically range from $30,000 to $42,000.
41
Programs
$6,061 – $32,478
Net Price Range
$36,256
Avg. Program Earnings
65.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,061 $42,123 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
2 $7,131 $31,038 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
3 $14,487 $41,205 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
4 $18,219 $37,568 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
5 $20,924 $41,193 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
6 $20,332 $39,909 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
7 $17,424 $33,993 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
8 $16,177 $29,685 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
9 $17,525 $31,848 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
10 $19,899 $33,993 $16,408 71.0% 76.4%
11 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
12 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
13 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
14 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
15 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
16 $32,478 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
17 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
18 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
19 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
20 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
21 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
22 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
23 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
24 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
25 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
26 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
27 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
28 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
29 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
30 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
31 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
32 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
33 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
34 $11,593 $7,272 28.2%
35 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
36 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
37 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
38 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
39 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
40 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
41 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Abraham Baldwin's high graduate earnings despite low costs?

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduates earn $42,123 on average, the highest among all programs surveyed, while paying just $6,061 net cost. The college's location in Georgia's agricultural corridor provides direct access to major nursery and greenhouse operations. Students often secure employment with established agricultural businesses that value hands-on experience over traditional academic metrics. The program's focus on practical skills and industry connections results in graduates entering management positions sooner than their peers.

How do public and private program costs compare for applied horticulture?

Public programs range from $6,061 at Abraham Baldwin to $23,691 at UMass-Amherst, while private options like Brigham Young University charge $14,487. Andrews University represents the high end at $33,710 sticker price but offers substantial aid. Most public programs cluster between $15,000-$20,000 net cost, making them accessible to students planning careers in agriculture. The cost difference often reflects research facilities and graduate program availability rather than employment outcomes.

Does graduation rate matter for horticulture program quality?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 29% at Abraham Baldwin to 83% at UMass-Amherst and Texas A&M. Lower rates often indicate students leaving for immediate employment opportunities rather than academic failure. Agricultural programs frequently see students inherit family operations or join established businesses before degree completion. The 29% rate at Abraham Baldwin doesn't diminish the $42,123 average earnings for those who do graduate, suggesting strong industry demand regardless of formal completion.

Where do applied horticulture graduates find the best job markets?

The Southeast leads in greenhouse and nursery production, explaining strong outcomes at Abraham Baldwin and other regional programs. Colorado State's $39,909 graduate earnings reflect the state's growing cannabis and specialty crop industries. Texas A&M graduates benefit from the state's massive agricultural economy and urban landscaping demand. Programs in agricultural states typically offer better networking opportunities and internship placements with major growers and distributors.

Is student debt manageable in horticulture programs?

Most programs show reasonable debt levels, with Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates carrying just $11,999 in debt while earning $31,038. Texas A&M graduates manage $16,706 debt against $41,193 earnings, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. Abraham Baldwin's $20,500 debt level becomes highly manageable with $42,123 starting salaries. The hands-on nature of these programs often leads to part-time work opportunities that help offset educational costs during enrollment.

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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.