Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Ohio State ATI's horticulture program lands at the median nationally but performs better than most Ohio competitors—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide despite matching the state's typical earnings. The real story here is the debt load: at $12,000, it's lower than 75% of similar programs nationally, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35. That means your child could realistically pay off their loans in under a year of focused repayment, assuming they don't face major life expenses.

The earnings trajectory shows solid growth—14% from year one to year four—reaching nearly $39,000 by the mid-career mark. For context, this is practical work in landscaping, greenhouse management, or nursery operations, not corner-office careers. The relatively low debt burden matters more here than raw earning power. With Ohio State's reputation opening doors and a manageable loan load, graduates can actually take positions that interest them rather than scrambling for the highest-paying option to service debt.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, the combination of affordable debt and steady earnings growth makes this a reasonable investment for students genuinely interested in the green industry. Just ensure your child understands they're entering a hands-on field where passion for plants matters as much as the credential.