Texas Tech University (TTU) offers an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management. Students receive a broad education in the lodging, food, beverage, and hospitality business. They also gain hands-on experience in labs that focus on hotel operations, food production, and computers. Coursework focuses on the business aspect of hospitality
Best Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs
Hospitality management is a flexible degree that can be leveraged into a wide variety of career opportunities. Graduates may opt to go into the hotel business as a hotel manager or director of housekeeping, into the restaurant industry as a restaurant or catering manager, into the tourism business as a travel agent or tour operator, or into event planning as a conference organizer or bridal consultant. Many of these careers offer median salaries in the range of $40,000 to $55,000. Students who enter into one of the online hospitality management degree programs on the ranked list below will find themselves studying business management, finance, and marketing concepts in a tightly focused learning environment with hospitality-specific cases and applications. Keep reading to learn more about accreditation and related degree options.
Online Bachelor's in Hospitality Management with the Highest Return on Investment

This list shows the top online bachelor’s programs in hospitality management based on return on investment. ROI is a projected estimate of accumulated earnings 10 years after graduation. This amount takes into account both earnings and debt in order to accurately showcase how much hospitality management graduates may financially benefit from their degrees. Texas Tech University, the top school on the list, has an estimated return of $444,300 and an annual tuition of $21,030 for an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Texas Tech University | $21,030 | $45,636 | $20,500 | $444,300 | |
University of Massachusetts - Amherst | $14,250 | $45,852 | $23,250 | $443,100 | |
American Public University System | $8,550 | $45,529 | $28,382 | $433,400 | |
California State University-East Bay | $18,414 | $43,054 | $21,161 | $416,900 | |
University of Wisconsin - Stout | $17,455 | $40,821 | $23,893 | $390,500 | |
Washington State University | $11,829 | $38,289 | $19,500 | $369,900 | |
Northern Arizona University | $13,650 | $38,372 | $21,500 | $368,300 | |
Florida International University | $10,376 | $37,694 | $18,250 | $365,300 | |
Johnson & Wales University-Online | $21,780 | $37,007 | $26,100 | $348,500 | |
Arizona State University | $21,152 | $36,150 | $19,750 | $347,600 | |
North Carolina Central University | $21,071 | $36,848 | $33,874 | $337,200 | |
University of Alabama | $11,250 | $35,307 | $21,250 | $337,000 | |
Florida Atlantic University | $19,171 | $34,847 | $20,500 | $333,200 | |
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | $11,085 | $34,847 | $22,250 | $331,000 | |
University of South Carolina - Columbia | $20,856 | $34,989 | $24,250 | $330,000 | |
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi | $8,480 | $33,726 | $20,678 | $321,500 | |
East Carolina University | $21,009 | $34,170 | $26,000 | $319,400 | |
University of Central Florida | $18,483 | $33,077 | $17,750 | $318,400 | |
Monroe College | $14,976 | $33,364 | $23,866 | $313,800 | |
Utah Valley University | $16,092 | $31,495 | $15,043 | $305,500 | |
Coastal Carolina University | $27,394 | $32,124 | $25,000 | $299,600 | |
Stratford University | $25,160 | $33,993 | $40,500 | $299,500 | |
New Mexico State University | $11,406 | $27,222 | $23,000 | $251,600 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Hospitality Management Rankings Details
#1
Texas Tech University
- 10-Year ROI: $444,300
- Median Salary: $45,636
- Annual Tuition: $21,030
- Median Debt: $20,500
#2
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- 10-Year ROI: $443,100
- Median Salary: $45,852
- Annual Tuition: $14,250
- Median Debt: $23,250
The University of Massachusett Amherst's (UMass) Isenberg School of Management offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students in this degree-completion program learn how to manage food and beverage services, lodging, events, revenue, and human resources. A total of 120 credits are needed to complete the degree, and at least 45 credits must be
#3
American Public University System
- 10-Year ROI: $433,400
- Median Salary: $45,529
- Annual Tuition: $8,550
- Median Debt: $28,382
American Public University System (APUS) offers a 120-credit online Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management degree with concentration options including business and hospitality financial analytics, food service, lodging, tourism, and meeting and event planning. In addition to classes in their specialty areas, students are required to take core courses in general hospitality management,
#4
California State University-East Bay
- 10-Year ROI: $416,900
- Median Salary: $43,054
- Annual Tuition: $18,414
- Median Debt: $21,161
California State University (CSU) - East Bay offers several online degree programs in hospitality management, including a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism, Bachelor of Science in Recreation - Recreation Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism - Event Planning and Management, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism - Food and Beverage
#5
University of Wisconsin - Stout
- 10-Year ROI: $390,500
- Median Salary: $40,821
- Annual Tuition: $17,455
- Median Debt: $23,893
The online Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management program from the University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) offers concentrations in financial management, operations management, hotel and resort operations, tourism promotion, and event and conference planning. Requiring 180 credits to graduate, the program includes instruction in customer analytics, revenue
#6
Washington State University
- 10-Year ROI: $369,900
- Median Salary: $38,289
- Annual Tuition: $11,829
- Median Debt: $19,500
Washington State University (WSU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management program. Enrollees gain an in-depth understanding of all aspects of the industry, including lodging, attractions, transportation, and food and beverage. A total of 120 credits are required to complete the degree, and credits can be transferred from prior college-level coursework.
#7
Northern Arizona University
- 10-Year ROI: $368,300
- Median Salary: $38,372
- Annual Tuition: $13,650
- Median Debt: $21,500
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management requiring 120 credits. The program centers around management practices and strategies for both the hotel and restaurant industries. This includes the operation of theme parks, recreational areas, country clubs, and resorts. Part of the program requires an internship of 1,200 hours or
#8
Florida International University
- 10-Year ROI: $365,300
- Median Salary: $37,694
- Annual Tuition: $10,376
- Median Debt: $18,250
The online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Florida International University is available with seven different concentrations: beverage management, hotel/lodging management, restaurant/culinary management, spirits management, event management, travel and tourism management, and entertainment management. Students in the 120-credit online program fulfill an internship
#9
Johnson & Wales University-Online
- 10-Year ROI: $348,500
- Median Salary: $37,007
- Annual Tuition: $21,780
- Median Debt: $26,100
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) offers ten online Bachelor of Science degrees in the hospitality industry. The programs cover food and beverage, event management, food industry compliance, hotels and lodging, restaurant management, sport management, entertainment, and tourism. Each of the programs features 11-week courses and can be completed in four years. The number of credits
#10
Arizona State University
- 10-Year ROI: $347,600
- Median Salary: $36,150
- Annual Tuition: $21,152
- Median Debt: $19,750
The online Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in food industry management at Arizona State University (ASU) prepares graduates for management positions in the food and hospitality industry. The curriculum includes subjects such as finance, marketing, human resources, and supply chain management, as well as food markets, retailing, and food product innovation. Each
#11
North Carolina Central University
- 10-Year ROI: $337,200
- Median Salary: $36,848
- Annual Tuition: $21,071
- Median Debt: $33,874
An online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Administration degree program is currently being offered by North Carolina Central University (NCCU). The program features 128 credits with a focus on the concepts and management strategies used in the hospitality and tourism industry. Internships are available as part of the program.
Blackboard is the online learning management
#12
University of Alabama
- 10-Year ROI: $337,000
- Median Salary: $35,307
- Annual Tuition: $11,250
- Median Debt: $21,250
The online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at the University of Alabama (UA) allows students to focus on one of three areas: convention sales and services, food service management and catering, or hotel/resort industries. Coursework covers areas such as management of food and beverage services, employee supervision and management, basic accounting, hospitality marketing
#13
Florida Atlantic University
- 10-Year ROI: $333,200
- Median Salary: $34,847
- Annual Tuition: $19,171
- Median Debt: $20,500
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management degree. Coursework for this 120-credit program covers general studies, hospitality law, resort management, guest services management, hospitality finance, and more. Students also have the choice of an elective class to further their knowledge in a chosen area.
#14
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
- 10-Year ROI: $331,000
- Median Salary: $34,847
- Annual Tuition: $11,085
- Median Debt: $22,250
Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale's College of Agricultural Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management degree-completion program for those who have already earned an associate degree. The bachelor's degree can be finished in two years, with a total of 57 credits required for completion. Classes cover topics such as hotel
#15
University of South Carolina - Columbia
- 10-Year ROI: $330,000
- Median Salary: $34,989
- Annual Tuition: $20,856
- Median Debt: $24,250
Palmetto College at the University of South Carolina - Columbia (UofSC) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree-completion program. Students may select a concentration in hotels, food service, or tourism. Coursework covers management, government regulations relating to hotels and restaurants, nutrition, catering management, club management, and marketing.
