Best Colleges for Hospitality Management (2024 Rankings)

Selecting the right college is crucial for students aiming to excel in the hospitality industry, a field encompassing hotel management, event planning, and food service management. 

Key considerations in this decision include the college's rankings, location, and the range of programs offered, such as specializations in culinary arts, beverage management, and event management. Accreditation, financial aid, and the balance of theoretical coursework with practical training are also important.

Note that the college rankings listed here for 2024 are in no particular order. Each institution offers unique strengths, from comprehensive hospitality programs to internship opportunities and career advancement post-graduation. 

Whether seeking a full-time bachelor's degree, an associate degree from a community college, or a master's degree, these colleges stand out for their holistic approach to hospitality education.

Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina)

Appalachian State University offers a comprehensive Hospitality and Tourism Management (BSBA) degree program. This program prepares students for diverse roles in the hospitality industry, including hotel and lodging, event planning, and food service management. The curriculum is enriched by faculty with extensive industry experience, providing students with relevant, real-world knowledge.

A standout feature of the program is its focus on industry connections and experiential learning. Students benefit from networking opportunities and conferences with industry leaders. This exposure is crucial in securing internships and job placements. Additionally, the program includes a mandatory full-time internship, usually between the junior and senior years, which can create job opportunities.

Student involvement is encouraged through various organizations like the Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Association and the Society for Human Resource Management, which enhance learning and professional development. The program also emphasizes entrepreneurship, equipping students with skills to launch and manage businesses in the hospitality sector.

Cornell University (Ithaca, New York)

Cornell University offers a distinguished hospitality management program through the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the only Ivy League school with such a program. This AACSB-accredited program blends innovative instruction with practical experience and prepares students for diverse roles in the hospitality industry.

Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration, covering key areas like marketing, finance, real estate, and operations. This program has a strong business foundation with a focus on service, priming students for a rewarding hospitality career.

For graduate students, Cornell provides specialized programs like the Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH), a 12-month degree with concentrations in service marketing, operations and analytics, entrepreneurship, and food and beverage management. There's also an Executive Master of Management in Hospitality, a 20-month program designed for working professionals that combines online learning with in-person residencies.

Additionally, Cornell offers various certificate programs in hospitality management, digital marketing, financial management, and more, allowing students to enhance their industry knowledge and expertise.

Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts)

Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration (SHA) offers innovative and comprehensive hospitality management programs that prepare students for diverse roles in the hospitality industry. SHA's curriculum combines traditional hospitality practices with current trends and future outlooks. It's facilitated by a dynamic and collaborative community and distinguished faculty.

Undergraduate students at SHA can either major in hospitality administration or hospitality and communication. The programs cover a broad range of courses, from foundational skills to specialized subjects like fine wines and destination marketing. Students also have the option to pursue a dual degree, a hospitality concentration, or a minor in another discipline at BU, providing a multifaceted educational experience.

At the graduate level, SHA offers three distinct degrees: the Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH), the Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate (MSHRE), and the Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MSHM). Each program caters to different career aspirations, such as leadership roles in hospitality, specialized areas like real estate, and research-oriented positions in market analysis and strategic decision-making.

College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, Missouri)

The College of the Ozarks offers a distinctive hospitality management program that leverages the unique learning environment of the Keeter Center. This center includes fine dining, banquet services, upscale lodging, and conference facilities, serving as a practical learning lab for students. 

The program offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Meeting and Special Event Management, and Culinary Arts, catering to various interests within the hospitality sector.

Emphasizing a holistic educational approach, the program integrates the College's core goals into its curriculum, focusing on developing ethical, guest-focused, and creatively competent hospitality professionals. Recognized as a regional center for best practices in hospitality management and culinary excellence, the program prepares students for the fast-growing hospitality industry.

The curriculum at the College of the Ozarks also includes a mandatory internship, providing hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles in hotels, restaurants, resorts, theme parks, and other hospitality-related businesses by gaining skills in guest services, housekeeping, restaurant management, and more.

Florida State University (Tallahassee, Florida)

Florida State University's Dedman College of Hospitality offers a robust hospitality and tourism management major. The program is designed to be student-focused and industry-driven with a global perspective on hospitality management.

To enroll in the upper-division major, students must complete foundational coursework and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. The major includes 39 hours of study, covering courses like hospitality financial analysis, managerial accounting, food and beverage management, and integrated marketing. 

A hallmark of the program is its emphasis on experiential learning, with students required to complete at least 1,000 hours of industry work experience and a management internship.

