Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Eastern Kentucky University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$44,751

Est. from national median (9 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,900

Est. from national median (5 programs)

Analysis

A Bachelor's degree in Applied Horticulture with estimated first-year earnings around $44,750 faces an uphill climb against nearly $24,000 in debt—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that means half your child's first year of income goes toward paying off loans before taxes. While this mirrors what peer programs nationally produce, it's a tough financial start for a field where hands-on experience often matters more than a four-year degree. Eastern Kentucky serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (39%), and for families already stretching financially, this debt load deserves careful scrutiny.

The challenge isn't just the starting salary—it's where horticulture careers tend to go from there. This field values practical skills and certifications that don't always require a bachelor's degree, and many successful growers, landscape managers, and nursery operators build expertise through shorter programs or on-the-job training. If your child is passionate about this path, explore whether a two-year degree or certificate program might deliver similar outcomes with significantly less debt. Community colleges often have strong partnerships with local nurseries and landscaping businesses.

Before committing to this program, get specifics: What percentage of graduates find work in horticulture versus taking retail or general management jobs? Does the program offer paid internships or co-op experiences that could offset costs? The estimated figures suggest a manageable but not comfortable financial picture—one that becomes truly viable only if your child secures industry-relevant work quickly after graduation.

Where Eastern Kentucky University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all applied horticulture and horticultural business services bachelors's 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
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond	$10,130	$44,751*	—	$23,900*	—
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins	$12,896	$51,005*	$54,616	—*	—
Delaware Valley UniversityDoylestown	$43,300	$47,375*	—	$26,000*	0.55
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
National Median	—	$44,751*	—	$23,900*	0.53

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Eastern Kentucky University, approximately 39% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.