University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable programs in hospitality management.

Some students know they want a career in hospitality management, while others are exploring what this field entails. Hospitality management degrees, often called hospitality and tourism management or hotel, restaurant, and tourism management programs, share a common goal: preparing students to manage businesses that provide hospitality services to diverse customers worldwide. Whether your dream is managing a luxury resort, joining the cruise ship industry, or excelling in other hospitality-related careers, this degree offers valuable skills and opportunities. Prospective students seeking an affordable path to this rewarding profession should explore the most affordable hospitality management schools to get started.

Degree programs in hospitality management are available at all levels, from an associate degree up to a master’s degree. Each degree program educates students who want to help clients find fun places to vacation or tour a different country. Some students may plan to open a bed-and-breakfast or to buy and operate a hotel.

As students consider their options, there is no doubt they are likely to give more serious considerations to hospitality management degree programs offered by schools with more affordable tuition and fees. After all, cost is a major factor in the decision of which school to attend for nearly all students.

Featured Online Programs

Top 50 Affordable Hospitality Management Colleges and Universities


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $66,014
    • Out-of-State:$66,014
  • Net Price: $26,060
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 95%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,898
  • Undergrad Students: 15,735
  • Graduate Students: 10,163
  • Grads Salary: $93,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Cornell University
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2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,438
    • Out-of-State:$60,438
  • Net Price: $29,499
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%
  • Total Enrollment: 59,144
  • Undergrad Students: 29,401
  • Graduate Students: 29,743
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • New York University
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3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,992
    • Out-of-State:$28,794
  • Net Price: $12,576
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 51,528
  • Undergrad Students: 38,593
  • Graduate Students: 12,935
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Purdue University
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4

Boston University

Score: 84.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $65,168
    • Out-of-State:$65,168
  • Net Price: $27,829
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 36,714
  • Undergrad Students: 18,459
  • Graduate Students: 18,255
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Boston University
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5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,004
    • Out-of-State:$34,501
  • Net Price: $14,544
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 56,916
  • Undergrad Students: 35,120
  • Graduate Students: 21,796
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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6

Virginia Tech

Score: 82.59

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,478
    • Out-of-State:$36,694
  • Net Price: $19,301
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 86%
  • Total Enrollment: 38,170
  • Undergrad Students: 30,434
  • Graduate Students: 7,736
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Virginia Tech
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,290
    • Out-of-State:$20,170
  • Net Price: $13,017
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 37,402
  • Undergrad Students: 32,194
  • Graduate Students: 5,208
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 25:1
  • San Diego State University
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8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,656
    • Out-of-State:$18,786
  • Net Price: $14,003
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 44,161
  • Undergrad Students: 32,936
  • Graduate Students: 11,225
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Florida State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,180
    • Out-of-State:$30,220
  • Net Price: $17,180
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,607
  • Undergrad Students: 30,714
  • Graduate Students: 9,893
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Georgia
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,992
    • Out-of-State:$19,872
  • Net Price: $14,219
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 35,751
  • Undergrad Students: 26,863
  • Graduate Students: 8,888
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • San Jose State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,008
    • Out-of-State:$18,888
  • Net Price: $9,346
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 38,973
  • Undergrad Students: 32,931
  • Graduate Students: 6,042
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • California State University-Long Beach
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,099
    • Out-of-State:$40,328
  • Net Price: $20,375
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 74,014
  • Undergrad Students: 57,512
  • Graduate Students: 16,502
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Texas A&M University-College Station
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,080
    • Out-of-State:$39,720
  • Net Price: $18,044
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%
  • Total Enrollment: 24,039
  • Undergrad Students: 19,482
  • Graduate Students: 4,557
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • University of Delaware
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,357
    • Out-of-State:$39,293
  • Net Price: $22,291
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 32,229
  • Undergrad Students: 24,391
  • Graduate Students: 7,838
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Amherst
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,073
    • Out-of-State:$18,953
  • Net Price: $7,925
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,386
  • Undergrad Students: 35,432
  • Graduate Students: 4,954
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • California State University-Fullerton
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
16
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,234
    • Out-of-State:$40,188
  • Net Price: $26,747
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,028
  • Undergrad Students: 41,745
  • Graduate Students: 8,283
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • The Pennsylvania State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
17
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,410
    • Out-of-State:$17,324
  • Net Price: $11,004
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 49,600
  • Undergrad Students: 38,047
  • Graduate Students: 11,553
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • University of South Florida
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
18

