Horticulture at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,005/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (408,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 9 Applied Horticulture programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

While the earnings data looks solid, it doesn't capture the whole picture. CSU isn't just a university; it's Colorado’s premier land-grant institution, meaning its roots and resources in agriculture run deep. You're not just studying theory; you're plugging into a statewide network of research stations, extension offices, and established industry partners. The program's business focus prepares you for the modern green industry, which in a booming, eco-conscious state like Colorado, means high-end landscape design firms, massive commercial nurseries supplying new housing developments, and advanced controlled-environment agriculture. Your peers won't just be future farmers; they'll be future supply chain managers and entrepreneurs. To maximize this, your key action is to secure an internship with a Front Range commercial grower or a landscape management company before your senior year—it’s your most direct path to a management-track job offer.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $535K $533K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.3x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 40% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,189
14% growth from Year 1

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

A 90% acceptance rate means Colorado State University-Fort Collins is accessible to most applicants, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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

Horticulture at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Horticulture at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Horticulture field.
What makes Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Horticulture program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 9 programs nationally, Colorado State University-Fort Collins lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →