by our College Data Analytics Team
[Horticulture](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/horticulture/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong horticulture education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for horticulture students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the horticulture degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Lake Land College the best value for a degree in horticulture in Illinois. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $8,142 in student loans. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Lake Land College generally make around $7,972. That is a strong return on a $8,142 median debt.
Kankakee Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landing the #2 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, compared with $25,830 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $13,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mchenry County College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landing the #3 spot this year. Mchenry County College is a large public school located in the rural area of Crystal Lake. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $7,440 in student loans. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Mchenry County College generally make around $24,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes College Of Dupage one of the best values for horticulture. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from College Of Dupage generally make around $43,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College one of the best values for horticulture. City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Horticulture graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earn a median of $33,326 early in their careers. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value horticulture schools. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Olive Harvey College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, 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. Set against $8,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwestern Illinois College placed #7 among the best values for horticulture. Located in the suburb of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Horticulture graduates carry a median of $10,388 in student loans. Soon after graduation, horticulture degree recipients from Southwestern Illinois College generally make around $44,345. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.