If you’re seeking an HBCU for its inclusive educational environment and unique ability to elevate the experience of Black students and graduates, and you need a flexible, accessible way to study, an online bachelor’s in hospitality could be the perfect fit. These programs prepare you for rewarding careers as a hotel manager, restaurant manager, event planner, and more – each sector expects to add thousands of jobs annually over the next decade.
In this article, we’ll explore why students choose HBCUs, what you can expect from an online hospitality management program, potential courses you’ll encounter, and the promising career outlooks in the field. We’ll also provide guidance on choosing the right program for your goals, guaranteeing you make the most of your educational experience.
Why Attend an HBCU Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Program?
HBCUs offer a uniquely supportive and affirming environment for Black students. According to a 2015 Gallup-Purdue poll, Black graduates from HBCUs are more likely to thrive in purpose and financial well-being compared to their peers who graduated from predominantly white institutions. This success is primarily due to a strong focus on community-building, networking, and creating an educational experience tailored to the needs and aspirations of Black students. HBCUs foster a sense of belonging and pride, ensuring students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed during and after their college experience.
Top HBCU Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best HBCU online bachelor’s in hospitality management 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 postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. 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 HBCU online bachelor’s in hospitality management programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What to Expect from an HBCU Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Program
By pursuing your online bachelor’s in hospitality management at an HBCU, you’ll gain a comprehensive education in managing hotels, restaurants, and event planning. Coursework focuses on building critical industry skills like customer service, marketing, financial management, and leadership. These programs often require the completion of a capstone course or project, which allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, honing their problem-solving abilities and preparing them for career success.
Notably, HBCUs provide a culturally affirming environment that celebrates Black excellence and history. They offer support networks and foster leadership skills that are particularly valuable for Black students in hospitality, a field where diversity and cultural understanding are critical.
Potential courses you’ll take in an HBCU online bachelor’s in hospitality management program
- Hospitality Management Principles: This fundamental course introduces concepts of managing hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services, including leadership, customer service, and operations.
- Hospitality Marketing and Sales: Students learn strategies for effectively promoting and selling hospitality services, focusing on market research, branding, and customer relationship management.
- Financial Management in Hospitality: This upper-level course covers budgeting, financial analysis, and cost control techniques essential for managing the economic health of hospitality businesses.
- Event Planning and Management: In this course, students will gain skills in organizing and managing events, from small gatherings to large conferences, with a focus on logistics, vendor coordination, and client satisfaction.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Degree?
With a bachelor’s in hospitality management, you can pursue careers as a hotel manager, restaurant manager, event planner, or tourism director, among others, in the thriving hospitality and tourism industry. These roles offer competitive salaries, often surpassing the national median of $48,060, and the field boasts strong employment growth projections over the next decade, making it a stable career choice.
Career outlook
- Hotel Manager — These professionals oversee the daily operations of a hotel, ensuring excellent guest service, managing staff, and maintaining profitability.
- Median annual salary: $65,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New jobs projected: 5,300
- Restaurant Manager — Restaurant managers supervise the operations of a restaurant, including staffing, customer service, inventory, and financial performance.
- Median annual salary: $63,060
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New jobs projected: 5,900
- Event Planner — Individuals in this role coordinate and organize events, from weddings to corporate functions, handling logistics, vendor management, and client communication to guarantee successful outcomes.
- Median annual salary: $56,920
- Project employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 9,900
How to Choose the HBCU Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Program That’s Right For You
Consider your needs and goals
Choosing the right program can be daunting, but you can make this easier by setting aside time to reflect on your needs and career goals. Start by asking yourself:
- What specialization interests me most?
- Do I prefer a full-time or part-time learning schedule?
- Would I benefit more from an asynchronous or synchronous educational format?
Specialization options will vary by program, but options may include hotel management, event planning, and tourism, among others. If you have a knack for organization, an event planning specialization could be ideal. Alternatively, you might consider focusing on tourism management if you’re drawn to travel and tourism.
It’s also important to consider your logistical needs. For example, part-time programs are generally best for those balancing work or family commitments, while full-time studies suit those who can allocate more time to their academic pursuits. Asynchronous formats offer flexibility for self-starters, whereas synchronous formats provide structure and real-time interaction, ideal for those who thrive in a classroom-like environment.
Research schools and programs
After clarifying your needs, you can focus on researching schools and hospitality management programs. You may come into this process with some questions of your own, but here are a few more to guide your research further:
- Does a recognized accrediting body accredit the program?
- What are the eligibility and admission requirements?
- Does the program offer the specialization I’m interested in?
- Are there internship opportunities or industry partnerships for hands-on experience?
Most of this information will be readily available on school websites, but you’ll also benefit from attending a virtual open house or speaking to an admissions counselor.
Determine how you’ll pay for your online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree program
To finance this degree, submit the FAFSA to explore federal financial aid options, including grants, work-study, and loans. You’ll also want to apply for institutional and external scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment, and consider work-study opportunities if you’re seeking part-time work. For those currently employed, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement programs.
To cover any remaining costs, prioritize federal loans over private loans, as they usually offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.
HBCU Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Programs Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an HBCU online bachelor's in hospitality management program?
Most of these programs feature a straightforward application process, including:
- High school transcripts or GED
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- SAT or ACT scores, if required
While some programs have moved to test-optional policies, many still require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Some program applications may also have extra requirements, such as relevant work experience or specific prerequisites. Be sure to speak with an admissions counselor to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information before applying.
How much does an online bachelor's in hospitality management degree cost?
According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for an undergraduate degree program is $14,688.
In addition to tuition, you should also budget for extra expenses like technology fees, course materials, and textbooks. While online programs may reduce costs associated with commuting and housing, these additional fees can add up over time, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor's in hospitality management degree program?
This degree typically takes four years for full-time students to complete, while part-time students often take five or six years. To plan most effectively, double-check the total number of required credits, as this can vary from program to program. Knowing the exact requirements will allow you to map out your coursework and timeline more accurately, affirming you stay on track for graduation.