Best Outdoor Education institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 43 U.S. colleges offering Outdoor Education by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 23 states.
About Outdoor Education programs
The Outdoor Education program focuses on organized learning experiences that take place in natural settings. It is designed for individuals interested in engaging with the outdoors through activities such as hiking, climbing, and canoeing, often in a group setting. This program emphasizes experiential and environmental education, making it ideal for those who enjoy adventure and want to inspire others in outdoor pursuits.
Students in the Outdoor Education program develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework covers topics related to public safety, customer service, and education, equipping students with the knowledge needed to lead and manage recreational activities safely and effectively.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Lewis College Durango, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $25,514 | 15 | 36% | — | — |
| 2 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $17,960 | 6 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
Offered across 23 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 3 | $25,514 | Fort Lewis College |
| Virginialimited | 2 | $17,960 | Liberty University |
| Alaskalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 2 | — | — |
| New York | 3 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 7 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-9032, Recreation Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Outdoor Education program can pursue various careers in the parks, recreation, and leisure sectors. The job outlook for related positions is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 68,100 annual openings. The median wage in this field is $35,380, typically requiring at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Outdoor Education programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
- Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Outdoor Education
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Outdoor EducationCIP 31.0601
A program that prepares individuals to work as an educator, instructor or facilitator in parks, recreational facilities, camps and other outdoor settings
Common questions
What is Outdoor Education?+
Outdoor Education is a program that focuses on learning experiences in natural settings, emphasizing adventure and environmental education.
What skills will I learn?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication, along with knowledge of public safety and recreational management.
What are the career opportunities?+
Graduates can work in various roles within parks and recreation, with a median wage of $35,380.
What is the job outlook?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.1% and around 68,100 annual openings.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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