Best institutions to study Meeting and Event Planning
A program that prepares individuals to plan, budget, and implement conferences, meetings, and other special events in the public or private sectors.
54 U.S. institutions graduated 781 Meeting and Event Planning students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.0907, a specialization of Hospitality Administration/Management (CIP 52.09), and leads most directly to the Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners occupation (BLS SOC 13-1121).
About Meeting and Event Planning programs
A program that prepares individuals to plan, budget, and implement conferences, meetings, and other special events in the public or private sectors. Includes instruction in principles of meeting and event planning; special event management; budgets and finance; site selection; contracts, vendors, and negotiations; marketing and promotions; food and beverage management; audio-visual basics and meeting technology; and hospitality law.
See also: 19.0604 - Facilities Planning and Management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Meeting and Event Planning program, part of the Hospitality Administration/Management field, prepares students to expertly plan, budget, and implement various events such as conferences and weddings. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about organizing events and wish to pursue a career in the dynamic hospitality industry.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in event management, budgeting, site selection, vendor negotiations, and marketing. Coursework typically covers topics like food and beverage management, audio-visual technology, and hospitality law, equipping graduates with a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Meeting and Event Planning graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree333 graduates / yr · 18 institutions43%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year179 graduates / yr · 24 institutions23%
- Master's degree116 graduates / yr · 5 institutions15%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate97 graduates / yr · 5 institutions12%
- Award of less than 12 weeks24 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.1%
- Associate's degree23 graduates / yr · 8 institutions2.9%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years9 graduates / yr · 4 institutions1.2%
Graduates over time
Meeting and Event Planning completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 432 |
| 2013 | 595 |
| 2014 | 729 |
| 2015 | 908 |
| 2016 | 885 |
| 2017 | 900 |
| 2018 | 1,059 |
| 2019 | 1,007 |
| 2020 | 954 |
| 2021 | 967 |
| 2022 | 894 |
| 2023 | 788 |
| 2024 | 728 |
| 2025 | 781 |
Top 50 institutions for Meeting and Event Planning, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 153 | 78% | — | $33,624 |
| 2 | Iowa State University Ames, IAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 78 | 75% | — | $36,743 |
| 3 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicPost-degree cert. | 67 | 75% | — | $36,752 |
| 4 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 67 | 88% | $29,023 | $40,637 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 35 | 86% | — | $39,808 |
| 6 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 30 | 61% | — | $41,183 |
| 7 | Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Santurce, PRPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 27 | 52% | $15,525 | — |
| 8 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 68% | — | $35,128 |
| 9 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 24 | 25% | — | — |
| 10 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 22 | 63% | — | $37,272 |
| 11 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublicBachelor's | 22 | 59% | — | $37,187 |
| 12 | High Point University High Point, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 74% | $37,072 | — |
| 13 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicMaster's | 18 | 76% | — | $40,009 |
| 14 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 18 | 69% | — | $41,506 |
| 15 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 75% | — | $35,339 |
| 16 | Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, COPublicBachelor's | 16 | 32% | — | $38,351 |
| 17 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 32% | — | — |
| 18 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 61% | — | $37,402 |
| 19 | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi Delhi, NYPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 11 | 45% | — | $27,450 |
| 20 | Albany Technical College Albany, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 42% | — | — |
| 21 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 49% | — | — |
| 22 | Endicott College Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 9 | 76% | $34,195 | $34,562 |
| 23 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 31% | — | — |
| 24 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAssociate's | 6 | 41% | — | $22,960 |
| 25 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 17% | — | — |
| 26 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Carolina Campus Carolina, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 34% | $8,847 | $14,978 |
| 27 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 58% | — | $36,451 |
| 28 | Northampton County Area Community College Bethlehem, PAPublicAssociate's | 4 | 24% | — | $37,199 |
| 29 | Edmonds College Lynnwood, WAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 29% | — | — |
| 30 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAssociate's | 4 | 29% | — | — |
| 31 | Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 58% | — | — |
| 32 | Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 69% | $16,216 | — |