Cal Poly Pomona

Score: 77.68

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,439
    • Out-of-State:$19,319
  • Net Price: $12,480
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 27,503
  • Undergrad Students: 25,181
  • Graduate Students: 2,322
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 25:1
  • Cal Poly Pomona
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,576
    • Out-of-State:$30,790
  • Net Price: $18,274
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,224
  • Undergrad Students: 20,346
  • Graduate Students: 1,878
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • James Madison University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,988
    • Out-of-State:$43,372
  • Net Price: $22,803
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,023
  • Undergrad Students: 39,201
  • Graduate Students: 10,822
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Michigan State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
21

Auburn University

Score: 76.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,536
    • Out-of-State:$33,944
  • Net Price: $25,271
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,764
  • Undergrad Students: 25,379
  • Graduate Students: 6,385
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Auburn University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,815
    • Out-of-State:$39,397
  • Net Price: $18,479
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 39,049
  • Undergrad Students: 27,014
  • Graduate Students: 12,035
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • George Mason University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,368
    • Out-of-State:$22,467
  • Net Price: $13,108
  • Acceptance Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 68,346
  • Undergrad Students: 58,662
  • Graduate Students: 9,684
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 29:1
  • University of Central Florida
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
24
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,990
    • Out-of-State:$64,990
  • Net Price: $42,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,939
  • Undergrad Students: 11,482
  • Graduate Students: 14,457
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • George Washington University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,809
    • Out-of-State:$40,025
  • Net Price: $23,031
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,107
  • Undergrad Students: 16,864
  • Graduate Students: 2,243
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Miami University-Oxford
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
26

Bradley University

Score: 75.15

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $39,680
    • Out-of-State:$39,680
  • Net Price: $24,053
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,552
  • Undergrad Students: 4,143
  • Graduate Students: 1,409
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Bradley University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
27
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,565
    • Out-of-State:$18,963
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
28
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,497
    • Out-of-State:$27,683
  • Net Price: $15,310
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,969
  • Undergrad Students: 25,241
  • Graduate Students: 4,728
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Iowa State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
29

Tuskegee University

Score: 74.5

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $23,440
    • Out-of-State:$23,440
  • Net Price: $35,596
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,570
  • Undergrad Students: 2,100
  • Graduate Students: 470
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Tuskegee University
30
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,494
    • Out-of-State:$35,664
  • Net Price: $21,163
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,292
  • Undergrad Students: 28,905
  • Graduate Students: 5,387
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Oregon State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
31
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,112
    • Out-of-State:$38,882
  • Net Price: $24,507
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,953
  • Undergrad Students: 11,512
  • Graduate Students: 2,441
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of New Hampshire
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
32
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,051
    • Out-of-State:$32,193
  • Net Price: $14,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 80,065
  • Undergrad Students: 65,492
  • Graduate Students: 14,573
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Arizona State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
33
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,997
    • Out-of-State:$29,073
  • Net Price: $17,911
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 27,539
  • Undergrad Students: 22,612
  • Graduate Students: 4,927
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Washington State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
34
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,711
    • Out-of-State:$22,191
  • Net Price: $14,056
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 46,700
  • Undergrad Students: 37,943
  • Graduate Students: 8,757
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Houston
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
35
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,130
    • Out-of-State:$34,338
  • Net Price: $19,889
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,304
  • Undergrad Students: 23,745
  • Graduate Students: 7,559
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
36
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,896
    • Out-of-State:$33,751
  • Net Price: $16,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,403
  • Undergrad Students: 25,777
  • Graduate Students: 7,626
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
37
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,688
    • Out-of-State:$34,934
  • Net Price: $22,427
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 35,653
  • Undergrad Students: 27,343
  • Graduate Students: 8,310
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of South Carolina-Columbia
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
38

