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2026 Best Value Horticultural Science Schools in the Southeast Region

8 Colleges in the United States
$20,840 Avg Student Debt
$66,261 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Horticultural Science Badge [Horticultural Science](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/plant-sciences/horticultural-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong horticultural science education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 13 schools to find the best return on investment for horticultural science students.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Horticultural Science Schools in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in horticultural science, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Horticultural Science Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools in the Southeast Region. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $12,281. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $51,815. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

University Of Georgia came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the horticultural science program here. Horticultural Science graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $47,698 early in their careers. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

3
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticultural science, landing the #3 spot this year. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Horticultural Science graduates carry a median of $20,311 in student loans. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $45,994. That is a strong return on a $20,311 median debt. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes North Carolina State University At Raleigh one of the best values for horticultural science. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $22,156. Horticultural Science graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $42,008 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,156 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Kentucky is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticultural science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete the horticultural science program here. Horticultural Science graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $49,568 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

6
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas landed the #6 spot for horticultural science value this year. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete the horticultural science program here. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $52,555. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants.

7
Clemson University crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools. Clemson University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Clemson. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for horticultural science graduates is $21,724. Soon after graduation, horticultural science degree recipients from Clemson University generally make around $46,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.

8

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value horticultural science schools. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Horticultural Science graduates carry a median of $20,687 in student loans. Horticultural Science graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $42,861 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

9
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University placed #9 among the best values for horticultural science. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Horticultural Science graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career horticultural science graduates make about $44,818. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.

View All Horticultural Science Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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