2025 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees
Explore the best online hospitality management degree programs by reviewing schools with the highest number of graduates — a sign of program maturity, student demand, and strong virtual learning infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Arizona State University ranks #1 with 603 graduates from its online BA in Food Industry Management.
- The University of Central Florida leads in student outcomes, with a 92% retention rate and a 75% graduation rate, both in the top 10% nationwide.
- North Carolina Central University earns the highest overall review score at 4.12 out of 5 based on student reviews we've collected.
These results are based on the number of online graduates reported in federal education data. For more information about the data we use, please read our methodology. Below, we also feature expert advice from a range of hospitality professionals working in the field.
2025 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University, Online | 603 | $24,780 | $51,941 | 93% | |
| Florida International University | 499 | $16,997 | $49,350 | 93% | |
| University of Central Florida | 405 | $18,481 | $49,679 | 94% | |
| Washington State University | 145 | $13,021 | $55,920 | 87% | |
| Northern Arizona University | 122 | $11,688 | $52,298 | 88% | |
| Missouri State University | 62 | $8,700 | $48,742 | 82% | |
| Bellevue University | 54 | $13,470 | N/A | 75% | |
| Monroe University | 49 | $42,300 | $40,711 | 95% | |
| East Carolina University | 45 | $25,911 | $51,148 | 92% | |
| Utah Valley University | 35 | $8,100 | $52,381 | 89% | |
| New Mexico State University | 33 | $11,862 | $40,174 | 88% | |
| University of Memphis | 29 | $16,890 | $44,977 | 85% | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | 17 | $9,645 | $46,602 | 87% | |
| The University of West Florida | 13 | $19,451 | $41,233 | 84% | |
| North Carolina Central University | 13 | $8,976 | N/A | 85% |
2025 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: 603
- Annual Tuition: $24,780
- Median Salary: $51,941
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: At ASU, you study hospitality management through a business BA that has a dedicated Food Industry Management concentration. Taking this route is a sector-specific strategy. Ranked #1, this program graduated 603 people last year, which would give you access to a large peer and alumni network. It also signals strong market demand. For online students, there's still hands-on learning, internships, clubs, and research opportunities.
- Graduates: 499
- Annual Tuition: $16,997
- Median Salary: $49,350
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: FIU has most recently conferred 499 hospitality management degrees, and the school has one of the largest online footprints in the country with about 11,000 students studying online. We view the hands-on requirement — 1,300 hours total, including 1,000 hours of industry work plus a 300-hour advanced internship — as a built-in experience edge you take to the job market. Also, the portfolio of industry partnerships at FIU are vast.
- Graduates: 405
- Annual Tuition: $18,481
- Median Salary: $49,679
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: UCF delivers a deep sense of industry immersion for an online hospitality management program through three required internships. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is one of the top five departments recognized globally by CEOWorld. We also like how you can tailor your path with niche concentrations, like Theme Park and Attraction Management or Golf and Club Management, leveraging UCF’s location and industry ties for targeted career outcomes.
Voices From the Industry: Expert Advice for Succeeding in an Online Hospitality Management Degree
Online hospitality management programs help prepare students for a fast-moving, people-focused industry, but sometimes the most valuable advice can come from those who are working in the field. We interviewed several hospitality professionals across hotels, events, and hospitality operations to learn what skills matter, how students can build experience, and where the field is headed.
Their advice offers a real-world look at how to turn an online bachelor's degree into a meaningful career path.
Defining Today’s Most Marketable Hospitality Graduates
GM and Co-Founder of OysterLink
"An online hospitality management degree can lead to job opportunities in hotels, resorts, event planning, travel servicing, and in even the corporate guest experience. The most marketable graduates are empathetic to their guests, are data informed, and can successfully navigate both skillsets.
The increased focus of the recently graduated should be in classes that contain topics on service operations, digital marketing, sustainability, and effective leadership. Service in the hospitality industry is more than just serving guests, it is a design of experience that considers the changing expectations of a guest, along with technology.
