Best Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs [2025 Guide]
Hospitality Management is a dynamic field that combines the excitement of travel with the precision of organizational skills.
Online hospitality degree programs offer a flexible way to prepare for a career in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other service-oriented businesses. These programs teach students how to create memorable experiences for guests while managing the complex operations behind the scenes.
Students who choose to pursue a Hospitality Management degree online gain valuable knowledge in areas such as event planning, customer service, and business administration. They learn to balance the art of hospitality with the science of management, preparing them for leadership roles in a global industry. The online format allows learners to study at their own pace, often while gaining practical experience in the field.
Key Points
- Online Hospitality Management programs blend travel excitement with organizational skills
- Students learn to create guest experiences and manage complex operations
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of service-oriented businesses
- Best Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs
- Hospitality Management Degree Options
- Specializations in Hospitality Management Bachelor's Programs
- Key Courses in Hospitality Management Programs
- Job Opportunities for Hospitality Management Graduates
- Earnings Potential in Hospitality Management
- Accreditation Standards for Hospitality Management Programs
- Financial Aid Options for Online Hospitality Management Programs
Popular Online Hospitality Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Rankings
The Best Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs ranking is based on four main data points covering four categories:
- Affordability (average net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Student Outcome (median salary 6-years after attending)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from College Scorecard and school websites.
Best Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs
Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Admission Rate: 25%
Average SAT Score: 1309
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,691
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,308
In-state Tuition and Fees: $5,656
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,786
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,675
University of Central Florida
Location: Orlando, FL
Admission Rate: 41%
Average SAT Score: 1281
Undergraduate Enrollment: 57,874
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,662
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,368
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $22,467
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,190
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,308
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Location: Columbia, SC
Admission Rate: 64%
Average SAT Score: 1304
Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,840
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,844
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,688
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $33,928
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,177
Washington State University
Location: Pullman, WA
Admission Rate: 83%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 22,265
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,396
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,701
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,385
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $68,905
The University of Alabama
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Admission Rate: 80%
Average SAT Score: 1304
Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,360
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,024
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,940
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $32,300
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,221
Oregon State University
Location: Corvallis, OR
Admission Rate: 83%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 28,407
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,827
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,664
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $33,439
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,221
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,010
East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, NC
Admission Rate: 92%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,385
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,104
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,325
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $23,602
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,146
West Virginia University
Location: Morgantown, WV
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1116
Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,370
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,810
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,360
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $26,568
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,939
Northern Arizona University
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Admission Rate: 80%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 23,090
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,648
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,274
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $27,536
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,384
Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, KS
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1051
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,066
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,598
In-state Tuition and Fees: $5,430
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,870
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,928
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Location: Greensboro, NC
Admission Rate: 92%
Average SAT Score: 1190
Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,862
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,229
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,498
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $22,657
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,858
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,160
Missouri State University-Springfield
Location: Springfield, MO
Admission Rate: 93%
Average SAT Score: 1147
Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,332
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,168
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,604
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $17,144
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,992
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,827
Utah Valley University
Location: Orem, UT
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,961
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Average Cost of Attendance: $14,855
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,270
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $17,830
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $14,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,486
Columbia Southern University
Location: Orange Beach, AL
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,208
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,520
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,015
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $6,015
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,339
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,534
American Public University System
Location: Charles Town, WV
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 37,569
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,779
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,360
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,360
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,743
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,409
North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, NC
Admission Rate: 84%
Average SAT Score: 976
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,101
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,744
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,599
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,635
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $28,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,968
Troy University
Location: Troy, AL
Admission Rate: 95%
Average SAT Score: 1050
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,316
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,005
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,312
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,624
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,062
Grand Canyon University
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Admission Rate: 78%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 65,147
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,440
In-state Tuition and Fees: $17,800
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $17,800
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,114
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,186
University of the Southwest
Location: Hobbs, NM
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 369
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $29,034
In-state Tuition and Fees: $17,200
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $17,200
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,303
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,389
Charleston Southern University
Location: Charleston, SC
Admission Rate: 87%
Average SAT Score: 1072
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,771
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $42,810
In-state Tuition and Fees: $29,990
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $29,990
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,471
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,898
Everglades University
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Admission Rate: 70%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,246
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $38,573
In-state Tuition and Fees: $20,000
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,000
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $38,996
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,597
University of Massachusetts Global
Location: Irvine, CA
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,545
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $35,619
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,520
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,520
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,276
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,703
Purdue University Global
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,339
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $13,945
In-state Tuition and Fees: $10,134
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $14,445
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,078
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,596
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Location: Providence, RI
Admission Rate: 68%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,838
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,859
In-state Tuition and Fees: $13,365
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $13,365
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,418
Hospitality Management Degree Options
Hospitality management offers many educational paths for those seeking careers in the industry. These programs prepare students for roles in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other service-oriented businesses.
