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Compare Hospitality Management Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Hospitality Management Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

If you are looking for a fast-paced, people-centered career with opportunities for growth and solid salary options, hospitality management may be the right choice for you. The hospitality management industry is growing much faster than the general economy, so graduates of programs in the field are likely to find a broad range of positions available to them.

In order to find the cheapest online hospitality management programs, there are a few factors you must consider. In this article, we’ll examine whether this degree is worth it and why you might want to take it online rather than on campus.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the Cheapest Online Hospitality Management degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 30 Cheapest Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs

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#1
Hobbs, NM | 4 years | Online | Private

University of the Southwest

Intelligent Score: 99.31
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,000

Out-of-state: $16,000

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $22,500

Out-of-state: $22,500

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
26%
Students enrolled
904
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$35k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$470

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

International Accreditation Council for Business Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 575-492-2119

#2
Hays, KS | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Fort Hays State University

Intelligent Score: 97.59
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,140

Out-of-state: $14,580

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,726

Out-of-state: $3,726

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
43%
Graduation Rate
46%
Students enrolled
15,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$243

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

124

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 785-628-4236

#3
Athens, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Ohio University

Intelligent Score: 96.89
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $27,574

Out-of-state: $38,254

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $18,138

Out-of-state: $18,138

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1290

ACT: 22-27

Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
22%
Graduation Rate
65%
Students enrolled
15,036
Student to faculty ratio
15-to-1
Average Salary
40,500
Average Student Debt
21000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $307

Non-Resident: $312

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120.0

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 740-593-4100

#4
Orem, UT | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Utah Valley University

Intelligent Score: 95.69
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,192

Out-of-state: $16,092

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,541

Out-of-state: $8,541

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
30%
Graduation Rate
32%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
24:01:00
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $442

Non-Resident: $1,261

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120.0

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 801-863-8706

#5
Miami, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Florida International University

Intelligent Score: 95.47
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,721

Out-of-state: $16,529

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,912

Out-of-state: $8,912

Test scores

SAT: 1110-1260

ACT: 23-29

Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
58%
On-campus students
14%
Graduation Rate
67%
Students enrolled
59,000
Student to faculty ratio
25:01:00
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $236

Non-Resident: $649

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120.0

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 855-348-6654

#6
Durant, OK | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Intelligent Score: 94.77
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,240

Out-of-state: $14,880

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,716

Out-of-state: $4,716

Test scores

SAT: 880-1090

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
61%
Admission Rate
79%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
31%
Students enrolled
6,000
Student to faculty ratio
24:01:00
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$306

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

124

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 580-745-2000

#8
Chapel Hill, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of North Carolina Greensboro

Intelligent Score: 94.12
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,019

Out-of-state: $34,198

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,552

Out-of-state: $10,552

Test scores

SAT: 1280-1490

ACT: 28-33

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
91%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $184

Non-Resident: $866

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 336-334-4471

#9
Durham, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

North Carolina Central University

Intelligent Score: 93.85
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $3,728

Out-of-state: $16,435

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,740

Out-of-state: $4,740

Test scores

SAT: 850-1010

ACT: 15-19

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
46%
Graduation Rate
52%
Students enrolled
8,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$29k
Average Student Debt
$31k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $185

Non-Resident: $728

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

121.0

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-530-6324

#10
Orlando, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Central Florida

Intelligent Score: 93.79
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,478

Out-of-state: $19,810

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,916

Out-of-state: $6,916

Test scores

SAT: 1160-1340

ACT: 25-30

Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
45%
On-campus students
91%
Graduation Rate
74%
Students enrolled
72,000
Student to faculty ratio
31:01:00
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $179

Non-Resident: $716

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120.0

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 407-823-3000

#11
Tuscaloosa, AL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Alabama

Intelligent Score: 92.62
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $30,250

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $10,780

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1330

ACT: 23-31

Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
38,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$385

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 205-348-5666

#12
Corvallis, OR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Oregon State University

Intelligent Score: 88.71
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,846

Out-of-state: $29,445

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $13,257

Out-of-state: $13,257

Test scores

SAT: 1080-1310

ACT: 21-29

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
82%
On-campus students
48%
Graduation Rate
69%
Students enrolled
32,000
Student to faculty ratio
18:01
Average Salary
$43k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$392

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

180

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 541-737-4411

#13
Portales, NM | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Eastern New Mexico University

Intelligent Score: 88.08
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,074

Out-of-state: $6,114

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,351

Out-of-state: $5,351

Test scores

SAT: 950-1160

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
61%
Admission Rate
51%
On-campus students
1%
Graduation Rate
36%
Students enrolled
5,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$29k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $175

Non-Resident: $257

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120.0

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 575-562-1011

#14
Providence, RI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Johnson & Wales University

Intelligent Score: 87.48
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $34,376

Out-of-state: $34,376

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $14,148

Out-of-state: $14,148

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
71%
Graduation Rate
64%
Students enrolled
6,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$495

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

122

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 401-598-4624

#15
Carbondale, IL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Intelligent Score: 87.25
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,591

Out-of-state: $9,591

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,268

Out-of-state: $11,268

Test scores

SAT: 930-1180

ACT: 20-27

Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
92%
On-campus students
62%
Graduation Rate
48%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$321

