I have been working on a AS in ornamental horticulture at a local community college. Look around your state and see what the different schools have to offer you might be surprised. I have been going at night one class at a time(for 3 years now)and am only half way there.
I'm old and have lots of experience, lots of jobs ask for a degree or so many years experience. I am hoping to skate by with only a A.S. degree. But I would look for a community college near a state college so you could transfer after completeing your Associates and continue your education. Realistically an Associates is bare bones in the aborculture field. Now a Bachelors degree is entry level into a lot of way cool jobs.
As much as I love climbing trees and stuff, you don't want to have to do that for to many years. Check out the different jobs available
in this trade, You might be surprised. Apply for your grants from the FEDS and State, scholarships are sometimes available.
I hate it when old people say" if I knew then, what I know now, I would of did it different." Now it's me saying that:msp_tongue: Arborculture, Forestry, are great and interesting fields, and need educated, informed, people. Don't stop at an Associates.