2026 Best Outdoor Education Schools in North Carolina

Outdoor Education degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools to find the best for outdoor education students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Outdoor Education Schools in North Carolina

Best Schools for Outdoor Education in North Carolina

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall outdoor education education in North Carolina.

Top Schools in Outdoor Education

1

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

12 Outdoor Education Degrees Awarded

$44,926 Median Starting Salary

Our analysis ranked Western Carolina University the best school in the country for a degree in outdoor education. This large public university is located in the town of Cullowhee. Western Carolina University graduates 60% of students within six years. About 12 outdoor education degrees were awarded at Western Carolina University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, outdoor education degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $44,926. Students borrow a median of $24,174 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in outdoor education from Western Carolina University

2

Warren Wilson College
Swannanoa, NC

Associate's Degree Highest Degree Type

13 Outdoor Education Degrees Awarded

42% 6-Year Graduation Rate

Warren Wilson College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in outdoor education, landing the #2 spot this year. Warren Wilson College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Swannanoa. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. There were roughly 13 outdoor education students who graduated with this degree at Warren Wilson College in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in outdoor education from Warren Wilson College

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 7 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.