15 Best Affordable Hospitality Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020

In the following ranking, we examine the 15 best affordable colleges for a hospitality degree. The tourism and hospitality industry is a large enterprise in the U.S., and now is a fantastic time to consider pursuing a Bachelor’s in Hospitality degree. Most of us have attended a wine tasting, visited a famous attraction, stayed in a hotel, or eaten in a restaurant. It’s easy to see the need for highly trained event planners, amusement park operators, hotel managers, and restaurant owners. As you can see, there are many career options for students considering working in this dynamic and growing field. While entry-level positions do not typically require an undergraduate degree, a bachelor’s is generally required for candidates looking to move into positions of leadership and management.

Methodology

We understand how time-consuming it can be to narrow down schools, research majors, look at internship options, and compare costs. To help prospective students, we compiled the following list and awarded points based on two features that most students look for in a program: tuition and student/faculty ratios. We searched the National Center for Education Statistics (NCS) College Navigator tool for schools offering bachelor’s degrees in hospitality. We narrowed down the initial pool of 20 colleges and universities into the top 15 based on the following methodology. 

Average Cost of Attendance

As you begin your search for affordable colleges for a hospitality degree, the cost of attendance will likely be the first thing you look for in a program. Although tempting, try to avoid selecting the cheapest hospitality degree just for the sake of saving money. Instead, look at everything that school has to offer, including majors, extracurriculars, and internships, before making your decision. Below, we ranked tuition based on the cost of one academic year of study using costs provided by the NCES. We also included out-of-state rates as well.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Student/faculty ratios provide insight into the learning environment at each institution. For example, colleges and universities that report low student/faculty ratios may be more likely to provide opportunities for individualized studies, close relationships between students and faculty, and the academic support students need to succeed. When researching these ratios, keep your own needs and preferences in mind. Think about whether you are looking to interact closely with others in an intimate environment or whether you prefer to blend into the background of a larger school. Below, we awarded the most points to institutions that reported the lowest student-to-faculty ratios from NCES.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Ranking Top 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Hospitality Degree

15. Ferris State University

Big Rapids, Michigan

Points: 3
Program Website

Ferris State University is a public institution of higher education. Established as Big Rapids Industrial School in 1884, it’s the ninth-largest university in the state. The school’s College of Business offers a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Business degree with a concentration in hospitality management. It can be completed at either the FSU main campus or its locations in Grand Rapids. The program’s curriculum combines practice with theory by supplementing coursework with hands-on experiences such as:

• service-learning projects
• industry site visits
• curriculum-focused internships

Core classes include topics such as:

• hospitality law
• sanitation and safety
• guest service management.

Within this affordable degree in hospitality, students may then select a focus from one of four concentrations:

• specialized management
• food and beverage
• lodging
• event.

Students have opportunities to connect with professionals across the field through partnerships with industry leaders and national associations. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in a variety of hospitality-related businesses in areas such as:

• event management
• food and beverage operations
• lodging

The field also includes positions in guest services, ski management, spa management, and country club management.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Business Degree in Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $11,788
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,788
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1

14. National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois

Points: 3
Program Website

Established in 1886, National Louis University is a private university that operates a main campus in Chicago, Illinois. Additional locations are near Chicago and in Florida and Poland. In 2018, NLU acquired the assets of Kendall College and transferred several programs, including its economical Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management degree. Students looking for an affordable hospitality degree can pursue a top-value BA of Arts in Hospitality Management. The program is comprised of both real-world experiences and classroom learning. All students completing the 180-credit-hour program are required to complete the same core hospitality-focused courses and choose from one of four concentrations:

• food and beverage management
• hotel and lodging management
• tourism
• event planning.

Students also gain real-world experience in state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• hosting and serving meals in the school’s fine dining restaurant
• learning the intricacies of housekeeping in a hotel suite
• practicing guest relations and customer service at a reception desk in the school’s lobby

A hospitality professional experience via an internship is also required before graduating. Graduates are prepared for careers such as wine sommeliers, hotel managers, and hospitality consultants in finance. 

Degree Options:
B.A. in Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $10,710
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,710
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

13. North Dakota State University

Fargo, North Dakota

Points: 3
Program Website

Recognized as an affordable university for a hospitality degree, the North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is a public research university. The school confers either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management degree. It’s the only four-year program of its kind in the state. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. All students complete core courses centered on the management of resources such as:

• time
• technology
• money
• materials
• people in a hospitality and tourism setting.

Upper-division coursework concentrates on critical, project-based evaluations. It also includes the production of quality services in hospitality and tourism operations. Students may focus their degree through electives in areas such as:

• convention and meeting planning
• resorts
• professional club management
• casino operations
• food and beverage

The program also requires a 24-credit minor in business administration. This provides a solid background on which students can build knowledge about management and marketing in the hospitality industry.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
In-State Tuition: $9,414
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,393
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1

12. Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio

Points: 3
Program Website

Established in 1908, Youngstown State University is a public research university that is affiliated with the University System of Ohio. Students looking for a low-cost hospitality degree can pursue an affordable Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Hospitality Management. Graduates are prepared to succeed in a career in a fast-growing field around the world. The curriculum focuses on management concepts and best practices in five main areas:

• sales management
• travel and tourism
• food and beverage
• marketing
• lodging

The 120-credit-hour inexpensive degree program is comprised of 40 hours of general education classes as well as 48 credits of core coursework in:

• food and nutrition
• hospitality management
• support courses in business

Students taking 16 credits per semester may graduate with their degree in four years. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• customer management
• travel or facility
• human resources
• event coordination
• hotel management, to name a few.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

11. University of New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

Points: 3
Program Website

Students looking for an accredited university for a low-cost hospitality degree may consider the University of New Orleans. It’s a metropolitan, public research university situated on the New Orleans lakefront. A member school of the University of Louisiana System, UNO confers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration degree. Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• resorts
• casinos
• cruise lines
• managed services
• convention centers
• country clubs
• restaurants
• hotels

Through the 120-credit-hour curriculum, students develop skills in marketing and finance as well as management and human resources. Concentrations are available in:

• tourism
• food and beverage management
• convention and event management
• hotel and lodging

Students are required to complete 600 hours of work experience in the industry where they apply their skills in a real-world setting. UNO has state-of-the-art classrooms as well as a cutting-edge food lab facility which houses:

• an outdoor courtyard
• property management system lab
• demonstration lab
• dining room
• production kitchen. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration
In-State Tuition: $8,771
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,607
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1

10. South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota

Points: 3
Program Website

South Dakota State University is a public institution and an affordable accredited university for a hospitality degree. Founded in 1881, SDSU is the oldest continually operating university in the state as well the largest institution. Students looking for a top-value hospitality degree can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management that focuses on:

• service
• research
• skill development
• student-centered education
• collaboration with global tourism and hospitality industries.

The 120-hour economical degree program is comprised of core classes in hospitality management in areas such as:

• food production and service
• events and facilities administration
• sanitation
• hospitality industry law
• lodging management
• marketing
• purchasing management

The curriculum also consists of business-focused core classes in:

• human resource management
• finance
• organization and management
• accounting.

Students are required to complete two practicum experiences that provide supervisory and introductory level industry experience. 

Degree Options:
Hospitality Management (B.S.)
In-State Tuition: $8,764
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,128
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

9. SUNY at Delhi

Delhi, New York

Points: 3
Program Website

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Delhi is one of several technical colleges in the State University of New York System. SUNY Delhi offers an affordable Bachelor of Business Administration in which students may focus on hotel and restaurant management. The curriculum includes coursework in:

• food service management
• lodging
• law
• finance
• leadership

The program prepares students for the management duties and fiscal responsibilities that industry leaders face daily. This economical hospitality degree also covers critical subjects such as:

• hospitality law
• advanced human resource management
• purchasing
• hospitality financial management.

Classes are small so students can receive personal guidance and one-on-one interactions with faculty. SUNY Delhi students may also choose to participate in the Walt Disney College Program. Participants work in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World for six months while earning credit for their courses. Classes in this program include:

• Disney experiential learning
• Disney marketing
• human resource management
• hospitality management
• leadership
• communications.

Graduates are prepared for careers as hotel sales directors, sales and marketing coordinators, food and beverage professionals, and banquet, purchasing, and human resource managers.

Degree Options:
Hotel & Restaurant Management (BBA)
In-State Tuition: $8,360
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,330
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1

8. Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

Points: 4
Program Website

Western Illinois University was founded as Western Illinois State Normal School in 1899. Students seeking an affordable hospitality degree may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Course areas covered include:

• food production and service
• bar and beverage management
• wedding planning
• front office management
• hospitality facilities management.

Other areas of study include:

• legal aspects
• hospitality promotions
• catering
• wine
• lodging systems management

Students may choose to complete an independent study in hospitality management. A 60-hour internship is required for the degree. The cost-effective hospitality degree also features hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art cafe and food laboratory as well as opportunities with business partners and in business simulations. The school also boasts a placement rate of nearly 100 percent in a continuously growing economy. Instructors lead students in career-building and networking through internships, practicum experiences, and field trips.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $12,951
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,951
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

7. Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, Minnesota

Points: 4
Program Website

Students looking for the most affordable university for a hospitality degree might consider Southwest Minnesota State University. A public institution, SMSU offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. It includes a concentration in event planning and management, hotel administration, or culinary management as part of the degree. All three concentrations provide students with opportunities to build upon:

• their management and leadership abilities
• problem-solving techniques
• critical thinking skills
• customer awareness
• financial analysis skills

Students gain hands-on experience in SMSU’s state-of-the-art kitchen laboratories while catering on- and off-campus events. SMSU also encourages students to participate in collaborative activities such as attending the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago and the International Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Show in New York City. Professional and student associations provide additional learning opportunities outside of the classroom. The low-cost four-year degree program prepares students for careers in:

• resorts
• restaurants
• hotels
• other recreational and hospitality facilities.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science: Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $8,612
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,612
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

6. Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Points: 4
Program Website

The Harrison College of Business and Computing at SEMO offers an inexpensive Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management degree. Students can expect to study areas such as:

• the principles of marketing
• human resource management
• quantity food production
• hospitality sales and marketing

Students gain experiential learning through a 12-credit-hour internship that gives them exposure to actual operations within the industry. Students benefit from personal curriculum advisement from their professors. They also benefit from faculty members’ experiences in different areas of hospitality management, including:

• catering and event planning
• culinary arts
• lodging management.

Students are eligible to become ServSafe-certified and have access to scholarships from the Missouri Restaurant Association. They also have access to internship locations across the country and abroad. Some of the Internships and career opportunities includes:

• Walt Disney World
• St. Louis Zoo
• Texas Roadhouse
• Marriott Hotel Company

Graduates are prepared for management-level careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Degree Options:
Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $7,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,155
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1

5. Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas

Points: 4
Program Website

Arkansas Tech University is a public institution established in 1909. ATU’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Hospitality Administration offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration that concentrates on:

• computer science
• law
• accounting
• marketing
• finance
• management
• general business

Students can further focus their degree by selecting one of three concentrations:

• lodging management
• food service management
• event management

Students have numerous opportunities to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting. This affordable degree program prepares students for management positions in:

• travel& tourism-related operations
• theme parks
• contract services
• restaurants
• convention and visitor centers
• conference halls
• resorts,
• lodging facilities. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration
In-State Tuition: $7,254
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,678
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1

4. CUNY New York City College of Technology

New York, New York

Points: 4
Program Website

The CUNY New York City College of Technology is a public college. It’s recognized as being among the top affordable colleges for a hospitality degree. It began as the New York State Institute for Applied Arts and Sciences in 1946. City Tech offers a cost-effective hospitality degree in the form of a Bachelor of Technology in Hospitality Management. The 120- to 125-credit-hour program is comprised of:

• 21 credits in general education and flexible common core classes
• 12 credits in program-specific elective courses
• nine credits in free electives
• 18 credits in program-specific degree requirements

Areas of study include:

• marketing and management
• accounting and finance
• legal environment
• workforce management in a global marketplace
• a hospitality management research seminar
• a hospitality management internship

This affordable degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. Students learn how to analyze and evaluate hospitality concerns by incorporating diverse global and local perspectives in decision-making. Students will also be able to demonstrate:

• team-building
• communication
• interpersonal
• leadership skills

They will also learn to practice socially responsible and ethical behavior. 

Degree Options:
Hospitality Management – BTECH
In-State Tuition: $7,120
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,790
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

3. Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Laie, Hawaii

Points: 4
Program Website

With one of the cheapest tuition rates on our list, Brigham Young University-Hawaii is a top affordable university for a hospitality degree. This private university is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers the only degree in hospitality and tourism management in the LDS Church Educational System. Core courses are provided in tourism- and hospitality-focused areas such as:

• law and ethics
• marketing
• accounting and finance
• management and leadership
• destination management and marketing
• property management and the guest experience
• tourism geography and travel,
• the global economics of tourism

The flexible and innovative curriculum is based on a solid business foundation as well as career-focused electives. Students complete a practicum course consisting of rotational experiences at local partners such as the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Marriott Courtyard Hotel. Students may also choose to enjoy lecture series with industry leaders. They can join the student-led Ho’okipa Society, which sponsors trips, social activities, and networking experiences. They can also attend regular field trips to Waikiki restaurants, attractions, and hotels.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management
In-State Tuition: $5,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

2. South Seattle College

Seattle, Washington

Points: 4
Program Website

Recognized as one of the most affordable colleges for a hospitality degree in the country, South Seattle College is a public community college. Established in 1970, it is one of three institutions that make up the Seattle Colleges District. SSC offers and affordable Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. The program provides students with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to leverage their associate degree in:

• culinary studies
• business information technology
• accounting
• other related areas

In this 120-credit program, students complete 60 credits in core courses that cover topics in:

• human resource management
• entrepreneurship
• marketing and management
• computer applications
• legal issues
• services operations
• cost controls
• professional career development.

A hospitality management capstone is required for graduation. Graduates are prepared to enter positions in:

• managed services
• casino operations
• cruise ship operations
• catering
• restaurant management
• hotel operations
• tourism. 

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Hospitality Management
In-State Tuition: $4,717
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,717
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

1. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Points: 4
Program Website

Topping our list of the most affordable colleges for a hospitality degree is Western Carolina University, a public university Established in 1889 as Cullowhee Academy, it is the fifth-oldest institution in the North Carolina System. The College of Business at WCU offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Tourism Management. The program covers such areas as:

• hospitality and tourism
• quantitative analysis
• mathematics
• management
• marketing
• law
• computer information systems
• accounting

Hospitality- and tourism-focused coursework consists of:

• international studies in the industry
• bar and beverage operations
• hospitality facilities management
• the hospitality and tourism services industry as a whole

All students must complete a hands-on internship experience before earning their degree. Graduates of this low-cost degree program are prepared for management-level careers in numerous hospitality and tourism settings, including:

• fast-food operations
• cruise ships
• casinos
• convention centers
• resorts
• hotels
• restaurants.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Tourism Management
In-State Tuition: $3,926
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,926
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Degree?

Students who earn a Bachelor’s in Hospitality degree are prepared for several entry- and mid-level positions as well as managerial jobs typically reserved for those with a college degree. Four of the most common career options for undergraduates with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or hospitality and tourism management include:

• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners: These individuals focus on coordinating wedding receptions, corporate gatherings, business retreats, conferences, and other types of private parties. Professionals in this occupation must ensure that every logistic detail, including music and decorations to drink and food service, is running smoothly and as planned. They may also need to work with lodging managers to arrange for accommodations for overnight guests or events.
• Food Service Managers: Food service managers oversee the day-to-day operations and functions at bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve beverages and food. These professionals may also be employed by catering or food delivery organizations. This position requires candidates to have significant knowledge of food preparation techniques and food safety as well as a solid understanding of human resources, communication, and logistics.
• Lodging Managers: Lodging managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day functions and operations at spas, resorts, hotels, and other tourist retreats. This position usually requires candidates to have extensive knowledge of customer service, human resources, logistics and supply chain management, finance, and business.
• Destination Marketing Managers: Like other types of marketing managers , destination marketing managers aim to produce a positive image for the organization in which they work — in this case, typically tourist accommodations and destinations. They are generally responsible for creating and writing press releases regarding notable upcoming events as well as launching promotional campaigns through social media, online, and traditional forms of communication.

What is the Salary Potential for a Hospitality Degree?

Since the field of hospitality and tourism is vast, it is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to pinpoint one specific salary that a graduate can expect to earn with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality degree. However, we can break this industry down into several popular careers to get a better understanding of employment outlooks and average annual wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the leisure and hospitality supersector is broken down into two groups: accommodation and food services and arts, entertainment, and recreation. 

Within the former, lodging managers reported annual earnings of $53,390 per year as of May 2018, according to the BLS. The top 10 percent earned more than $102,410, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,860. The two highest-paying industries for lodging managers include traveler accommodation and recreational vehicle parks and camps, which reportedly paid lodging managers $52,780 and $45,440, respectively. Food service managers reported similar earnings of $54,240 per year as of May 2018. The highest 10 percent earn more than $92,410 and the lowest 10 percent bring in less than $31,580. The top-paying industries for food service managers include accommodation and special food services, which paid food service managers $63,780 and $61,530, respectively, and restaurants and other eating places, which provided a salary of around $51,430. 

Outside of the food and lodging industry but still within the sector of hospitality and tourism, the BLS reports that meeting, convention, and event planners earned $49,370 per year as of May 2018. The highest 10 percent of professionals in this occupation earned more than $84,900. The lowest 10 percent saw salaries of less than $27,560. The median annual wages for meeting, convention, and event planners in the top industries in which they worked were:

• Administrative and support services: $52,370
• Religious, grantmaking, professional, civic, and similar organizations: $50,990
• Accommodation and food services: $45,140
• Recreation, entertainment, and the arts: $42,500

What Courses Will You Take in a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Degree?

As is the case with many programs, hospitality bachelor’s degrees vary depending on the college or university. Programs may include an emphasis in tourism or hospitality management. Or students may have the opportunity to specialize in a subfield such as casino management, restaurant management, or club management. Just as concentrations differ, so does the coursework one can expect to find in an undergraduate hospitality degree. However, there are a few core courses typically offered such as:

• Event Planning
• Beverage Management
• Hospitality Business Management
• Gaming Management
• Food Production and Service
• Sanitation
• Hospitality Industry Law
• Human Resource Management
• Lodging Management
• Events and Facilities Administration

By the same token, major requirements and the time to completion will also vary by school. In most cases, however, an undergraduate can earn a Bachelor’s in Hospitality degree by completing 120 credits within four years of full-time study. Some schools may offer accelerated programs where students may graduate in a shorter period. However, due to the nature of the industry, keep in mind that internships, practicum experiences, and experiential learning are often required. This can extend the time needed to graduate. Regardless of the specific program you choose, we hope that the above list of the best affordable colleges for a hospitality degree provides a helpful starting point as you begin the search for a college or university.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable colleges for a hospitality degree.

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