Best institutions to study Equestrian/Equine Studies
A program that focuses on the horse, horsemanship, and related subjects and prepares individuals to care for horses and horse equipment; ride and drive horses for leisure, sport, show, and professional purposes; and manage the training of horses and riders.
47 U.S. institutions graduated 573 Equestrian/Equine Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 01.0507, a specialization of Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services (CIP 01.05), and leads most directly to the Animal Trainers occupation (BLS SOC 39-2011).
About Equestrian/Equine Studies programs
A program that focuses on the horse, horsemanship, and related subjects and prepares individuals to care for horses and horse equipment; ride and drive horses for leisure, sport, show, and professional purposes; and manage the training of horses and riders. Includes instruction in horse breeding, nutrition, health, and safety; history of the horse and horsemanship; horse development and training; riding and equestrian technique; stable, paddock, and track management; and equipment maintenance and repair.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Equestrian/Equine Studies program focuses on the care and management of horses, horsemanship, and related subjects. It is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the equine industry, whether for leisure, sport, or professional purposes. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about horses and wish to develop their skills in riding, training, and horse care.
Students in this program gain knowledge in horse breeding, nutrition, health, and safety, along with practical skills in riding techniques, stable management, and equipment maintenance. Core coursework emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and active learning strategies.
Credentials awarded
What Equestrian/Equine Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree298 graduates / yr · 24 institutions52%
- Associate's degree131 graduates / yr · 21 institutions23%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year121 graduates / yr · 12 institutions21%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years23 graduates / yr · 5 institutions4.0%
Graduates over time
Equestrian/Equine Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 646 |
| 2013 | 706 |
| 2014 | 733 |
| 2015 | 780 |
| 2016 | 777 |
| 2017 | 990 |
| 2018 | 825 |
| 2019 | 719 |
| 2020 | 667 |
| 2021 | 574 |
| 2022 | 502 |
| 2023 | 574 |
| 2024 | 628 |
| 2025 | 573 |
Top 47 institutions for Equestrian/Equine Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicBachelor's | 47 | 67% | — | $31,881 |
| 2 | Post University Waterbury, CTPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 42 | 25% | $14,659 | — |
| 3 | College of Central Florida Ocala, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 39 | 44% | — | — |
| 4 | The University of Findlay Findlay, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 37 | 58% | $23,128 | $22,211 |
| 5 | Lamar Community College Lamar, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 33 | 55% | — | — |
| 6 | The University of Montana - Western Dillon, MTPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 30 | 51% | — | — |
| 7 | Martin Community College Williamston, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 27 | 39% | — | — |
| 8 | Midway University Midway, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 24 | 41% | $23,658 | $33,696 |
| 9 | Centenary University Hackettstown, NJPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 21 | 56% | $17,490 | $34,104 |
| 10 | Asbury University Wilmore, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 16 | 65% | $19,816 | — |
| 11 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 16 | 43% | — | — |
| 12 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 75% | — | — |
| 13 | Central Wyoming College Riverton, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 14 | 37% | — | — |
| 14 | William Woods University Fulton, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 47% | $22,203 | $30,545 |
| 15 | East Texas A&M University Commerce, TXPublicBachelor's | 13 | 43% | — | — |
| 16 | Emory & Henry University Emory, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 56% | $20,446 | — |
| 17 | Northeastern Junior College Sterling, COPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 12 | 56% | — | — |
| 18 | Black Hawk College Moline, ILPublicAssociate's | 11 | 40% | — | — |
| 19 | New Mexico Junior College Hobbs, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 11 | 58% | — | — |
| 20 | West Texas A & M University Canyon, TXPublicBachelor's | 11 | 55% | — | $31,362 |
| 21 | Hocking College Nelsonville, OHPublicAssociate's | 10 | 37% | — | — |
| 22 | Northern Wyoming Community College District Sheridan, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 42% | — | — |
| 23 | SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, NYPublicAssociate's | 8 | 28% | — | — |
| 24 | Wilson College Chambersburg, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 48% | $18,586 | — |
| 25 | Lake Erie College Painesville, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 38% | $21,063 | — |
| 26 | Delaware Valley University Doylestown, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 7 | 56% | $25,402 | — |
| 27 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 69% | — | — |
| 28 | Central Arizona College Coolidge, AZPublicAssociate's | 6 | 27% | — | — |
| 29 | Saint Mary - of - the - Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 6 | 47% | $43,857 | — |
| 30 | Stephens College Columbia, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 43% | $23,198 | — |
| 31 | Johnson & Wales University - Providence Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 55% | $31,634 | $27,363 |
| 32 | Weatherford College Weatherford, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 35% | — | — |
| 33 | Miles Community College Miles City, MTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 62% | — | — |
| 34 | Rocky Mountain College Billings, MTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 48% | $17,369 | — |