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 618-453-2121

#16
Reno, NV | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Intelligent Score: 87.09
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,901

Out-of-state: $23,554

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,657

Out-of-state: $5,657

Test scores

SAT: 1060-1260

ACT: 20-26

Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
73%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
21,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$281

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 702-774-8658

#17
Morgantown, WV | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

West Virginia University

Intelligent Score: 86.3
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,976

Out-of-state: $25,320

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,134

Out-of-state: $10,134

Test scores

SAT: 1030-1230

ACT: 21-27

Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
62%
Students enrolled
26,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$475

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 304-293-5209

#18
Cedar City, UT | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Southern Utah University

Intelligent Score: 85.8
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,006

Out-of-state: $19,822

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,574

Out-of-state: $7,574

Test scores

SAT: 1030-1220

ACT: 21-27

Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
76%
On-campus students
29%
Graduation Rate
46%
Students enrolled
13,000
Student to faculty ratio
23:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$300

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 435-586-7740

#19
Pensacola, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of West Florida

Intelligent Score: 85.72
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $3,735

Out-of-state: $16,004

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,088

Out-of-state: $7,088

Test scores

SAT: 1060-1230

ACT: 21-27

Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
58%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
48%
Students enrolled
13,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$218

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 844-406-1357

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How Much Do Hospitality Management Degree Programs Usually Cost?

The cost of a hospitality management program will vary significantly from school to school. Most schools have a credit hour-based tuition system, where earning a bachelor’s degree requires completing about 120 credit hours.

Two primary factors play a significant role in what you pay: first, whether you choose a private or public institution, and second, whether you select a school in the state where you live or in a different state.

Public institutions tend to be subsidized by local, state, and federal government funding and so can afford to charge less for tuition. According to U.S. News & World Report, undergraduate tuition and fees at public institutions averaged $10,338 for in-state students in 2021-22, while private school students paid a substantially higher $38,185. However, this can be misleading because private college students are frequently offered substantial financial aid packages, so if you are set on attending a private school, don’t assume it will be out of your reach financially.

What about in-state vs. out-of-state tuition? Earning your degree online opens your choices up to any institution in the U.S., but there are benefits to choosing a school that is in your state of residence. For example, undergraduate tuition and fees for the hospitality management program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro come to $7,498 a year for North Carolina residents in 2022. However, out-of-state students wishing to attend this highly-rated program pay $22,657 a year in tuition and fees. Your own costs may vary if you take advantage of financial aid opportunities, but the advantage is with students who call North Carolina home.

In addition to tuition, most schools charge additional fees, including technology fees, if you are taking your courses online. So, to get a full picture of your costs, you’ll need to add together tuition and additional fees. Check out the website of any school you are interested in to see their fees. These should be listed on the financial aid page. If not, ask an admissions counselor to give you a complete picture of what you would be paying.

Is This Degree Worth It?

If you are wondering whether a degree in hospitality management is worth it, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many positions in this sector are growing much faster than the economy as a whole.

Consider lodging managers, for example, who ensure guests have a pleasant experience at hotels and other facilities. BLS data shows that the need for people who can do this work is growing at a rate of 18 percent, much faster than average, with nearly 10,000 new professionals needed by 2031. The median pay for a lodging manager is $59,430 a year, but a qualified manager can make much more over time, with the top ten percent earning six-figure salaries.

Note that although some hospitality management jobs are open to those with a high school diploma, earning an undergraduate, or even a graduate, degree is imperative to advance in the field. Employers are more likely to place you in higher-level positions, such as moving you from front-end manager to general manager, if you have your bachelor’s degree.

Should You Earn Your Degree Online?

There are both advantages and challenges to earning your degree online. One of the significant advantages is the increased flexibility of online courses, especially if they are taught asynchronously, meaning you can attend the classes when it is convenient for you. This makes online education a good choice for those who work full-time or have other duties, such as family commitments.

The lack of a commute is another benefit. You will save money on gas and parking fees, as well as time that would be spent driving to and from classes several times a week. You have the flexibility to attend your classes from any location of your choice, be it your home office, dining room table, or a nearby coffee shop. As long as you can get an internet signal, you should be able to sign on for your coursework.

A factor that can be either an advantage or a disadvantage is that online classes are best taken by those with a strong drive to earn their degree and a high level of motivation. After all, you will not have a professor standing over you in class to ensure that you’re doing your work. You might prefer an on-campus program if you learn through regular encouragement and support from your professors and peers.

You may also miss out on some of the classic “college experiences,” such as attending school sporting events or grabbing coffee with your peers after class. If those non-class experiences are important to you, then a more traditional program might be the right choice.

This is not to say you won’t be able to interact with others. Professors in online programs generally have virtual office hours and are happy to help motivated students succeed in their classes. And although it may be somewhat more challenging to connect with your fellow students, it is possible to work together on group projects or initiate group study sessions when necessary through the use of your program’s technology.

In the end, only you can determine if you are the sort of person who will thrive in an online hospitality management program. If you find the right program at a reasonable cost, you will likely succeed in your classes and begin a rewarding professional career.

Our Research

This list features some of the country’s cheapest online hospitality management degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the cheapest online hospitality management degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

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