Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Georgia

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$44,751

Est. from national median (9 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$23,900

Est. from national median (5 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

A bachelor's degree in horticulture typically leads to first-year earnings around $45,000 nationally, and similar programs in Georgia suggest this range holds true for UGA's program as well. With estimated debt of $23,900, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53—meaning they'd owe roughly half their first-year salary. This falls within manageable territory, though it's not the standout return you might expect from a selective flagship university.

The challenge here is understanding what "applied horticulture and horticultural business services" means in practice. These programs can lead to diverse careers—from landscape design to greenhouse management to sales positions with agricultural companies—and compensation varies significantly by path. The national data pool is small (just 41 programs), which explains why specific outcomes for UGA aren't available. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia's other program in this field, shows the same earnings figure, suggesting these estimates reflect actual regional market conditions.

For families weighing this investment, the debt level appears reasonable relative to expected earnings, but the broader question is career trajectory. If your student is passionate about horticulture and has a clear sense of their career direction within the field, the financial picture looks workable. But if they're uncertain about their specific path or considering this as a general "outdoor work" degree, it's worth having detailed conversations with the program about typical graduate outcomes and career placement.

Where University of Georgia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all applied horticulture and horticultural business services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (2 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of GeorgiaAthens	$11,180	$44,751*	—	$23,900*	—
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeTifton	$3,195	$44,751*	$55,244	$25,000*	0.56
National Median	—	$44,751*	—	$23,900*	0.53

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with applied horticulture and horticultural business services graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forest and Conservation Workers

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

$43,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.

$38,470/yrJobs growth:

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.

$38,470/yrJobs growth:

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Georgia, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.