2026 Best Value Horticulture Schools
Looking for the best-value Horticulture programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 284 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Horticulture Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Horticulture school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Horticulture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 284 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #2 spot. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical Horticulture student debt is $14,935. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
Out of the 284 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northeast Community College landed the #3 spot. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,937 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. Read more about Northeast Community College
You'll get strong value at Kirkwood Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Typical Horticulture student debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Kirkwood Community College
Out of the 284 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #5 spot. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Horticulture program here. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. The median Horticulture program debt is $13,319. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
North Shore Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Danvers, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. Typical Horticulture student debt is $14,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. That is a strong return on a $14,145 median debt. More on North Shore Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. The median Horticulture program debt is $12,749. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
Southeast Technical Institute ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Horticulture students take on a median of $18,442 in debt. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Technical Institute
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. The median Horticulture program debt is $11,889. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
South Dakota State University placed #11 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Horticulture program debt is $24,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. This public school is set in Tifton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $10,588. The median Horticulture program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,996 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College report
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College Horticulture students take on a median of $17,730 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. Set against $17,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College report
Horry Georgetown Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Horry Georgetown Technical College is a public school based in Conway, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,518, compared with $10,978 for out-of-state students. Horry Georgetown Technical College Horticulture students take on a median of $19,172 in debt. Horry Georgetown Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,507 a decade after entry. Set against $19,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Horry Georgetown Technical College
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $14,956 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Cornell University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Horticulture program here. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
Owens Community College placed #17 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Located in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Typical Horticulture student debt is $19,383. Median earnings reach $37,275 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Owens Community College
Lake Land College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, with out-of-state students paying around $14,301. Typical Horticulture student debt is $8,142. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,877 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,142 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Land College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. The median Horticulture program debt is $23,730. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $24,998 to complete their Horticulture program here. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,998 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill placed #21 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Based in Cobleskill, NY, Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,768, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. Typical Horticulture student debt is $23,490. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,030 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,490 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Horticulture students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median Horticulture program debt is $19,273. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $19,273 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a public school based in Wooster, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,584 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,362 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute Horticulture students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute profile
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Horticulture program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Horticulture Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Horticulture students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $14,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Georgia ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median Horticulture program debt is $21,903. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Washington State University
Oregon State University placed #31 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Set in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Horticulture program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,422 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $18,422 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Spartanburg Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Located in Spartanburg, SC, Spartanburg Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,071, compared with $10,135 for out-of-state students. Typical Horticulture student debt is $10,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Spartanburg Community College
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Horticulture students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
Mississippi State University placed #36 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Mississippi State University Horticulture students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
Pennsylvania College Of Technology landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Williamsport, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,940, with out-of-state students paying around $25,680. The median Horticulture program debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $52,567 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Pennsylvania College Of Technology report
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Utah State University
Niagara County Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sanborn, NY, Niagara County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,894, compared with $12,030 for out-of-state students. The median Horticulture program debt is $13,970. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,285. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Niagara County Community College report
Front Range Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their Horticulture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Front Range Community College
Temple University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Horticulture students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Temple University report
Clemson University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Horticulture program here. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
Delaware Valley College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Located in Doylestown, PA, Delaware Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Horticulture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,838. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Delaware Valley College
University Of Rhode Island offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. University Of Rhode Island Horticulture students take on a median of $23,432 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,743. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Rhode Island
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. New Mexico State University Main Campus Horticulture students take on a median of $19,026 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. Set against $19,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New Mexico State University Main Campus
Michigan State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $13,722 to complete their Horticulture program here. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #47 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Horticulture students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
University Of Maine came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Graduates carry a median of $25,984 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maine profile
Central Piedmont Community College placed #48 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Read the full report on Central Piedmont Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College placed #49 among the best-value Horticulture schools in the United States. Read the full report on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Virginia Western Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Horticulture schools. Get the full Virginia Western Community College report
Best Value Horticulture Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Horticulture Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Horticulture Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Horticulture Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Horticulture Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Horticulture Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Horticulture Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Horticulture Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 284 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.