Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Delaware Valley University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$47,375

86th percentile

Median Debt

$26,000

9% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Delaware Valley University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all applied horticulture and horticultural business services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Delaware Valley University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Delaware Valley UniversityDoylestown	$43,300	$47,375	—	$26,000	0.55
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins	$12,896	$51,005	$54,616	—	—
Brigham Young UniversityProvo	$6,496	$46,439	—	—	—
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln	$10,108	$46,289	$47,645	$24,998	0.54
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeTifton	$3,195	$44,751	$55,244	$25,000	0.56
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$41,341	$51,147	$18,422	0.45
National Median	—	$44,751	—	$23,900	0.53

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with applied horticulture and horticultural business services graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forest and Conservation Workers

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

$43,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.

$38,470/yrJobs growth:

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.

$38,470/yrJobs growth:

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Delaware Valley University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.