Associate's degrees in hospitality management typically take two years to complete. These programs cover basics like front desk operations, guest services, and booking systems. Graduates can often find entry-level to mid-level positions in the field.
Bachelor's degrees provide more in-depth training over four years. Students learn about event planning, marketing, and general business operations. This degree can lead to management roles overseeing guest relations or facility operations.
For those aiming for top leadership positions, a master's degree in hospitality management is worth considering. This advanced program trains students to become facility managers or brand executives. Graduates may qualify for roles as regional or national managers for large hotel chains or resorts.
Many hospitality management programs offer flexibility in how students learn:
- On-campus programs
- Online degrees
- Hybrid options combining online and in-person classes
The hospitality industry values practical experience. Most degree programs include:
- Internships
- Co-op placements
- Hands-on projects
These give students real-world skills to complement their classroom learning.
Hospitality management degrees often cover topics like:
- Financial analysis
- Business negotiations
- Design strategies
- Revenue management
Some programs require prior work experience for admission. This ensures students have some industry knowledge before starting advanced coursework.
Career prospects for hospitality management graduates are diverse. Some may work locally, creating great experiences in their home communities. Others might travel globally, managing properties around the world.
Large hospitality brands often seek candidates with relevant degrees when hiring for management roles. A hospitality management education provides important industry knowledge and skills that employers value.
The field offers varied work environments:
- Luxury resorts
- Boutique hotels
- Restaurant chains
- Cruise lines
- Event planning firms
Some graduates prefer stable corporate office roles. Others enjoy rotating between different global locations to open and manage new properties.
Hospitality management degrees can lead to rewarding careers for those who enjoy working with people and creating positive experiences. Whether one's goal is to work close to home or see the world, this field offers many possibilities.
Specializations in Hospitality Management Bachelor's Programs
Gaming Industry Leadership
Students interested in the fast-paced world of casinos can focus on gaming industry leadership. This specialization prepares graduates for the unique challenges of casino operations.
The casino sector is booming, with annual revenues exceeding $40 billion. Students learn:
- Casino marketing strategies
- Staff management in 24/7 environments
- Gaming regulations and compliance
- Financial management for high-volume operations
Graduates gain specialized skills that are in high demand. They are equipped to handle the complex mix of entertainment, hospitality, and financial management required in modern casinos.
Food Service Operations
A focus on food service operations prepares students to excel in restaurant management roles. This specialization balances customer service skills with business acumen.
Key areas of study include:
- Menu planning and food cost control
- Restaurant marketing and branding
- Staff training and scheduling
- Health and safety regulations
Graduates can pursue careers managing standalone restaurants or working for large hospitality groups. The skills gained are also valuable for those planning to open their own dining establishments.
Destination and Resort Administration
Students who dream of working in exotic locations may choose to specialize in destination and resort administration. This path focuses on managing hotels, resorts, and tourism brands.
The curriculum typically covers:
- Hotel operations and logistics
- Tourism marketing and branding
- Customer loyalty programs
- Event planning and management
Graduates learn to create memorable experiences for guests while managing the complex operations of large-scale hospitality venues. They gain skills in areas like:
- Customer service excellence
- Employee management in seasonal settings
- Safety and risk management
- Cultural sensitivity for international visitors
This specialization prepares students for careers in hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tourism boards. Graduates may find opportunities to work in exciting destinations around the world.
Each of these specializations offers a unique path within the hospitality management field. Students can align their studies with their career goals and personal interests. All paths provide a mix of business fundamentals and industry-specific knowledge, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the dynamic hospitality sector.
Key Courses in Hospitality Management Programs
Hospitality management degrees offer a diverse range of courses. Students learn about many aspects of the industry. Here are some common classes:
- Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism
- Hospitality Law and Regulations
- Property and Facility Management
- Marketing for Tourism and Hospitality
The intro course covers hotels, events, and travel services. It teaches how to create great guest experiences. Students learn about brand building too.
Legal classes focus on important rules. Topics include insurance, alcohol permits, and worker rights. Students also study how to work with government agencies on safety issues.
Property management courses teach about running hotels and restaurants. Students learn space planning, real estate basics, and how to manage assets. Lease agreements are also covered.
Marketing classes show how to attract travelers. Students study tourism trends and ways to stand out from competitors. They learn to analyze customer needs and create effective promotions.
Many programs include general business and marketing courses. These skills are crucial in hospitality. Understanding business trends helps graduates succeed.
Learning a foreign language can be helpful. It's especially useful for those who want to work abroad after finishing school.
Online hospitality courses often cover similar topics. They may include classes on financial analysis and revenue management. Some programs require work experience before enrollment.
Job Opportunities for Hospitality Management Graduates
A degree in Hospitality Management opens doors to various exciting careers in the global hospitality industry. Graduates can find work with well-known brands in hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, casinos, and restaurants.
