Best colleges for Hospitality Administration/Management
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Hospitality Administration/Management by graduate earnings are Cornell University ($77,803), George Washington University ($53,625) and University of Denver ($47,679), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Cornell University (Ithaca, NY): $77,803, 303 graduates a year
- George Washington University (Washington, DC): $53,625, 32 graduates a year
- University of Denver (Denver, CO): $47,679, 23 graduates a year
- James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA): $46,915, 102 graduates a year
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA): $45,771, 50 graduates a year
Compare 506 U.S. colleges offering Hospitality Administration/Management by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 56 states.
Hospitality Administration/Management programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $34,503 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 52.09 and the Facilities Managers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Hospitality Administration/Management programs
The Hospitality Administration/Management program focuses on the study of the hospitality industry, preparing students for various roles within this dynamic field. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about customer service and management, seeking to develop the skills necessary to excel in hospitality-related careers such as hotel management, tourism, and event planning.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in customer service, administration, and management. Coursework typically covers areas such as budgeting, facility maintenance, and safety regulations, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to oversee hospitality operations effectively.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $77,803 | 303 | 95% | $17,613 | $13,987 |
| 2 | George Washington University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $53,625 | 32 | 84% | $29,789 | $22,500 |
| 3 | University of Denver Denver, CO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,679 | 23 | 76% | $29,726 | $21,923 |
| 4 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,915 | 102 | 80% | — | $22,250 |
| 5 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,771 | 50 | 86% | — | $25,680 |
| 6 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,151 | 28 | 68% | — | $24,722 |
| 7 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,657 | 84 | 89% | $21,956 | $26,000 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,359 | 28 | 55% | — | $25,225 |
| 9 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,073 | 26 | 71% | — | $25,000 |
| 10 | Utah Valley University Orem, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,070 | 61 | 45% | — | $23,250 |
| 11 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,688 | 36 | 67% | — | $20,500 |
| 12 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,506 | 75 | 69% | — | $22,500 |
| 13 | Washington State University Pullman, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,251 | 109 | 60% | — | $25,000 |
| 14 | University of North Texas Denton, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,183 | 170 | 61% | — | $23,070 |
| 15 | Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,099 | 94 | 83% | — | $19,432 |
| 16 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,069 | 104 | 81% | — | $22,625 |
| 17 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,664 | 108 | 82% | — | $24,500 |
| 18 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,637 | 160 | 88% | $29,023 | $19,000 |
| 19 | San Diego State University San Diego, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,009 | 94 | 76% | — | $17,749 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,808 | 157 | 86% | — | $24,500 |
| 21 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,689 | 25 | 67% | — | $22,250 |
| 22 | College of Charleston Charleston, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,688 | 43 | 66% | — | $23,448 |
| 23 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,266 | 56 | 83% | — | $24,385 |
| 24 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,108 | 71 | 57% | — | $21,000 |
| 25 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,916 | 35 | 75% | — | $23,250 |
Top 3 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL Public · Certificate | $37,272 | 85 | 63% | — | $15,494 |
| 2 | Austin Community College District Austin, TX Public · Associate degree Small program | $37,880 | 16 | 20% | — | $15,513 |
| 3 | Northampton County Area Community College Bethlehem, PA Public · Associate degree Small program | $37,199 | 11 | 24% | — | — |
Specializations within Hospitality Administration/Management
10 of the 10 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 52.09 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Hospitality Administration/CIP 52.0901
Management 7,736 graduates / yr369 institutions53 states - Hotel/CIP 52.0904
Motel Administration/ Management 1,755 graduates / yr90 institutions34 states - Tourism and Travel Services ManagementCIP 52.0903862 graduates / yr48 institutions25 states
- Restaurant/CIP 52.0905
Food Services Management 783 graduates / yr45 institutions22 states - Meeting and Event PlanningCIP 52.0907781 graduates / yr54 institutions26 states
- Hospitality Administration/CIP 52.0999
Management 579 graduates / yr32 institutions18 states - Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant ManagementCIP 52.0909445 graduates / yr52 institutions21 states
- Resort ManagementCIP 52.0906163 graduates / yr11 institutions9 states
- Casino ManagementCIP 52.0908partial data16 graduates / yr7 institutions6 states
- Brewery/CIP 52.0910
Brewpub Operations/ Management New in CIP 2020limited data4 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
Offered across 56 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-3013, Facilities Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Hospitality Administration/Management program can pursue careers in various sectors, including hotel management, restaurant operations, and event planning. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 3.8% and approximately 13,200 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $104,690, and a Bachelor's degree is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Hospitality Administration/Management
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 52.09.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 52.09 (Hospitality Administration/Management) maps to 12 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-3013 | Facilities Managersprimary |
| 11-9051 | Food Service Managers |
| 11-9071 | Gambling Managers |
| 11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling |
| 11-9081 | Lodging Managers |
| 11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other |
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other |
| 13-1121 | Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
| 13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other |
| 25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 39-1013 | First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers |
| 39-7012 | Travel Guides |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Hospitality Administration/Management 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
- Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems.
- Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations.
- Plan, administer, and control budgets for contracts, equipment, and supplies.
- Participate in architectural and engineering planning and design, including space and installation management.
- Set goals and deadlines for the department.
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in Hospitality Administration/Management?+
Degrees include BA, Bachelor of Business Administration, BS, Bachelor of Hospitality Management, and Master's degrees.
What are some specializations within this program?+
Specializations include Hotel/Motel Administration, Restaurant/Food Services Management, and Meeting and Event Planning.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, critical thinking, active listening, and customer service.
What is the job outlook for hospitality management graduates?+
The job outlook shows a growth rate of 3.8% with around 13,200 annual job openings.
How much do Hospitality Administration/Management graduates earn?+
Hospitality Administration/Management graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $34,503, College Scorecard (2019); the Facilities Managers occupation pays about $116,890 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Hospitality Administration/Management?+
Hospitality Administration/Management maps to CIP 52.09 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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