Temple University

Score: 73.41

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $22,082
    • Out-of-State:$37,462
  • Net Price: $23,935
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,196
  • Undergrad Students: 24,106
  • Graduate Students: 9,090
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Temple University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
39
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $50,110
    • Out-of-State:$50,110
  • Net Price: $26,052
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,663
  • Undergrad Students: 15,652
  • Graduate Students: 4,011
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • St. John's University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
40
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,424
    • Out-of-State:$19,304
  • Net Price: $13,267
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,282
  • Undergrad Students: 21,961
  • Graduate Students: 3,321
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • San Francisco State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
41

Drexel University

Score: 73.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,663
    • Out-of-State:$60,663
  • Net Price: $39,267
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,344
  • Undergrad Students: 14,021
  • Graduate Students: 8,323
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Drexel University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
42

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Score: 72.92

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,484
    • Out-of-State:$31,974
  • Net Price: $21,880
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,805
  • Undergrad Students: 27,039
  • Graduate Students: 6,766
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
43
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $38,135
    • Out-of-State:$38,135
  • Net Price: $18,165
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,858
  • Undergrad Students: 2,709
  • Graduate Students: 1,149
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Niagara University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
44
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,648
    • Out-of-State:$27,360
  • Net Price: $12,202
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 24,741
  • Undergrad Students: 19,059
  • Graduate Students: 5,682
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • West Virginia University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
45
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,186
    • Out-of-State:$34,218
  • Net Price: $13,639
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,074
  • Undergrad Students: 14,198
  • Graduate Students: 4,876
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
46
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,852
    • Out-of-State:$24,451
  • Net Price: $17,896
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,378
  • Undergrad Students: 32,579
  • Graduate Students: 7,799
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • Texas Tech University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
47
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,234
    • Out-of-State:$25,754
  • Net Price: $16,718
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,372
  • Undergrad Students: 20,786
  • Graduate Students: 4,586
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Oklahoma State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
48
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,748
    • Out-of-State:$28,772
  • Net Price: $16,208
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,936
  • Undergrad Students: 26,269
  • Graduate Students: 4,667
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Arkansas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
49

Saint Xavier University

Score: 72.06

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,840
    • Out-of-State:$36,840
  • Net Price: $11,302
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,523
  • Undergrad Students: 2,981
  • Graduate Students: 542
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Saint Xavier University
50
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,412
    • Out-of-State:$26,980
  • Net Price: $14,289
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,300
  • Undergrad Students: 17,302
  • Graduate Students: 4,998
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Mississippi
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Why an Affordable Hospitality Management Degree?


Students who plan to become a professional in hospitality management tend to achieve their goal in one of three ways. Their first avenue into this field is to earn their high school diploma and then begin working at a hotel in one of several positions. They may start out working in housekeeping and then move up to the front desk. After working for several years at this hotel, or at different hotels, they may have accumulated enough knowledge and experience to be offered an opportunity to manage the entire hotel or a department within the hotel.

Another way into the field is to earn an associate degree in hospitality management. If students also earn certificates pertinent to the field, they give themselves a better chance to move up.

A third way to begin working in the field is to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in either hospitality or hotel management. Most chain hotels prefer to hire candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management so that, when they graduate, they may begin working competently and with existing knowledge of the challenges they may face.

Hospitality managers work for an industry that has learned how to market the enjoyment that guests may experience while they are on a vacation or business trip. As students, managers may earn their degrees while enrolled in their school’s college of business. It’s best to enter this field if you know that you will enjoy helping people and working out problems as they arise without much assistance from a higher-level manager. Eventually, those who find success in this field may even begin their own hospitality businesses.