Entry-level positions often include:
- Concierge
- Front desk agent
- Event planner
As careers progress, graduates may move into roles such as:
- Customer relations manager
- Customer experience manager
- Customer loyalty manager
Leadership positions in the field include:
- Hotel manager
- Venue manager
- Operations manager
- Director of housekeeping
- Executive casino host
- Food and beverage director
- Marketing manager
These roles allow graduates to apply their skills in customer service, operations, and management across diverse settings in the hospitality world.
Earnings Potential in Hospitality Management
Hospitality management offers varied career paths with different pay scales. Jobs in this field can provide both financial rewards and unique experiences.
Some roles in hospitality management include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Gaming Manager | $75,470 |
| Lodging Manager | $56,670 |
| Food Service Manager | $56,590 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner | $51,560 |
| Travel Agent | $42,350 |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | $42,040 |
Large hotel chains often offer extra perks like bonuses and free travel for staff and their families. These benefits can add value beyond the base salary. While pay varies by role, many positions in this field provide chances for growth and advancement.
Accreditation Standards for Hospitality Management Programs
When looking into Hospitality Management degree programs, it's important to consider accreditation. Regional accreditation is a mark of quality that goes beyond basic federal requirements. While not mandatory, it can enhance a program's reputation and make credit transfers easier.
For Hospitality Management specifically, there's an additional accreditation to look for:
ACPHA (Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration)
This organization evaluates both two-year and four-year programs. ACPHA accreditation signals that a program meets high industry standards.
Key points about accreditation:
- Regional accreditation applies to the whole school
- ACPHA accreditation focuses on Hospitality Management programs
- Both types indicate quality education
- Accreditation can affect credit transfers and program recognition
When researching schools, it's wise to ask about their accreditation status. This information can help students make informed decisions about their education and future career prospects in the hospitality industry.
Financial Aid Options for Online Hospitality Management Programs
Online Degrees in Hospitality Management
Many schools offer online degrees in hospitality management. These programs allow students to study at their own pace, fitting education around work and other commitments. Full-time and part-time options are available. Some schools even offer accelerated programs for those wanting to complete their degree more quickly.
Institutions Offering Hospitality Management Degrees
Numerous colleges and universities across the country provide hospitality management programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs can open doors to careers in hotels, restaurants, casinos, and cruise lines.
Top Schools for Hospitality Management
When choosing a hospitality management program, look for:
- Regional or ACPHA accreditation
- A well-rounded curriculum covering:
- Business
- Marketing
- Finance
- Safety
- Law
- Flexibility to add electives in specialized areas
The best programs prepare students for the diverse challenges of the hospitality industry.
Financial aid options for hospitality management students include:
- Federal grants
- Federal loans
- Work-study programs
- State-level aid
To start the financial aid process, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is used to determine eligibility for various types of aid.
In addition to government aid, private companies in the hospitality industry often offer scholarships. Two notable examples are:
- The Hyatt Hotels Fund for Minority Lodging Management Students: A generous scholarship for students in four-year programs
- The American Express Scholarship: Designed for working professionals pursuing hospitality management degrees
Students should explore both loans and tuition assistance options. Many resources exist to help make education more affordable.
The hospitality industry is experiencing significant growth. In 2009, there were 353,000 job openings in the U.S. hospitality sector. Today, that number exceeds 900,000. This growth translates to increased opportunities for graduates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth in management occupations over the next decade. Common careers for hospitality management graduates include:
- Housekeeping supervisor
- Hotel manager
- Food service manager
- Gaming manager
A degree in hospitality management can lead to exciting career prospects. The hotel industry alone contributes $218 billion annually to the U.S. economy, highlighting the sector's economic importance.
Graduates often find themselves in enviable positions, balancing work with travel opportunities and unique experiences. The field offers both challenges and rewards for those passionate about service and management.
For those considering a hospitality management degree, it's important to weigh the costs against potential benefits. While tuition can be substantial, the growing job market and diverse career options make it a worthwhile investment for many students.
Financial aid can significantly reduce the cost burden. By carefully researching scholarship opportunities and federal aid options, students can make their education more affordable.
Online programs offer additional flexibility, allowing students to work while studying. This can help offset costs and provide valuable industry experience.
When selecting a program, consider factors such as:
- Accreditation
- Curriculum comprehensiveness
- Industry partnerships
- Internship opportunities
- Career services
These elements can enhance the value of a degree and improve job prospects after graduation.
The hospitality industry offers a unique blend of business acumen and people skills. Graduates find themselves well-prepared for a variety of roles, from managing luxury hotels to overseeing food and beverage operations.
As the industry continues to evolve, new opportunities emerge. Technology, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences are shaping the future of hospitality. A degree program that addresses these trends can provide a competitive edge in the job market.
Ultimately, a hospitality management degree can open doors to a dynamic and rewarding career. With the right financial planning and program selection, students can position themselves for success in this growing field.
