Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Abraham Baldwin's horticulture program sits right at the national median for first-year earnings but climbs to the 60th percentile among Georgia programs—though with only two in-state options, that comparison has limited value. The real story here is the 23% earnings jump to $55,244 by year four, which suggests graduates are moving into management roles or starting their own businesses, common paths in the horticulture industry. With $25,000 in typical debt—well below the national average for bachelor's degrees—the debt burden equals just over half of first-year earnings, creating a manageable repayment scenario.

The caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. That said, the fundamentals look solid for students genuinely interested in the field. The low debt load matters more than the modest starting salary when you're entering a hands-on industry where experience and entrepreneurship often drive long-term success. For a family evaluating this specialized program, it represents a low-risk entry into a stable sector, particularly appealing for students who prefer working outdoors and aren't chasing six-figure corporate salaries. Just recognize you're choosing a lifestyle and industry as much as a paycheck.