Applied Horticulture at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Wooster, OH · Public · Associate Degree · Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

with a smaller student body of 431 in Wooster, OH.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,190 at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute come in 9% above the national median of $31,250 for Applied Horticulture programs.

With a 23.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Applied Horticulture career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $34,190 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Applied Horticulture is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute's #5 ranking should be read in that context.

A 25% earnings increase from $34,190 to $42,621 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 12 apprenticeship pathways connected to Applied Horticulture reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
60
Score
62
High End
Earnings $34,190/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (408,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$444K
5.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
23.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$18,620
Out-of-state: $69,632
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,621
25% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Applied Horticulture graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980 -1.3% 63%
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350 +4.1% 50%
First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers $59,330 +2.5% 72%
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980
-1.3% growth 63% AI-proof
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
$59,330
+2.5% growth 72% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

About Applied Horticulture Careers

Your career in horticulture starts with your hands in the soil. As an entry-level landscaping or groundskeeping worker, you’ll spend your days outdoors operating mowers and trimmers, planting seasonal beds, and installing irrigation systems. You’ll learn the trade from the ground up, transforming ordinary spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes.

Read the full Applied Horticulture career guide →

Compare & Explore

Applied Horticulture Overview

Applied Horticulture at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Applied Horticulture at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Applied Horticulture is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Can I learn Applied Horticulture through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 12 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Applied Horticulture career paths, including Agricultural Service Worker. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How many job openings are there for Applied Horticulture graduates?
With approximately 408,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Applied Horticulture offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →