Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services at University of Maryland-College Park

A bachelor's degree in horticulture from UMD carries an estimated debt load of $23,900—figures derived from peer programs nationally since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish. Based on similar horticulture programs nationwide, first-year earnings hover around $44,751, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 0.5. That's manageable compared to many bachelor's degrees, though it means graduates will likely carry this debt for several years before feeling financially comfortable.

The challenge here is context. UMD is a selective institution (45% admission rate, 1463 average SAT) where most students are pursuing higher-earning majors. Comparable horticulture programs nationally suggest this field produces modest early-career earnings regardless of the school's prestige, which raises questions about opportunity cost. Students capable of gaining admission to UMD might access better-paying career paths through other programs at the same institution. That said, horticulture careers often value hands-on experience and industry connections over institutional pedigree, so the "UMD advantage" may matter less here than in business or engineering.

Given the program's tiny size and estimated figures, families should verify current job placement rates and typical career paths directly with the department. The national data suggests reasonable debt relative to earnings, but you're essentially betting on whether your child's specific outcomes will match broader industry patterns—and whether those outcomes justify attending a flagship university.