The curriculum equips students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in various hospitality domains, such as lodging and luxury hotel management, revenue management, and catering management. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in the hospitality industry, including roles like hotel or restaurant general manager, event manager, and cruise line director, in settings ranging from hotels and resorts to cruise ships and theme parks.

University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida)

The University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, located in the heart of Orlando, is renowned for its innovative hospitality education and strong industry connections. The college boasts a diverse faculty, international recognition, and a range of unique academic programs.

UCF Rosen College offers undergraduate degrees in Hospitality Management, Entertainment Management, Event Management, Lodging and Restaurant Management, Lifestyle Community Management, and Theme Park and Attraction Management. 

Additionally, it hosts the only standalone Hospitality Management doctoral program in Florida. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, covering everything from theme parks to event planning and beverage management.

Florida International University (Miami, Florida)

Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management offers a comprehensive hospitality and tourism management program. The school provides various undergraduate degrees, including Hospitality Management, Entertainment Management, Event Management, Hotel/Lodging Management, Restaurant and Culinary Management, and Beverage Management, among others.

Unique to FIU, students have the opportunity to participate in the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival to gain real-world experience in event management. The program emphasizes practical skills and industry connections, preparing students for diverse careers in the hospitality sector.

The school also offers specialized tracks in global sustainable tourism and food innovations and entrepreneurship, catering to current industry trends and demands. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from food and beverage management to hotel operations and event planning, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, Virginia)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's hospitality and tourism management (HTM) program is recognized globally for preparing students for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism industry. 

The program combines a broad-based curriculum covering key aspects of hospitality, including finance, food and beverage operations, tourism, and event management. It focuses on developing crucial skills like analysis, decision-making, and communication.

A unique feature of the program is its industry field study requirement, which gives practical, hands-on experience. Students have the flexibility to specialize in areas such as global tourism or restaurant management and can opt for a dual degree in Real Estate. The program emphasizes international exposure through study-abroad opportunities and strong industry connections, leading to high job placement rates with major employers like Marriott and Walt Disney World.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada)

The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, renowned for its world-class hospitality management program, offers a comprehensive education with practical experience in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant hospitality hubs. 

The program provides a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with specializations such as Event Design and Management, Gaming Management, and Hospitality Beverage Management. Its location in Las Vegas affords students unique opportunities for internships and real-world experience in the hospitality industry. 

Graduates are well-equipped for various high-demand roles in hotel and casino management, event coordination, and other sectors of the hospitality industry, benefitting from the program's combination of experiential learning and diverse specializations.

University of South Carolina (Columbia, South Carolina)

The University of South Carolina offers a top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Management. 

It prepares students for leadership roles in hospitality, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event planning. The curriculum combines business management with hands-on experiences in facilities like the Marriott Culinary Lab and the McCutchen House Restaurant Management Lab. 

Students develop skills in management, customer service, and event planning, leading to careers in various hospitality sectors. 

Honorable mentions

• The Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, New York). Offers a unique BS in Hospitality Management with extensive food and beverage experience and hands-on learning in top-notch facilities.
• Penn State University (University Park, Pennsylvania). Renowned for its experiential learning approach in one of the nation's oldest hospitality programs.
• New York University (New York City, New York). Provides a comprehensive BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management, with diverse concentrations and NYC-based internships.
• Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan). Known as a leader in hospitality business education, this university offers industry-focused programs and global leadership opportunities.
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas). Delivers a modern hospitality program emphasizing experiential learning and connections between people and places.

Making the right choice for your future in hospitality

When it comes to your future in hospitality, making the right choice for higher education is crucial. Enrollment in the right program can open doors to lucrative career opportunities. At this stage, high school graduates must carefully consider their options.

Prospective students face the decision of on-campus enrollment or online programs. Assess your learning style and lifestyle to determine the best fit. Research the teaching methodology of your top colleges to find an approach that matches your learning style and career goals.

Don't overlook the value of a well-rounded general education. Combining liberal arts with specialized hospitality courses can hone critical thinking and communication skills. Many programs offer elective courses so students can explore their interests in event planning, culinary arts, or hotel management before committing to a degree.

Additionally, evaluate the track record of colleges. Are graduates landing rewarding positions? Investigate alumni networks and internships for real-world experience.

Your higher education choice will shape your hospitality career, so take time to explore your options. If you need assistance, College Rover can help you research schools, programs, and more. Your future in hospitality management starts here.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.