Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at Tarleton State University

Similar horticulture programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $44,751, which would put this degree's estimated debt load of $23,900 at roughly half that figure—a manageable ratio by most measures. However, the Texas landscape tells a more sobering story: peer programs in the state typically produce median earnings closer to $38,000, with lower debt burdens around $18,500. If Tarleton's graduates track closer to state norms than national ones, that debt becomes a heavier lift.

The comparison with Texas A&M and Texas Tech reinforces this concern. Even A&M's agriculture program, with its extensive industry connections, shows first-year earnings of just $41,000—and Tech's graduates start at under $35,000. Agriculture and horticulture careers often reward experience and specialization over time, but those first years can be lean. With Tarleton serving a largely rural population (37% Pell-eligible), many students may not have financial cushions to weather slower earnings growth.

If your child is passionate about the field and has clear pathways into nursery management, landscape design, or agribusiness sales, the estimated debt load isn't prohibitive. But given the uncertainty in these figures and the consistently modest earnings across Texas horticulture programs, keeping actual borrowing well below $24,000—or pursuing in-state tuition advantages—becomes critical to making the investment work.