### SUMMARY

 A degree in Horticultural Science is not only a valuable choice, but typically an essential first step for undergrads trying to enter a career as a bioprocessing engineer, a plant geneticist, or a forestry technician. Interestingly, horticultural science is a very rare major coming in at the 276th most popular degree. Last year alone, there were 528 horticultural science degrees conferred. In-state tuition for horticultural science at private colleges is, on average, 3.9 times more pricey than their public peers.

 With just 45 institutions offering horticultural science you could have a smaller selection of institutions that will have an option for you. If you're hoping to surround yourself with other horticultural science majors, consider universities in Iowa which have the most students admitted to horticultural science annually. Zooming out, the top region to major in horticultural science is in the Plains region with [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university), [Kansas State University](/colleges/kansas-state-university), and [Missouri State University-Springfield](/colleges/missouri-state-university-springfield) best representing the region. Interestingly, our selection of the best conference to major in horticultural science is the Big Twelve Conference with [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university), [Kansas State University](/colleges/kansas-state-university), and [Oklahoma State University-Main Campus](/colleges/oklahoma-state-university-main-campus) representing the conference. From our list of the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our selection for the best university for horticultural science is [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida).

 The best school is not necessarily the 'best' school for every student. There can be lots more facets to weigh when selecting institution. Things such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food would definitely impact your feelings of where to go to university. Here at authority.org, we have examined the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you want to know which horticultural science school is home to the best campus, the answer is [Michigan State University](/colleges/michigan-state-university). If you are very interested in which university boasts the top campus, we have an entire list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through student reviews, government databases, professor reviews, and more so we can compare every major in the United States in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can explore our well researched list for the colleges with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand, from that list, our choice of the college with the best student life for horticultural science is [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida). Are you curious why? Keep reading to learn more about our top selections. Many of our conclusions will probably shock you.

 If price is a significant factor in your decision on where to go to school, you might consider avoiding [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont). [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont)&nbspappears to be our most expensive university for horticultural science, at least for out of state students. We have a list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspcolleges that might put the cost of [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont)&nbspinto perspective. You could also be interested to know that horticultural science is the 282nd most expensive program in America, with an average associated cost of $25,400. On a broader scale, the most expensive state for horticultural science nationally is Vermont with expenses at the main institution, University of Vermont, of $41,280. Even more broadly, the most expensive region of the U.S. for horticultural science is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) with a cost of $35,112, and [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont) with a cost of $41,280.

 Our cheapest region for horticultural science is the Southwest region which is represented by [Oklahoma State University-Main Campus](/colleges/oklahoma-state-university-main-campus) with a cost of $20,877, [Sam Houston State University](/colleges/sam-houston-state-university) with a cost of $15,984, and [Stephen F Austin State University](/colleges/stephen-f-austin-state-university) with a cost of $16,224. In better news, the most affordable college for horticultural science is [University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez](/colleges/university-of-puerto-rico-mayaguez). Authority's comprehensive list of the most affordable schools can be found [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can expect to pay around $10,500 for a degree in horticultural science. That cost swells dramatically to an average of $26,100 for an out-of-state public-school student. On that note, our pick for the school representing the best value for horticultural science: [University of Wisconsin-Madison](/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-madison). Through this link you can see our comprehensive list of the universities we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. Bear in mind, this list is predicated on the assumption that you are an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when it comes to in-state tuition, but we do not know where you live (and are not trying to collect that kind of data).

 Earnings for horticultural science students differ widely, but within two years leaving college graduates will regularly earn around $61,900. While there can be much variation in earnings potential; top earners can experience pay up to $114,500. Straight out of school, the lowest earning opportunities within the horticultural science field earn $32,900, which is an alright wage. The top earning graduates from horticultural science come from [Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University](/colleges/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university)&nbspand if you want to find the universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The all-around diversity of horticultural science ranks in the bottom, ranking in only the 18th percentile of all programs. The college with the most composite diversity for horticultural science is [Temple University](/colleges/temple-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list of the schools with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of the Horticultural Science major ranks only within the 56th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is even less in the 13th percentile. White students make up the largest share at 78% of those studying horticultural science. Additionally, 54% of undergraduates pursuing a horticultural science degree are men.

 The median ranking for horticultural science's professors is 4.45 stars, a score that is 11% higher than the median score across all majors; this is a pretty good ranking. If you are interested in the most popular horticultural science instructor nationally, consider looking up Jaclyn Costello at [University of Nevada-Las Vegas](/colleges/university-of-nevada-las-vegas). This might come as a shock, but the highest rated horticultural science professors according to students are found at [Florida International University](/colleges/florida-international-university). As we including data other than basic rankings it becomes clear that the university with comprehensively the best professors for horticultural science is [Purdue University-Main Campus](/colleges/purdue-university-main-campus). One will find more detail on our evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as some of the best examples of professors in the country.

 Finally, the hardest college to get into for horticultural science is [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida). While we are unsure why you would be interested, we have a comprehensive list of the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). Although, we hope you understand that considering academics with a perspective mainly formed from superlatives might create problems. We at Authority hope you read our other pages on different colleges and explore a few of our helpful background articles on useful things to consider as you progress with your university search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Horticultural science is the 276th most popular degree in America, with 528 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #277 [Missionary Studies](/rankings/best-colleges-for-missionary-studies), and narrowly lost to #275 [Ecology and Evolutionary Biology](/rankings/best-colleges-for-ecology-and-evolutionary-biology).

 The degree is offered at a total of 45 colleges across the nation, and is the 290th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 2% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that 92% of colleges offering horticultural science are public making it a very accessible field.