The student going into hospitality services can gain valuable experience by:
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Considering opportunities for virtual internships,
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Planning and managing events in their communities,
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Or working with businesses on guest engagement projects by using their social media pages or creating prospect pages.
These experiences will build confidence and credibility long before graduation, should they pursue hospitality full time with or without additional education.
Most importantly, looking ahead into hospitality, we should all remember, that technology can support service, but it does not replace it. Having the ability to really make someone feel cared for will always be the distinguishing element of this industry."
From Front Desk to Leadership: Where a Hospitality Degree Can Take You
Hotelier and Author
"Hospitality, for the most part, is face-to-face interaction with our guests and associates. Any such engagement offline is vital to grow this skill to be successful in hospitality. Saying that, there are offsite support groups in hospitality: Central Reservations, IT depts., and other call centers. So, it isn’t all 'in-person' if the desire it so be such support vs. boots on the ground at a facility.
The core courses are vital to build upon, especially general communication. However, management and leadership classes will assist with future growth and development. Marketing is vital as well, with emphasis on the digital aspect of marketing. Financial acumen is important if the goal is upper management and leadership.
There are many career path options after a degree in hospitality management. I got my career started as a Manager in Development at an Embassy Suites hotel years ago (After my BS Degree). Most hotels/restaurants have many options for graduates:
Front Desk
Sales
Catering
Engineering
Housekeeping
Culinary
Accounting
Hospitality can also be applied to tourism offices as well, or often called a 'Destination Marketing Organization.' A hospitality degree can also provide entry into the world of wineries or breweries, amusement parks, and of course cruise ships.
Become active with hospitality networking groups, or linked-in and other social networking sites reaching out to others in the industry. Most cities have tourism associations, or hospitality groups to become a member of, or network at their events. Also, visit different venues to see if that would be of interest just by observing the staff."
How Hands-On Internships Strengthen Online Hospitality Degrees
Owner of Be YOUnique Events
"The beauty of the hospitality industry is that there are so many different directions one can go, whether it's hotels, resorts, restaurants, theme parks, cruises, sports, and more. Within these hospitality sectors, there are numerous positions that require personnel with exceptional managerial skills and experience. The skills one gains while pursuing a hospitality degree are highly transferable and extremely valuable.
Studying hospitality management has played a key role in helping me succeed as a small business owner.
I find that those who become managers in the hospitality industry without a degree in this field often struggle to understand the bigger picture, how intentional each decision must be for long-term success, and how each department relates to the others... I am now the owner of my own wedding and event planning business, and I often refer back to my textbooks!
Having an internship in the hospitality sector of one’s choosing can help students make the most of their online learning experience. My university required me to obtain work-experience hours prior to graduating, and I found this to be incredibly helpful. Being able to implement what I was learning in real time not only helped me excel in my courses but also allowed me to better retain the subject matter.
Internships also look great on a résumé! They can help you secure a job after graduation, as employers love hiring individuals who are truly passionate about the industry and who already have a sense of how daily operations work. By pairing online coursework with hands-on experience, students bridge the gap between education and practice, making their online learning far more valuable.
Hospitality is such an enjoyable field to work in because there are countless opportunities to grow and learn! There will never be a dull moment."
EXPERT TIP
"I recommend cross-training to discover which niche within hospitality you’d like to grow in. Another piece of advice I received from a previous mentor is that the majority of what you do is fixable, so trust your instincts and be confident in what you know."
FAQs About an Online Hospitality Degree
What Do You Learn in an Online Hospitality Management Degree?
A hospitality management degree online explores diverse topics such as tourism, event planning, hotel operations, and management principles. We've highlighted 25 programs that are great options for graduates pursuing careers in hotels, resorts, event management, and other related sectors.
The best online hospitality management programs prepare students to market themselves at hotels and similar environments around the world.
An online bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is likely to lead to supervisory roles, such as grounds supervisor, convention services manager, event manager, and guest service representative.
Core classes cover subjects such as accounting, operations, food production management, and leadership in the hospitality industry. The best online schools for hospitality management provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, including in-person experiences in the forms of internships and hands-on learning projects.
In order to apply, students may need to take entrance exams, like the SAT or ACT. Many programs also require a certain number of years of professional experience in hospitality or a certain number of documented work experience.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Hospitality Management Degree?
A bachelor's degree program usually requires a four year, full-time commitment from students.
While a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management typically takes four years to complete, or about 120 credits, students interested in graduating college early may be able to apply credit from AP classes, college courses taken at another school, and summer school courses. Some internships may also count for college credit.
Which Degree Is Best for Hospitality Management?
There are relatively few online degree programs in the United States that are dedicated to hospitality management; more popularly, students enroll in a Bachelor of Business Administration that offers a concentration in hospitality management.
When comparing degree programs at different colleges and universities, it’s also a good idea to ensure that all degree programs are accredited. Accreditation is useful for hospitality management schools in particular because the accreditation process takes into account the specific skills and techniques students will need to be successful hospitality managers.
What Courses Do You Take in a Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Program?
As with any general bachelor's degree program, a program in hospitality management requires students to take general education classes alongside program-specific requirements. These general education requirements typically take two years and include liberal arts subjects, such as English literature, writing, history, arts, and mathematics. The rest of the curriculum involves core courses specific to hospitality management, such as the following:
- Food and Beverage Operations Management: This is a core requirement of most programs and is often taken in the first semester of study. The class provides students with an overview of food and beverage management and provides a foundation for the rest of the program.
- Fundamentals of Accounting: A basic accounting course is generally required for any graduate in hospitality management. In general, students learn bookkeeping skills, from logging incoming and outgoing finances to income tax reporting.
- Leadership and Organization: Hospitality management is, at its core, a degree in management and leadership. In this class, students learn how to apply leadership principles to a real work setting.
- Planning and Cost Control: Often the difference between a successful business venture and a failure can be traced back to a reduction of extra costs through careful planning. This course examines some basic strategies for how to plan ahead and reduce costs for your business.
- Strategic Marketing: Another important skill for any manager is how to market a business to bring in the most money. This class covers the basic principles of how to bring in business through current marketing techniques.
Students will likely have access to many of the same organizations, competitions, and societies that business students do. They may participate in marketing challenges or honors society marketing events. Hospitality management is also an excellent field for internships; students can work in hotels, bed and breakfasts, or resorts to gain practical experience and establish contacts for future career endeavors.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Hospitality Management Degree?
Students with a degree in hospitality management can pursue a wide variety of careers in the hospitality industry, including lodging managers, food service managers, and more. While participating in online hospitality degree programs, students strive to develop the skills they need to succeed in fields like tourism and event planning.
- are responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly at hotels, inns, and similar establishments. Some of their duties include making sure lodgings are clean and aesthetically appealing, hiring and managing other staff members, and overseeing budgeting and marketing.
- oversee restaurants, bars, and other places where food and drinks are served. They’re responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the venue, including ordering supplies, hiring and supervising employees, addressing customer complaints, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
- are responsible for preparing food at restaurants, bars, and other dining establishments, from roadside diners to five star restaurants and everything in between. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, chefs may learn skills by taking culinary classes or enrolling in an apprenticeship program.
- As the name suggests, event planners help to plan events! This can include meetings, conventions, conferences, weddings, and more. help to ensure that the event goes smoothly, and they are responsible for managing vendors, inspecting venues, and coordinating services.
- help customers plan and coordinate travel. This can include arranging for travel, planning trips and packages, making reservations for rental cars, hotel rooms, and flights, and advising clients about must-see sights and attractions. As online resources have made planning travel easier for individuals, demand for travel agents is slower than average, growing at a rate of 5% over the next decade.
Is a Degree in Hospitality Management Worth It?
If you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in this field, you may be wondering what the pros and cons of a job in hospitality management are. Some of the benefits of this field include flexible employment opportunities and room to grow, while some of the cons include high levels of responsibility.
