2026 Best Value Outdoor Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

Our analysis ranked Salisbury University the best value for a degree in outdoor education in the United States. Set in the suburb of Salisbury, Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Typical student debt for outdoor education graduates is $23,545. Soon after graduation, outdoor education degree recipients from Salisbury University generally make around $45,476. That is a strong return on a $23,545 median debt. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Michigan University earned it the #2 place for outdoor education. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Outdoor Education graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Early-career outdoor education graduates make about $50,688. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO

A rank of #3 makes Fort Lewis College one of the best values for outdoor education. Located in the town of Durango, Fort Lewis College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,958, compared with $21,526 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for outdoor education graduates is $18,888. Outdoor Education graduates of Fort Lewis College earn a median of $25,514 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

4

Vermont Technical College
Randolph, VT

Students looking for strong value in outdoor education will find it at Vermont Technical College, which ranked #4. Vermont Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Randolph. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,952, compared with $22,296 for out-of-state students. Outdoor Education graduates carry a median of $24,208 in student loans. Early-career outdoor education graduates make about $41,822. Set against $24,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

5

Prescott College
Prescott, AZ

Students looking for strong value in outdoor education will find it at Prescott College, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Prescott, Prescott College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,490. Students borrow a median of $27,230 to complete the outdoor education program here. Outdoor Education graduates of Prescott College earn a median of $42,966 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,230 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

6

Warren Wilson College
Swannanoa, NC

Warren Wilson College came in at #6 for value in outdoor education this year. Located in the rural area of Swannanoa, Warren Wilson College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,500 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,260 ten years after entry. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.