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Applied Horticulture at Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, ID · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,238/yr (-36% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (408,500 openings/yr)

ROI 26.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #7 of 9 Applied Horticulture programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Applied Horticulture graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$492K	$492K	$463K
Earnings Multiple	26.4x	26.4x	24.8x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	40%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$18,624

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$28,524

-53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,999

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,287

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,238/yr fall 36% below the $40,808 national median for Applied Horticulture. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 26.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Applied Horticulture career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $11,999 in median debt against $26,238 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Applied Horticulture is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Brigham Young University-Idaho's #7 ranking should be read in that context.

The $26,238-to-$43,287 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 42,090 students enrolled in Rexburg, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at Brigham Young University-Idaho →

Top Career Paths

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr

First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers $59,330/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Applied Horticulture at Other Schools

Other Majors at Brigham Young University-Idaho

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Applied Horticulture at Brigham Young University-Idaho?

At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Applied Horticulture programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Brigham Young University-Idaho a good choice for Applied Horticulture despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Brigham Young University-Idaho's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →