2026 Best Value Horticultural Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus tops our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools in the Great Lakes Region. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete the horticultural science program here. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $63,111. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

2

University Of Wisconsin River Falls
River Falls, WI

Students looking for strong value in horticultural science will find it at University Of Wisconsin River Falls, which ranked #2. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of River Falls. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $22,251. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $48,791. That is a strong return on a $22,251 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants.

3

University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Platteville, WI

University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticultural science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $19,125. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $47,910. Set against $19,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

Students looking for strong value in horticultural science will find it at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $21,813. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $59,877. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

5

Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Wooster, OH

Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute is a small public school located in the town of Wooster. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,584, compared with $36,362 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $11,717. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute generally make around $34,898. Set against $11,717 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best values for horticultural science. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Horticultural Science graduates carry a median of $13,911 in student loans. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $42,712. That is a strong return on a $13,911 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

7

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #7 for value in horticultural science this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Horticultural Science graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $35,701. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.