Potential Advantages
- Hospitality management majors can pursue careers in hospitality all over the world. Whether you’ve always dreamed of working in another country or you prefer to settle down in your home state, there are plenty of hospitality-related jobs at hotels, restaurants, and other organizations in almost every country.
- Most jobs in this field are in high demand.​ For example, the demand for event planners is expected to grow 18% over the next decade, and demand for chefs is expected to grow 15%. These rates are significantly higher than the average job growth rate in the U.S., which is climbing at a steady 5% pace through 2031.
Potential Drawbacks
- A degree in this field may not be necessary for all hospitality jobs. While a hospitality management degree can help students to learn relevant skills, it may not be required for many positions in this field. In many cases, on-the-job learning and previous work experience can be just as valuable.
- Hospitality management jobs may require a lot of responsibility. For some career paths — like lodging managers and food service managers — workers may have a high level of responsibility. These employees may need to work long hours, weekends, and evenings in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
- While pursuing higher education can be worth it for many students, you should still weigh the financial risks and benefits for your situation. Learn about student loans and see if you can apply for any relevant scholarships to reduce costs.
Is Hospitality a Hard Major?
Hospitality may not be as demanding as some other fields that require advanced technical knowledge, like physics or engineering, but it can be an interesting, rewarding course of study for students looking to pursue leadership roles in this industry.
Like many areas of study, hospitality requires students to learn about a wide range of areas, from best business and accounting practices to the fields of tourism, food and beverage, and more. The curriculum in hospitality online degrees also prompt students to develop their soft skills, like customer service, strategic management, and communication.
Still undecided on your major? Check out similar online degrees, such as organizational leadership. communications, and business management.
Student Reviews of Online Hospitality Management Programs
So financial aid, the admissions representatives etc. are all a joke. I mean horrible beyond words. Also the 15-20 hours a week thing is a lie. I spend so much more time than that doing school work and I am barely making it on time. That being said most instructors are very good, they give feedback and they answer quickly. I have learned a tremendous amount. They also offer semesters abroad which for me was an amazing adventure. It was hard to get in contact to sign up and all I would say is ask... Read More
Review Date: 8/2/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I started EU just 3 months ago and am really impressed with the individual attention I am receiving from the administration and staff. I recently returned to education after a 22 year absence and the whole experience has been nothing short of amazing. The faculty and staff really do care about me and my success. Because of the attention I have received I strongly encourage anyone wanting a career in the Hospitality industry to choose Everglades University
Review Date: 11/10/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been a Strayer University Student for 3 years. I have no complaints. With Strayer, you get automatically enrolled into a graduation fund. This University really wants its students to succeed. It's easy to get answers from questions. My instructors have been great. I love Strayer University and might pursue a Master's Degree after graduation.
Review Date: 11/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I enjoyed this school. I had trouble with my adviser at the beginning, but that was rectified and have been satisfied since. The work can be intense, but it is only 8 weeks so that makes sense. I loved the tutoring site. It was a real asset for the essay reviews and math. I think it can be like many professors in brick and mortar schools, some give really good feedback and others it can be a struggle. You should be prepared to learn a lot on your own, and do a lot research because that is part of... Read More
Review Date: 3/15/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I chose Saint Leo because I read that you could complete your entire degree online. This is only true to a certain extent. You must also complete an internship to complete your program. The online program is great if you have self-discipline and if you don't cheat. It takes a lot of work, but I have to admit that I gained a whole lot of knowledge. Some classes had major organization issues (mainly conflict between what the course is telling you to do as opposed to what the teacher is telling you... Read More
Review Date: 9/2/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am very very satisfied with choosing DeVry University. I have received exceptional professional assistance from everyone I came in contact with. I didn't know what I was doing at first, I was scared to take that first step. I did and the caring staff walked me all the way to graduation day. I am proud of myself and I am very thankful for the exceptional support I received. We can all do it with the right support, but remember you have to do your part!