Choosing a College or University


As students prepare for college, they often face many questions: Should they choose a prestigious college or a state university? Is accreditation essential? What major should they pursue? How can they manage the high cost of tuition? Will they qualify for financial aid? Many also worry about finding high-quality online degree programs if they can’t attend college in person and whether these programs offer the same value as on-campus options.

Students who have an idea of the industry they want to work in can focus their research on colleges offering the degrees they need. It's crucial to choose a school that provides the program required for your career goals. If you're undecided on a major, consider attending a larger school with a wider variety of degree options.

Next, consider the sticker prices of the schools on your list. Tuition often increases annually, so discuss with your family what is affordable. This may lead to removing some expensive universities from consideration, but don’t decide too quickly. Also, look at the “net price,” which factors in scholarships, grants, and federal student loans that can help offset costs.

Accreditation is a key factor for students to consider. Federal financial aid requires schools to have regional accreditation. Unaccredited schools often lack quality programs, disqualify students from federal aid, and may not have credits accepted by other institutions.

Programs of interest should have regional or national accreditation. Students with a declared major can also seek programmatic accreditation, offered by professional associations for high-quality curricula and faculty. Online degree programs are not inferior to on-campus ones. Students unable to attend in person due to distance, work, or family obligations often benefit from online options. Today’s online degrees are as highly regarded as on-campus ones, provided they are properly accredited.

Online Education Options


Universities often provide on-campus, online, and hybrid degree options. Many schools adapt their on-campus hospitality management programs to online or hybrid formats, catering to students who prefer online learning. Some online programs are designed specifically for professionals in the hospitality industry, offering connections with companies like Compass Group and Marriott. These programs allow students to balance work and education, typically requiring a minimum two-year commitment.

Online hospitality management degrees are often part of a university's business school, providing students with essential business knowledge in areas like law, HR, ethics, marketing, leadership, revenue management, and strategic planning.

Like on-campus programs, online degrees encourage industry networking, allowing students to connect with peers worldwide. These programs also offer flexibility, enabling students to balance their studies with work and family commitments.

Are These Programs in High Demand?


Jobs in the hotel and tourism sector are growing rapidly. Graduates of degrees such as a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management know how fast the industry changes. Students who enroll in these types of programs learn not only hospitality and tourism, but they also learn about data analysis, marketing, human resources, operations management and finance, as each of these relates to careers in hospitality management.

Students who are currently in a hospitality management degree program may be able to find positions in destination management, food service, hotels, restaurants, and event management. In 2023 the annual revenue for US hotels was $106.1 billion. During this time period, people paid $25 billion into the global cruise industry. Graduates of an MBA in hospitality management should be able to find positions as hotel directors, global development managers, directors of sales and marketing, tourism coordinators, and director of financial planning.

Because of changes in the hospitality management field, new positions are appearing that offer remote work through online portals. This includes jobs in positions with online travel booking, travel blogging, and more. These changes have also made partnerships between short-term rentals and businesses possible. The projected growth for those working as lodging managers is 10%.


What Can You Do with a Degree in Hospitality Management?


A degree in hospitality management can lead to a variety of career paths across the hospitality, tourism, and service industries. Here are some key opportunities:


1. Hotel and Resort Management

- Manage daily operations, including guest services, housekeeping, and staff supervision.

- Roles include General Manager, Operations Manager, or Front Office Manager.

2. Restaurant and Food Service Management

- Oversee restaurants, catering services, or food and beverage departments in hotels and resorts.

- Positions include Restaurant Manager, Catering Manager, or Food and Beverage Director.

3. Event Planning and Management

- Organize and manage events such as weddings, conferences, or corporate functions.

- Career options include Event Coordinator, Convention Services Manager, or Wedding Planner.

4. Travel and Tourism

- Work for travel agencies, tour companies, or airlines to create and manage travel experiences.

- Roles include Travel Consultant, Tour Operator, or Destination Marketing Specialist.

5. Casino and Gaming Management

- Manage operations in casinos, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering high-quality guest experiences.

