Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at Delaware Valley University

Delaware Valley University's horticulture program produces graduates who earn nearly $3,000 more than the national median within their first year, ranking in the 86th percentile nationally—an impressive showing for a field that typically doesn't command high starting salaries. The $26,000 in median debt sits well below average for bachelor's programs, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that suggests manageable repayment. For context, graduates would need to dedicate roughly 11% of their gross income to standard loan payments.

The numbers look particularly strong compared to other horticulture programs nationwide, though with only one similar program in Pennsylvania, state comparisons are limited. The real question for parents is whether $47,375 aligns with their expectations for a four-year degree. This represents solid compensation for work many graduates genuinely enjoy, and the relatively low debt burden means financial stress shouldn't overshadow career satisfaction.

One significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, for families drawn to this field, Delaware Valley's combination of reasonable debt and above-average starting pay offers better financial footing than most horticulture programs. If your child is passionate about the work, the economics here won't stand in their way.