| 33 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster's | 3 | 54% | — | $37,151 |
| 34 | Owens Community College Perrysburg, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 35% | — | — |
| 35 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 3 | 25% | — | — |
| 36 | West Georgia Technical College Waco, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 35% | — | — |
| 37 | Lasell University Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 59% | $23,724 | $31,858 |
| 38 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 38% | — | — |
| 39 | Great Bay Community College Portsmouth, NHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 34% | — | — |
| 40 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 24% | — | — |
| 41 | Lynn University Boca Raton, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 52% | $38,343 | — |
| 42 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 40% | — | $27,031 |
| 43 | Allegany College of Maryland Cumberland, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 40% | — | — |
| 44 | Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 45% | — | — |
| 45 | College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 64% | $8,360 | — |
| 46 | NHTI - Concord's Community College Concord, NHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 29% | — | — |
| 47 | SUNY Broome Community College Binghamton, NYPublicAssociate's | 1 | 23% | — | — |
| 48 | Bucks County Community College Newtown, PAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 32% | — | — |
| 49 | Mercyhurst University Erie, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 60% | $25,987 | $34,675 |
| 50 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 17% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Hospitality Administration/Management field (CIP 52.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 26 states & territories
Where Meeting and Event Planning graduates come from. Each state links to all Hospitality Administration/Management programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 13-1121, Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, with a job outlook that is about as fast as average, featuring an annual opening of 15,500 positions. The median wage for this occupation is $59,440, and a Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.0907
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Meeting, Convention, and Event Plannersprimary SOC 13-1121 | $61,160 | +4.8% About as fast as average | ~15,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Meeting and Event Planning programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
- Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.
- Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
- Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs.
- Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details.
- Inspect event facilities to ensure that they conform to customer requirements.
Tools and technology used
Other Hospitality Administration/Management specializations
The 9 other 6-digit CIP codes under Hospitality Administration/Management (CIP 52.09).
- Hospitality Administration/CIP 52.0901
Management 7,736 graduates / yr369 institutions - Hotel/CIP 52.0904
Motel Administration/ Management 1,755 graduates / yr90 institutions - Tourism and Travel Services ManagementCIP 52.0903862 graduates / yr48 institutions
- Restaurant/CIP 52.0905
Food Services Management 783 graduates / yr45 institutions - Hospitality Administration/CIP 52.0999
Management 579 graduates / yr32 institutions - Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant ManagementCIP 52.0909445 graduates / yr52 institutions
- Resort ManagementCIP 52.0906163 graduates / yr11 institutions
- Casino ManagementCIP 52.0908partial data16 graduates / yr7 institutions
- Brewery/CIP 52.0910
Brewpub Operations/ Management limited data4 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What degree do I need for a career in meeting and event planning?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in event management, budgeting, negotiation, marketing, and customer service.
What types of events can I plan with this degree?+
You can plan a variety of events, including conferences, weddings, and corporate meetings.
What is the job outlook for event planners?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual opening of 15,500 positions.
What is the CIP code for Meeting and Event Planning?+
Meeting and Event Planning is CIP 52.0907 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Hospitality Administration/Management (CIP 52.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to plan, budget, and implement conferences, meetings, and other special events in the public or private sectors. Includes instruction in principles of meeting and event planning; special event management; budgets and finance; site selection; contracts, vendors, and negotiations; marketing and promotions; food and beverage management; audio-visual basics and meeting technology; and hospitality law.
How many institutions offer Meeting and Event Planning programs?+
54 U.S. institutions reported Meeting and Event Planning graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 26 states & territories, awarding 781 credentials in the year. That is 6.0% of all Hospitality Administration/Management graduates.
How much do Meeting and Event Planning graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners occupation, which Meeting and Event Planning most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,160 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Hospitality Administration/Management field report median earnings of $36,752 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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