by our College Data Analytics Team
[Horticulture](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/horticulture/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 30 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value horticulture schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in horticulture, balancing cost against outcomes.
Williamson College Of The Trades tops our 2026 list of the best value horticulture schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Located in the suburb of Media, Williamson College Of The Trades is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $31,611. Williamson College Of The Trades admits about 22% of applicants.
The Community College Of Baltimore County is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,110, while out-of-state students pay about $10,182. Typical student debt for horticulture graduates is $18,038. Early-career horticulture graduates make about $52,440. That is a strong return on a $18,038 median debt.
Niagara County Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value horticulture schools. Niagara County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Sanborn. Students from in state pay about $6,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,030. Students borrow a median of $13,970 to complete the horticulture program here. Horticulture graduates of Niagara County Community College earn a median of $36,258 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,970 median debt.
Farmingdale State College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value horticulture schools. Located in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,536. Students borrow a median of $23,900 to complete the horticulture program here. Horticulture graduates of Farmingdale State College earn a median of $50,374 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Finger Lakes Community College earned it the #5 place for horticulture. Finger Lakes Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Canandaigua. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,258, while out-of-state students pay about $8,442. Students borrow a median of $16,736 to complete the horticulture program here. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Finger Lakes Community College generally make around $40,467. That is a strong return on a $16,736 median debt.
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Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology came in at #6 for value in horticulture this year. Set in the suburb of Media, Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,850. Typical student debt for horticulture graduates is $22,631. Early-career horticulture graduates make about $40,998. Set against $22,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #7 position for value in horticulture this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania College Of Technology came in at #8 for value in horticulture this year. Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Williamsport. In-state tuition and fees average $17,940, while out-of-state students pay about $25,680. Typical student debt for horticulture graduates is $12,000. Horticulture graduates of Pennsylvania College Of Technology earn a median of $30,185 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for horticulture value this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 30 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.