#16
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
- 10-Year ROI: $321,500
- Median Salary: $33,726
- Annual Tuition: $8,480
- Median Debt: $20,678
The online Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel and Restaurant Management degree from SUNY College of Technology at Delhi helps prepare students for a career in management at national resorts, hotels, or food-service ventures. The curriculum includes coursework in leadership, finance, law, lodging, and food service management. The 120-credit online degree provides specific
#17
East Carolina University
- 10-Year ROI: $319,400
- Median Salary: $34,170
- Annual Tuition: $21,009
- Median Debt: $26,000
The online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at East Carolina University (ECU) allows students to tailor the degree to their particular area of interest with three different concentrations. In the convention and special events management concentration, students work on various projects and complete a required internship. The food and beverage management track allows
#18
University of Central Florida
- 10-Year ROI: $318,400
- Median Salary: $33,077
- Annual Tuition: $18,483
- Median Debt: $17,750
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers two online degree-completion programs: a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant and Foodservice Management. The 120-credit curriculum for both programs covers operations, customer service, finance, marketing, communication, and human resources. Students also learn about niche areas—golf
#19
Monroe College
- 10-Year ROI: $313,800
- Median Salary: $33,364
- Annual Tuition: $14,976
- Median Debt: $23,866
Monroe College offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management for students who are interested in working in the hotel or restaurant industry. It is a full degree program worth 120 credits. The focus of the program includes both hotel and restaurant protocols, culinary studies, and hospitality management. Mentors are available through online advisor programs.
#20
Utah Valley University
- 10-Year ROI: $305,500
- Median Salary: $31,495
- Annual Tuition: $16,092
- Median Debt: $15,043
The online Bachelor of Science in Business Management - Hospitality Management degree at Utah Valley University (UVU) offers students four possible specializations: general operations, revenue management, food and beverage management (designed mainly for culinary arts AAS graduates), and a foreign language track (which provides 12-15 hours of language credit). Completion of the
#21
Coastal Carolina University
- 10-Year ROI: $299,600
- Median Salary: $32,124
- Annual Tuition: $27,394
- Median Debt: $25,000
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Hospitality, Resort and Tourism Management. The program instructs students in managing hospitality and tourism services within the context of a resort setting. Students learn about standard hospitality business practices and have the option to choose from electives that include event
#22
Stratford University
- 10-Year ROI: $299,500
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $25,160
- Median Debt: $40,500
Stratford University offers an online Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hospitality Management with a specific concentration in hotels and restaurants. This 180-credit online degree can be earned in as little as 30 months and includes coursework in financial management, leadership, business law, marketing, food and beverage controls, and catering management. Graduates may pursue careers
#23
New Mexico State University
- 10-Year ROI: $251,600
- Median Salary: $27,222
- Annual Tuition: $11,406
- Median Debt: $23,000
At New Mexico State University (NMSU), the online Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management is a degree-completion program. Incoming students should have completed most of their general education and lower-division major courses (about 60 credits) before entering the program. While at NMSU, students take upper-level courses in topics such as leadership, hotel
Online Hospitality Management Degree Overview & Career Information
Online associate degrees in hospitality management are typically offered as an Associate of Science (AS) degree. These programs are often designed to train graduates specifically for the workforce, but some are designed to segue into a bachelor's degree in hospitality. Common courses include food science, commercial food preparation, organization and management, tourism planning, and restaurant management. Most programs also require a small grouping of general education classes in topics like personal finance, college writing, and literature.
The online bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is the degree most likely to lead to supervisory roles such as grounds supervisor, convention services manager, event manager, and guest service representative. The bachelor’s degree program is often a business administration degree with a specialization in hospitality management. Core classes include subjects such as accounting in the hospitality industry, operations, food production management, and leadership in the hospitality setting. Many programs require a certain number of years of professional experience in hospitality or a certain number of documented hours of work experience. Many online programs in this field require an internship.
