Horticulture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,289/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (408,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 9 Applied Horticulture programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

As a land-grant university in the heart of America's agricultural center, Nebraska-Lincoln offers more than just a degree; it provides a direct line into the regional industry. Your strong earning potential isn't just about knowing plants—it's about understanding the business of large-scale production agriculture, from supply chain management to labor supervision. The program’s reputation means you'll be a known quantity to the major agribusinesses, large-scale commercial greenhouses, and farm management firms that dominate the Midwest. This isn't a small-scale gardening program; it prepares you to manage the complex operations that feed the country. For the best career trajectory, actively seek internships with one of the large regional producers or agribusiness firms. The hands-on management experience you gain will be the single most important factor in landing a high-responsibility role right after graduation.

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 $533K $530K $496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.1x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 40% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,432
Out-of-state: $110,992 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,696
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,648
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,741
23% growth from Year 1

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Horticulture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Horticulture field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →