2026 Best Value Horticulture Schools in Illinois

1

City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College
Chicago, IL

City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earned the #1 spot for value among horticulture schools in Illinois. City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical student debt for horticulture graduates is $7,500. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College generally make around $33,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL

Students looking for strong value in horticulture will find it at Lake Land College, which ranked #2. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for horticulture graduates is $8,142. Horticulture graduates of Lake Land College earn a median of $7,972 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL

Kankakee Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landing the #3 spot this year. Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Kankakee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,830. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $13,289 in student loans. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Kankakee Community College generally make around $60,509. That is a strong return on a $13,289 median debt.

4

Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL

Joliet Junior College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Typical student debt for horticulture graduates is $11,995. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt.

5

College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL

College Of Dupage is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landing the #5 spot this year. College Of Dupage is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $12,750. Students borrow a median of $12,492 to complete the horticulture program here. Early-career horticulture graduates make about $43,025. That is a strong return on a $12,492 median debt.

6

City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College
Chicago, IL

City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College earned the #6 position for value in horticulture this year. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,478 to complete the horticulture program here. Horticulture graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College earn a median of $25,842 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

College Of Lake County
Grayslake, IL

College Of Lake County came in at #7 for value in horticulture this year. Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. Early-career horticulture graduates make about $50,314. Set against $9,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL

Southwestern Illinois College landed the #8 spot for horticulture value this year. Set in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete the horticulture program here. Early-career horticulture graduates make about $44,345. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL

Mchenry County College landed the #9 spot for horticulture value this year. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. Students borrow a median of $7,440 to complete the horticulture program here. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Mchenry County College generally make around $24,177. That is a strong return on a $7,440 median debt.

10

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value horticulture schools. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,730 to complete the horticulture program here. Early-career horticulture graduates make about $46,566. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.