Best institutions to study Outdoor Education
Compare 38 U.S. colleges offering Outdoor Education by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 21 states.
Outdoor Education programs report a median of $25,514 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 31.06 and the Recreation Workers occupation (BLS SOC).
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 | 17 | 36% | — | — |
| 2 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $17,960 | 6 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
Offered across 21 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 | 1 | $17,960 | Liberty University |
| Alaskalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 2 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 7 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utah | 3 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 2 | — | — |
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
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Outdoor Education
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 31.06.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 31.06 (Outdoor Education) maps to 2 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 39-1014 | First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services |
| 39-9032 | Recreation Workersprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
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.
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.
How much do Outdoor Education graduates earn?+
Outdoor Education graduates report median earnings of $25,514 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Recreation Workers occupation pays about $38,520 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Outdoor Education?+
Outdoor Education maps to CIP 31.06 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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.
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