Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at Lake Land College

The $7,972 first-year earnings figure here demands immediate explanation—this isn't what full-time horticulture work pays. Lake Land College's certificate appears to capture graduates in transitional employment or part-time positions immediately after completion, which makes sense for a short-term credential that students may earn while working. The extremely low debt load of $8,142 keeps this manageable, but families should understand this program sits in the 5th percentile nationally for earnings despite being perfectly average for Illinois (60th percentile). That Illinois ranking reveals how weak horticulture certificate outcomes are statewide rather than suggesting this program outperforms.

The national median for this certificate is $28,703—more than three times higher—which suggests either geographic differences in the industry or that this credential works best as a supplement to existing employment rather than a standalone qualification. With minimal debt, there's limited financial risk, but families should verify what graduates actually do after completion and whether this certificate leads to better positions over time or primarily serves students already working in landscaping or nursery operations.

If your student needs formal horticulture credentials for career advancement or licensing, the low cost makes this reasonable. But if they're expecting this certificate alone to launch a new career with living wages, the first-year data suggests that's not the typical outcome.