 The plains produces the most horticultural science graduates, largely led by [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university), while it’s the Big Twelve Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, Iowa ranks highest, with particular help from [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university) and [University of Arkansas](/colleges/university-of-arkansas), which graduated 41 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study horticultural science). More students studied horticultural science as a percentage of total students at [Fort Valley State University](/colleges/fort-valley-state-university) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Horticultural science is the 282nd most expensive major in the US, with a median cost of $25,418 amongst the top 50 programs.

 New England has the most expensive colleges with top of the line horticultural science programs predominantly led by [University of Massachusetts-Amherst](/colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst) with an annual cost of $35,112. Vermont is the most expensive state for horticultural science led by [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont).

 Public schools with good programs by and large charge 74.17% less than private schools for in-state students. When looking at out-of-state tuition however, the median top 50 Public school charges 35.68% less than the median private school. So, if you're trying to find a state school, make sure you're eligible for in-state tuition as soon as possible.

 The most pricey option in the top 25 is [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont). The most affordable option in the top 100 is [University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez](/colleges/university-of-puerto-rico-mayaguez). It costs just $5,952 per year, and it's its horticultural science program is ranked #13. Another more affordable pick would be #25, [University of Wisconsin-River Falls](/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-river-falls) in Pierce County, WI with a cost of $6,428 for in-state students and $14,001 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Begining college is a huge investment for most undergraduates. It's critical to make sure you increase your future earning potential. We wish for the following job placement and income info to aid you in deciding your major at college.

 The average Horticultural Science student draws a starting income of $40,912 a year (close to national median 44th percentile). With experience in their professions, they can earn up to $114,542 to as little as $32,869, but average roughly $61,850. To put it in context, that's 60% above the United States average.

 The most popular work position for a Horticultural Science graduate is Staff Scientist, which by and large earn roughly $59,000; next are Research Scientist and Project Scientist, which generally make about $55,000 and $54,000 respectively.

 New England has the highest grossing Horticultural Science graduates. The highest earning state for Horticultural Science graduates is IA. Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association has the highest earning Horticultural Science graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Horticultural Science: Median Professor Rating: 4.45 / 5, which is Top 50.

 Instructors always play an immense role in your college experience, regardless of your major. An amazing teacher may help a student find their passion and set you up for future success. Alternatively, a bad experience with a professor can derail your development or even worse... flunk you!

 Horticultural Science professors boast a median student rating of 4.45 out of 5, putting them in 43rd place in America grounded in overall professor effectivness. For context that's 11.25% higher than the national median professor rating for all subjects. Horticultural Science professors barely edged-out those from ["Printmaking"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-printmaking), whereas ["Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-ancient-near-eastern-and-biblical-languages-literatures-and-linguistics)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Horticultural Science.

 Now for some statistics about Horticultural Science professors. Colleges located in large suburbs tend to have the best Horticultural Science professors. The Conference USA has the highest rated Horticultural Science professors. The Southeast region has the highest rated Horticultural Science professors. Private universities tend to have higher rated Horticultural Science professors than public colleges. Finally, Florida has the highest rated Horticultural Science professors in the United States.

 Jaclyn Costello, instructor at [University of Nevada-Las Vegas](/colleges/university-of-nevada-las-vegas)&nbspin Las Vegas, NV is the most popular Horticultural Science professor in the United States. Lisa Boskovic, instructor at [Florida International University](/colleges/florida-international-university)&nbspin Miami, FL is the highest rated Horticultural Science professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Find out which universities have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be a very revelatory period of one's life; it is a time for personal progress and expansion. Undergrads try to realize who they hope to become and develop the integral skills to become a halcyon adult. But learning is not simply found in a classroom - the discussions which one has with his schoolmates, the personal lesson gained from a tenured professor, the exposure to a different view. As such, finding a diverse college tremendously enriches what one gains from the time in university.

 Horticultural Science is a less racially diverse major than average\*. 78% of the nation's Horticultural Science majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(11%), latino students (5%), and black students (4%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [University of Wisconsin-Madison](/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-madison) located in Madison, WI.

 Moreover, Horticultural Science is highly diverse with respect to gender, with 46% of students majoring in Horticultural Science identifying as women. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Stephen F Austin State University](/colleges/stephen-f-austin-state-university) in Nacogdoches, TX.

 Another critical type of diversity is class diversity. Horticultural Science is close to average for financial diversity (44th percentile). 31% of its students come from families earning more than $110,000 per year, 18% are from homes that make between $75,000 and $110,000 a year, and 21% grew up in homes with a sub $30,000 yearly income. [Northwest Missouri State University](/colleges/northwest-missouri-state-university) has the most economically diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall IN is the most diverse state for Horticultural Science. The Southeast is the most diverse region, and the Big Twelve Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 3%
* Black: 4%
* Latino: 5%
* White: 78%
* Other: 11%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 54%
* Female: 46%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 21%
* 30k - 48k: 14%
* 48k - 75k: 17%
* 75k - 110k: 18%
* Over 110k: 31%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 69%
* Out of State: 27%
* International: 4%


University of Florida

University of Georgia

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Texas A & M University-College Station

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Wisconsin-Madison

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Michigan State University

Purdue University-Main Campus

University of Maryland-College Park

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Auburn University

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University of Connecticut

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Iowa State University

University of Arkansas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Foothill College

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Andrews University

Oregon State University

Search for the best Horticultural Science colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Horticultural Science Salary

There are about 1,509 students enrolled in Horticultural Science in the USA.

SALARY