| 35 | Otterbein University Westerville, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 68% | $20,150 | — |
| 36 | Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 38% | — | — |
| 37 | Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 69% | $44,902 | — |
| 38 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, NDPublicBachelor's | 3 | 64% | — | — |
| 39 | Wilmington College Wilmington, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 47% | $22,186 | — |
| 40 | Averett University Danville, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 48% | $23,171 | — |
| 41 | Colorado Northwestern Community College Rangely, COPublicAssociate's | 2 | 34% | — | — |
| 42 | Ohio University - Southern Campus Ironton, OHPublicAssociate's | 2 | 21% | — | — |
| 43 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicAssociate's | 2 | 65% | — | — |
| 44 | Highland Community College Freeport, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 45% | — | — |
| 45 | Alfred University Alfred, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 57% | $22,481 | — |
| 46 | Ohio University - Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, OHPublicAssociate's | 1 | 14% | — | — |
| 47 | Northwest College Powell, WYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 49% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services field (CIP 01.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 21 states
Where Equestrian/Equine Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 4 | 94 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins47 / yr |
| Ohio | 8 | 67 | The University of Findlay37 / yr |
| Kentucky | 3 | 56 | Midway University24 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 42 | Post University42 / yr |
| Montana | 3 | 40 | The University of Montana - Western30 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 39 | College of Central Florida39 / yr |
| Texas | 4 | 37 | East Texas A&M University13 / yr |
| Missouri | 3 | 33 | University of Missouri - Columbia14 / yr |
| Wyoming | 4 | 29 | Central Wyoming College14 / yr |
| North Carolina | 1 | 27 | Martin Community College27 / yr |
| New Jersey | 1 | 21 | Centenary University21 / yr |
| Virginia | 2 | 16 | Emory & Henry University13 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 15 | Wilson College8 / yr |
| Illinois | 2 | 12 | Black Hawk College11 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 11 | New Mexico Junior College11 / yr |
| New York | 2 | 9 | SUNY Morrisville8 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 6 | Central Arizona College6 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 6 | Saint Mary - of - the - Woods College6 / yr |
| Rhode Island | 1 | 6 | Johnson & Wales University - Providence6 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 4 | Savannah College of Art and Design4 / yr |
| North Dakota | 1 | 3 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus3 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-2011, Animal Trainers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Equestrian/Equine Studies program can pursue careers as Animal Trainers or Agricultural Sciences Teachers. The job outlook for this field is faster than average, with an annual growth rate of 5.1% and approximately 7,100 annual openings. The median wage for these roles is around $38,750, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 01.0507
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Animal Trainersprimary SOC 39-2011 | $39,990 | +5.1% Faster than average | ~7,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1041 | $98,700 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~800 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Equestrian/Equine Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
Tools and technology used
Other Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services (CIP 01.05).
- Dog/CIP 01.0504
Pet/ Animal Grooming 408 graduates / yr11 institutions - Animal TrainingCIP 01.0505partial data164 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Agricultural and Domestic Animal ServicesCIP 01.0599partial data32 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Taxidermy/CIP 01.0508
Taxidermist limited data12 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Farrier Science01.0509
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or various awards depending on your study duration.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, critical thinking, active learning, and monitoring animal behavior.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can become an Animal Trainer or an Agricultural Sciences Teacher, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with about 7,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Equestrian/Equine Studies?+
Equestrian/Equine Studies is CIP 01.0507 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services (CIP 01.05). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the horse, horsemanship, and related subjects and prepares individuals to care for horses and horse equipment; ride and drive horses for leisure, sport, show, and professional purposes; and manage the training of horses and riders. Includes instruction in horse breeding, nutrition, health, and safety; history of the horse and horsemanship; horse development and training; riding and equestrian technique; stable, paddock, and track management; and equipment maintenance and repair.
How many institutions offer Equestrian/Equine Studies programs?+
47 U.S. institutions reported Equestrian/Equine Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 21 states, awarding 573 credentials in the year. That is 48.2% of all Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services graduates.
How much do Equestrian/Equine Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Animal Trainers occupation, which Equestrian/Equine Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $39,990 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services field report median earnings of $31,362 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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