Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at University of Delaware

Peer programs in horticulture and horticultural business nationally suggest graduates earn around $44,750 in their first year, with typical debt loads near $23,900. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio falls in reasonable territory—you'd expect to carry debt equal to about half your first-year salary. The challenge is that both figures are national estimates, not actual outcomes from University of Delaware graduates, so there's real uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers better or worse returns than its counterparts elsewhere.

The broader concern with horticulture bachelor's degrees is whether the credential justifies four years and nearly $24,000 in debt when many horticultural careers don't require a bachelor's degree at all. Similar programs across the country produce modest early earnings that may grow significantly for graduates who move into management, research, or specialized areas like landscape architecture or greenhouse operations—but entry-level roles often pay considerably less. Delaware's higher cost of living compared to many agricultural states could squeeze those early-career budgets tighter.

If your child is passionate about horticulture and has specific career goals that genuinely require a bachelor's degree—say, botanical garden curation, plant breeding, or high-end landscape design—the estimated debt load here isn't catastrophic. But if they're exploring options or could enter the field through an associate degree or certificate program, that path might offer better value. Ask the department directly about actual placement rates and starting positions for their recent graduates.