Online master’s degree programs and graduate certificates in hospitality management address advanced business skills for the hospitality industry. Students study strategic management, information technology, organizational behavior, and law as they apply to the hospitality industry. Electives can be used to tailor the program to the particular hospitality area students plan to work in, such as casino or restaurant management. Most graduate programs require an internship in a management or administrative setting.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Hospitality Management
There are relatively few bachelor's degree programs in the United States that are dedicated to hospitality management; more popularly, students enroll in a Bachelor of Business Administration program that offers specializations in hospitality management. As business schools struggle to attract business students, they often implement more and more specialization programs to suit the specific needs of career-minded college students, and hospitality management is one such specialization. A bachelor's degree program usually requires a four year, full-time commitment from students. Once students graduate with a degree in hospitality management, they will be able to market themselves at hotels and similar environments around the world.
As with any general bachelor's degree program, a program in hospitality management requires students to take general education classes alongside program-specific requirements. These general education requirements typically take two years and include liberal arts subjects such as literature, writing, history, science, arts, and mathematics. The rest of the program will involve courses specific to hospitality management. Some of the classes that students might encounter include the following:
- Food and Beverage Operations Management: This is a core requirement of most programs and is often taken in the first semester of study. The class provides students with an overview of food and beverage management and a foundation for the rest of the program.
- Fundamentals of Accounting: A basic accounting course is generally required for any graduate in hospitality management. Students will learn bookkeeping skills, from logging incoming and outgoing finances to income tax reporting.
- Leadership and Organization: Hospitality management is, at its core, a degree in management and leadership. Students will learn how to apply leadership principles to a real work setting.
- Planning and Cost Control: Often the difference between a successful business venture and a failure can be traced back to a reduction of extra costs through careful planning. This course examines some basic strategies for how to plan ahead and reduce costs for your business.
- Strategic Marketing: Another important skill for any manager is how to market a business to bring in the most money. This class covers basic principles of how to bring in business through current marketing techniques.
Students will likely have access to many of the same organizations, competitions, and societies that business students do. They may participate in marketing challenges or honors society marketing events. Hospitality management is also an excellent field for internships; students can work in hotels, bed and breakfasts, or resorts to gain practical experience and establish contacts for future career endeavors.
The Importance of Accreditation
If you decide to invest your time and money in higher education, it's wise to make sure that the program you select is of the very highest quality. The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) is an accrediting body that can help you choose a worthy associate or bachelor's degree program. While specific programmatic accreditation is not required for hospitality management positions, it can be useful for identifying programs that cover particular student outcomes and for narrowing down the field of prospective degree programs you’re considering.
Programmatic accreditation is a process by which a particular degree program or type of school is evaluated by a third-party organization. Unlike institutional accreditation, programmatic accreditation cannot be used for federal financial aid funding, but it does indicate that a program meets high standards, and it may help you earn professional certifications or credentials later in your career.
Accreditation is useful for hospitality management schools, in particular, because the accreditation process takes into account the specific skills and techniques students will need to be successful hospitality managers. ACPHA ensures that a program's curriculum covers subjects such as hospitality marketing, operations, accounting, financial management, legal issues, ethical considerations, organization theory, and administrative processes. ACPHA also makes sure that students have access to sufficient hands-on experience so that they leave their degree program with the appropriate skills.
Along with the course curriculum, ACPHA also evaluates the qualifications of a school’s instructional staff and their effectiveness as teachers. ACPHA also investigates the student services available, such as counseling, industry exposure, and clear program standards. Each school’s financial status is also assessed to make sure the program is solvent and able to meet its financial demands. The school’s library collection, learning facilities, and audio-visual equipment are also taken into account.
Related Degrees
A hospitality management degree is closely related to many other degrees in the field of hotel and food services and hospitality management. The most closely related programs are hotel management and food and beverage management. These degrees cover many of the same topics as hospitality management, but they are more focused in their approach. Hotel management is specific to the management of hotels, large casinos, or resorts, while food and beverage management is often sought after by those interested in creating restaurant chains or upscale food or beverage establishments.
Tourism and travel is also closely related to the field of hospitality. A tourism and travel degree focuses on ways to increase tourism, provide tourism-related services to consumers, and capitalize on both business and leisure travel. Many who graduate with this degree work for hotels, cruise lines, local tourism offices, or travel agencies. Many students who pursue a degree in hospitality management might also be attracted to a degree in business or marketing. The important skills of running or establishing a business, working effectively with clients and customers, and successfully marketing a product or idea are relevant and can be easily transferred to careers within the hospitality industry.
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