Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NC State's horticulture associate program significantly outperforms most programs nationally—ranking in the 95th percentile for earnings—but there's an important asterisk: the small sample size means these numbers may not reflect typical outcomes. First-year median earnings of $38,339 beat the national average by about $4,000, and with just $14,375 in debt, graduates face manageable repayment (roughly 37% of first-year income). That debt level is lower than 95% of similar programs nationwide.

The state context tells an interesting story. With 21 horticulture programs across North Carolina, this one sits at the state median for both earnings and debt. That's still solid—NC State offers the prestige and industry connections of a major research university without the price premium you might expect. The relatively selective admissions (40% acceptance rate, 1380 average SAT) suggest students are prepared for the rigorous coursework that supports strong career outcomes.

The real question is whether these numbers hold up as the program grows. Small cohorts can produce misleading averages—a few students landing premium positions at major nurseries or landscape firms could skew the data upward. For North Carolina families, this represents a low-risk entry point into a practical field, but verify current job placement rates and typical employer partnerships before committing. The combination of strong academics and reasonable cost works, assuming the program maintains these outcomes with larger cohorts.