LEXINGTON, Ky.,  — The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment offers one of the best affordable bachelor’s degrees in horticulture in the U.S., Affordable Schools recently announced. Based on in-state attendance costs, class sizes and graduation rates, Affordable Schools ranked the UK Department of Horticulture as No. 13.

The horticulture department has a student-faculty ratio of 16-to-1 and offers many opportunities for students to acquire hands-on experience while working with nationally and internationally recognized faculty. The program is currently restructuring its degree offerings, with administration planning to finalize two revised and updated degree options by fall 2020. A science-focused track, horticulture and plant science, will equip students to pursue advanced degrees or careers in the Cooperative Extension Service, the US Department of Agriculture, arboretums or botanical gardens to name a few. The applied horticultural degree track will be called horticulture production and management. That track is meant for students who are interested in becoming nursery or greenhouse managers, raising vegetables in a farm setting, or taking over or beginning a business of their own, as well as other opportunities.

Richard Durham, director of horticulture’s undergraduate program, said specific core classes will be defined for each track to give students the best experience and education for their particular career goals.

“Our goal is to continually strengthen our program offerings to prepare our students for successful careers in the field, whether that be in research and outreach or in horticultural production,” he said.

The department also contributes to bachelor of science cross-disciplinary degrees in sustainable agriculture and agricultural and medical biotechnology.

“We are honored that we have been recognized for the outstanding education we provide for a reasonable price,” Durham said.

The UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has 14 academic units that serve 2,713 undergraduates in 21 majors.

According to its website, Affordable Schools is a leading higher education resource that helps adults of all ages and backgrounds obtain a high quality education while avoiding huge college costs.