- Positions include Casino Manager, Gaming Supervisor, or Slot Operations Manager.

6. Cruise Line Management

- Oversee departments on cruise ships, from guest services to entertainment and food services.

- Careers include Cruise Director, Guest Services Manager, or Food and Beverage Manager.

7. Recreation and Leisure Management

- Work in resorts, theme parks, or recreational facilities, focusing on guest satisfaction and activity coordination.

- Positions include Recreation Manager, Activities Director, or Park Operations Manager.

8. Entrepreneurship

- Start your own business in hospitality, such as opening a boutique hotel, restaurant, or event planning service.

9. Human Resources in Hospitality

- Recruit, train, and manage staff in hotels, restaurants, or other hospitality venues.

- Roles include HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, or Training Coordinator.

10. Hospitality Marketing and Sales

- Promote hospitality services and attract customers through marketing strategies.

- Careers include Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, or Social Media Coordinator.

11. Hospitality Consulting

- Provide expert advice to improve operations and profitability for hotels, restaurants, or tourism companies.

- Positions include Hospitality Consultant or Management Analyst.


A degree in hospitality management equips you with skills in customer service, leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, making it versatile and applicable to many industries. Hospitality management is a wide field that allows graduates to choose the area in which they see themselves working. Event planning, food and beverage service, tourism, travel, hotel management, casino oversight and management, are all options.

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Graduates Earn More After College


Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in hospitality management begin their careers earning around $34,000 on average, though this depends on their specific position. At the mid-point of their careers, they earn annual salaries of $57,000. And in their late careers, their annual salary may rise to $132,000.

Earning a degree that is more liberal arts-related, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality, may mean that graduates will earn a little less, even if they work as hospitality managers. Early career salary for these graduates is $30,000 and mid-career wages rise to $59,000. However, their late-career salary takes a significant leap up to $96,000. Earning certificates could boost these numbers higher, it will just take a bit more time.

Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration may allow graduates to earn a slightly higher annual salary. Their mid-career salary goes up to $58,000, with their late career salary increasing closer to $159,000.

Earning a certificate in school is another way into the hospitality management field. The hospitality management professional who has earned their certificate in this field may earn $52,000 annually.

By earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management, a hospitality professional can start their career with an average salary of $36,000. Their late-career salary increases to an average of $177,000.

FAQs


  • Can a degree in hospitality management allow you to get a job in another country?
    Yes, it can. Depending on the student’s career choice, they may be able to find a position overseas. After working in a hospitality management position in the U.S., they may spot a position in Europe or Asia. However, students who are interested in these opportunities specifically will probably do well to consider adding a new language to their study program.
  • Are there online degrees in hospitality management?
    Students in every state may need to choose an online degree program in hospitality management. State universities and even Ivy League colleges may have hospitality management degree programs in online formats, as well as hybrid and on-campus options.
  • What is the top potential salary you might expect with a degree in hospitality management?
    While a graduate in hospitality management may have a median annual salary of $51,000, they may be able to expect their salary to increase to $75,000 later in their career. This also doesn’t take into account bonuses or profit-sharing options.
  • Do you need to earn a master’s degree or MBA in hospitality management?
    While earning a Master of Management in Hospitality may give students a stronger edge in the hospitality job market, it isn’t a mandatory requirement. Graduates who earn their bachelor’s degrees in hospitality management often go on to have lucrative, satisfying careers in this field. However, students who are making a career change or who want to add to their credentials should consider a master’s.
  • What type of hospitality management degree should you get: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, etc.?

    Students wanting a career in hotel management may want to choose the degree level they feel would best meet their career aspirations. A two-year associate degree may lead them into a position as a lodging manager. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality and event management teaches students many more business topics than an associate degree might have time for. Taking a course in ethics may also give them more tools they need to manage hotels, restaurants, or country clubs.

    Earning an MBA in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management may result in a graduate landing a position as an event coordinator or another high-level position, such as managing a region for a large hotel chain.

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