Outdoor Education graduates earn $39,157 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $26,619 and $51,267. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Outdoor Education is a focused area of study within Recreation & Fitness. Graduates typically earn around $39,157 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 50 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 277 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$21,737
Median Earnings · 4yr
$39,157
Colleges Offering
50
Graduates / Year
277
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,084
How Much Do Outdoor Education Graduates Earn?
Outdoor Education graduates earn $39,157 four years out, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $26,619 and $51,267. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $21,737 climbs to $39,157 by year four.
$21,737
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$39,157
4-Year National Median
Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.
$37,588
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Outdoor Education graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.
$26,61925th pct.
$39,157Median
$51,26775th pct.
Is the Cost Worth It?
At median 4-year earnings of $39,157 and an estimated $76,336 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 8.3 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.
Based on outcomes from 27 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 277 students who complete Outdoor Education programs each year, the majority (60%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
60%26%
Bachelor's60%
Master's26%
Associate's12%
What Can You Do With an Outdoor Education Degree?
Outdoor Education connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Recreation Workers leads at $36,560/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
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.
Top Colleges for Outdoor Education
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Outdoor Education students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Outdoor Education graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Recreation & Fitness Programs
Outdoor Education is one of 5 specializations within Recreation & Fitness. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Outdoor Education program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Outdoor Education carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 2 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $21,737 at graduation to $39,157 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 68,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Below-average earningsFour-year median of $39,157 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
Licensure often requiredMost roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Long earnings breakevenAt median salary and average net price, recovering education costs versus a baseline wage takes roughly 8.3 years.
Outdoor Education graduates earn a national median of $39,157 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $26,619 and $51,267. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Outdoor Education degree?
One year after graduation, Outdoor Education degree holders earn a median of $21,737. That climbs to $39,157 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Outdoor Education degree?
Outdoor Education degree holders pursue careers including Recreation Workers, which pays a median of $36,560/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Outdoor Education program take?
A Outdoor Education bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Outdoor Education?
50 colleges and universities in the United States offer Outdoor Education programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Outdoor Education degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $39,157 and an average net price of roughly $19,084/yr, a Outdoor Education degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Outdoor Education and Recreation & Fitness?
Outdoor Education is a focused concentration within the broader Recreation & Fitness field. The Recreation & Fitness major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Outdoor Education-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Outdoor Education graduates?
Employers hiring Outdoor Education graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Outdoor Education graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
Related Recreation & Fitness Programs
Other programs in Recreation & Fitness. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
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