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 highlight the best programs for a bachelors in hospitality management.
Overview of a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
If managing a resort or luxury hotel sounds like your dream job, a career in hospitality might be right for you. This field includes restaurant management, event planning, tourism, spa management, marketing, and more. Programs vary by school, but with research, you can find one that fits your goals. Many programs are available online, allowing you to earn a degree while working. A bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration knowledge, and strong communication skills are key to entering this field. Both traditional and online hospitality management degrees are offered nationwide by public and private universities.
Featured Online Programs
PROS
- More Money - With a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, you'll likely earn more than someone without a degree, even with years of experience. While experience matters, formal training and education significantly boost your chances of securing better jobs and higher pay.
- More Opportunities for Management Positions - While it's possible to enter management without a degree, education eases the path. College and hybrid programs offer networking opportunities, helping graduates secure roles in tourism or hotel management.
- Hiring Managers Come to You - Students enrolled in a major hospitality management program at schools in the United States can attend job fairs and conventions and be mentored by some of the most influential executives in the business.
CONS
- Debt - Attending school, even online, costs money, and many students rely on loans. While hospitality can lead to decent pay, starting salaries are often lower, and student loans will need repayment. Financial aid is available, but it's important to consider costs before deciding. Online students should ensure their school is accredited to access funding and scholarships.
- Balancing Act - If you're working in hospitality or considering a career switch, balancing school and work can be challenging. Long workdays make fitting in classes and homework difficult, which is why many students opt for online degrees.
Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in Hospitality Management Programs
San Jose State University
Score: 84.63
- 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
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Score: 82.66
- 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 Central Florida
Score: 80.46
- 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 Utah
Score: 80.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,315
- Out-of-State:$29,837
- Net Price: $12,399
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 34,734
- Undergrad Students: 26,355
- Graduate Students: 8,379
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Florida International University
Score: 79.86
- 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
Arizona State University
Score: 77.69
- 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
Washington State University
Score: 77.12
- 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
San Francisco State University
Score: 76.96
- 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
West Virginia University
Score: 76.95
- 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
Oregon State University
Score: 76.66
- 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
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Score: 76.23
- 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
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 76.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
American Public University System
Score: 75.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Monroe College
Score: 75.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State:$17,922
- Net Price: $9,157
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 7,011
- Undergrad Students: 5,916
- Graduate Students: 1,095
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Texas Tech University
Score: 75.61
- 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
New Mexico State University
Score: 75.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State:$25,271
- Net Price: $10,407
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 14,268
- Undergrad Students: 11,591
- Graduate Students: 2,677
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Kansas State University
Score: 74.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,942
- Out-of-State:$27,816
- Net Price: $18,855
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 19,722
- Undergrad Students: 15,046
- Graduate Students: 4,676
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
East Carolina University
Score: 74.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State:$23,638
- Net Price: $14,410
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 27,151
- Undergrad Students: 21,688
- Graduate Students: 5,463
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
The University of Alabama
Score: 74.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,900
- Out-of-State:$33,200
- Net Price: $20,592
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 38,644
- Undergrad Students: 32,458
- Graduate Students: 6,186
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
California State University-East Bay
Score: 73.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,055
- Out-of-State:$18,935
- Net Price: $11,464
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 13,673
- Undergrad Students: 10,796
- Graduate Students: 2,877
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Eastern New Mexico University
Score: 73.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State:$8,843
- Net Price: $8,702
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 5,106
- Undergrad Students: 3,833
- Graduate Students: 1,273
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Robert Morris University
Score: 72.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,940
- Out-of-State:$34,940
- Net Price: $23,572
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,431
- Undergrad Students: 2,767
- Graduate Students: 664
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Ohio University
Score: 71.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,746
- Out-of-State:$24,114
- Net Price: $20,207
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 24,145
- Undergrad Students: 18,113
- Graduate Students: 6,032
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Score: 71.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,244
- Out-of-State:$13,244
- Net Price: $16,990
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 11,107
- Undergrad Students: 8,000
- Graduate Students: 3,107
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of North Alabama
Score: 71.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State:$22,190
- Net Price: $9,837
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,830
- Undergrad Students: 7,214
- Graduate Students: 2,616
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Associate Vs. Bachelor’s
There are several hospitality management programs that offer certificates and can help a worker gain extra skills in the hospitality industry and perhaps make them look more attractive to potential employers. Those enrolled in certificate programs will take the following courses:
- Intro to Hotel Revenue Management
- Team Building
- Building Guest Loyalty
- Understanding Financial Statements
While certificates can enhance your resume, they don't compare to earning a degree. Many employers prefer a management team with college graduates over certificate holders, even with years of experience. A bachelor’s degree is often essential for upper-level management roles. Whether earned online or on campus, what matters most to employers is that you obtained your degree.
What Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?
Most hospitality management bachelor’s degrees are Bachelor of Science programs, though some are Bachelor of Arts. Programs may be standalone or part of a business department, with options to specialize in different areas. For instance, one school might offer a BA in Hospitality Management, while another might offer a BS in Business with a concentration in Hospitality Management. Regardless of designation, both provide an education that prepares you for a career in the field.
Search Programs Offering Hospitality Management Majors
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to enter a four-year hospitality management program can vary per school but certain elements are universal.
- A high school diploma, GED or an associates in hospitality management or hospitality and tourism management is required to apply to accredited colleges and universities.
- Research the schools that have the programs that interest you and note their requirements for admission. You might be required to take the SAT or ACT as part of the admission process. You might also need volunteer hours, or some other community service requirement. This is also a good time to check any online school for on-campus requirements, which some online programs still have.
- You’ll want to make sure the college has regional accreditation so your degree is recognized, especially if you're attending online. Some online schools don't yet have accreditation and that will limit your degree's effectiveness.
- If required, declare your major as hospitality management and apply for entrance into the program. Not all schools require this, but if it is necessary, it normally occurs during your second year of college.
- Pass all required courses and graduate. You’ll need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA (or more depending on the school) to graduate.
How long does it take to earn an online Hospitality Management Bachelor’s?
Earning a hospitality management degree typically takes four years, similar to other bachelor’s programs. Some students finish in less time by taking heavier course loads or summer classes, while part-time students may take five years or more. Studying abroad or completing an internship can add a semester or two. However, the curriculum is generally designed for completion within four years, whether online or in-person.
Potential Careers in Hospitality Management with a Bachelor’s
Hospitality management is a broad term encompassing various roles within the industry, including tourism management, food and beverage management, restaurant management, resort management, event management, hotel and lodging management, attraction management, and even specialized areas like human resources, financial management, or marketing in hospitality. While it is its own profession, it overlaps with other positions that share similar goals.
- Hospitality Manager
A hospitality manager oversees the employees that serve and accommodate patrons and guests of the establishments. This could be a hotel, spa, restaurant, or other business that serves the public. The hospitality manager is responsible for hiring, scheduling, bookkeeping, and other duties required to keep things running smoothly and guest happy.
Lodging Maagers Median Income: $65,360 - Meeting, Convention, and Events Managers
It takes a lot of manpower to plan and successfully execute an event, and the event manager oversees all of it. From hiring the right people to helping work the event; ensuring decorations, needed equipment, and materials are available; the event manager works to ensure the event goes off without a hitch. If there are issues, the event manager is tasked with finding a solution that works for everyone.
Events Managers Median Income: $56,920 - Hotel Manager
Hotels don’t run themselves. They have a lot of staff and departments that have to run smoothly for the entire hotel to run correctly. The hotel manager oversees all this. There could be several other managers such as front desk managers, hospitality managers, maintenance managers, etc. that all report to the hotel manager.
Lodging Managers Median Income: $65,360 - Restaurant Manager
The restaurant manager is in charge of the entire restaurant. This person oversees hiring and personnel issues, makes sure all orders that are needed to keep the restaurant functioning are made and delivered correctly, makes sure the financial statements are accurate, and takes care of scheduling and payroll. There may be shift managers and front and back end managers that report to the restaurant manager as well.
Food Service Managers Median Income: $63,060
Options to Advance
When it comes to the hospitality management field, getting an advanced master's degree in hospitality management could be helpful in the long run if you want to work in a corporate office of one of the major chain hotels, spas, etc. If you want to make it to the position of hotel manager, then a bachelor’s degree, along with experience and good reports about your work, should be sufficient. As with most professions, the more education you have, the more marketable you look to others but if you don’t intend to go the corporate route, attaining an advanced degree while working in a hotel could price you out of that coveted hotel manager position. Investigate a hospitality’s minimum education requirements and decide if getting an advance degree is the best option for you. These degrees can often be earned online by taking a few courses at a time, though even online programs have a max amount of time you can take to earn a degree.
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