Review Date: 11/10/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Hospitality program at FIU is great. This program really helped to shape me as a professional and as a person. The hands on experiences during my fours years were amazing. From cooking in a kitchen to serve real guests to working for the South Beach Wine and Food festival every year. Get ready to dedicate your time but it is really worth it.
Review Date: 8/23/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great School and Great Staff. I have gained lifelong experiences by learning how to be on my own and networking with friends and other business owners. This is not for everyone though, if you need more guidance then this will appear tough at first. Plus professors are more open to your own ideas than what they would normally believe in.
Review Date: 9/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF has given me the confidence to expand on my dream by welcoming me by multiple means. Returning to school has given me a wealth of knowledge making me a more educated and well-rounded individual and I appreciate that the faculty feel my working experience can be beneficial to students in my program. Being a role-model and leader has set me apart in allowing me to pursue other foundations for service than the traditional learning path of students not... Read More
Review Date: 8/6/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Central Florida it's rank high among many states because of the quality of their programs and their knowledge of current career demands and hands on training required to be successful in the marketplace. I love the environment, most instructors are amazing and I was so pleased that I am currently enrolled again and doing my Masters online.
Review Date: 6/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm a student at Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration and attending this program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life so far! The faculty are all hospitality professionals who have experience in their field before coming to teach here, the quality of information being taught is phenomenal, and the school has so many resources for you to take advantage of, like connecting with other alumni, especially ones working in your field of study. As for Cornell... Read More
Review Date: 12/15/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I enrolled in Everglades University Sarasota Campus August 2018. I had retired from Coast Guard after 21 years and was nervous about ny future. But I was received with very helpful, positive and motivated staff who put my mind at ease! I am enjoying my experience and would recommend EU to anyone.
Review Date: 6/10/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This program utilized current aspects in the hospitality field to educate us. We had several in-field experience through the program. There were also several organizations that helped students to network, develop interview skills, and gain exposure to future employers across the industry.
Review Date: 2/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My four years at Florida State University were the best years of my life. The educational, work, philanthropic and social experiences were more than I could've ever dreamed up. There are abundant opportunities for all students, so you can't go wrong by choosing FSU.
Review Date: 9/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went to JWU for two years in their Sports, Entertainment and Event management program. While I did not spend a lot of time on campus, I was impressed with nearly all of my professors and learned an incredible amount while I was there. Providence also has a lot to offer if you are into exploring cities and enjoy that atmosphere. Classes tend to cap around 40 students as well, offering a more personalized schooling experience overall.
Review Date: 5/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The quality of the education offered at the University of Puerto Rico is excellent. The university is divided in 11 campuses, with each campus having a stronger academic program than the others. For example if you're interested in medicine, the Rio Piedras campus would be the best choice, if you're interested in Hotel management, then the Carolina campus would be best.
Review Date: 7/5/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
FIU is an up and coming school. Every year it gets higher rankings in the US News: #6 in the nation in International Business, #10 in the nation in the International Affairs graduate program. It consistently ranks #1 in the state in terms of Bar passage rates, beating older Law schools like UF, UM, FSU every year. FIU's United Nations model is ranked #2 in the US, for those interested in International affairs. Regarding my major, Hospitality Management, we have one of the best programs in the World;... Read More
Review Date: 9/21/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I greatly enjoyed my time at UNT. The hospitality program is great - the instructors all have experience in the industry - even the accounting professors. The variety of classes prepares you for all different facets of the industry. Denton, where UNT is located, is a vibrant community with a great music scene. I would recommend UNT for anyone!
Review Date: 9/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I enjoyed attending the University of Houston because of the diversity and resources available to students. Each year was a new experience that increased growth within my degree. There were many opportunities to network ans gain experience within my field.
Review Date: 5/12/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
College is what you make it but never settle. This university was not right for me but I chose to stay and receive a mediocre education. So my advice to you would be not to be afraid to transfer or speak up about the things you dislike. Do your research, visit multiple universities and ask people for their honest opinion. Just be sure, like with anything in life, that you happy and can succeed with what you were given. Enjoy college years it's a great time.
Review Date: 3/23/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No