Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

Launch your career in hospitality management by earning your bachelor's degree online. Check out our list of the top programs for 2024.
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Updated on March 27, 2024
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Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Hospitality Management

A hospitality management degree can equip you with the business, leadership, and industry-specific skills you need to excel in this rapidly growing field. As a hospitality leader, you can manage teams of people who serve guests from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds. Specifically, you can find employment as a lodging manager, event planner, or food service manager.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the hospitality industry accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022, and the sector is recovering fast from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitality wages can rise well above average. As of March 2024, Payscale reports that people with a hotel management degree earn an average of $64,000 annually. Securing an MBA in hospitality management can set you up to earn even higher wages.

The guide below offers a glimpse into the study and practice of hospitality management, including our data-derived ranking of the best bachelor's degree programs in the subject.

Is a Hospitality Management Degree Right for Me?

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    What the degree is about:

    Hospitality management focuses on all the skills needed to work at hotels, restaurants, conference centers, resorts, and other settings. The degree covers business management, food science, hygiene and safety, and more.
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    How long it takes:

    Typically, a bachelor's degree in hospitality management takes four years to earn. However, those coming in with transfer credits from a community college or AP classes may finish sooner, while part-time students may take longer.
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    Career path:

    Hospitality is a large field with many career opportunities. Hotel and restaurant management is a popular focus for graduates, as is working in operations, sales, and human resources.

Featured Online Hospitality Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $206

Out-of-State | $618

Credits to Graduate: 120

Distance learners can earn Florida International University's online BS in hospitality management through the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. 

Hospitality core courses include advanced food and beverage operations, hospitality analytics, and financial analysis in the hospitality industry. The program requires at least 500 documented hours of hospitality-related work experience plus a 300-hour advanced internship or 500 hours of hospitality/tourism training.

Hospitality management majors can add a minor in a field like beverage management, travel and tourism management, or hotel/lodging management. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $212

Out-of-State | $749

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Central Florida's online hospitality management BS program includes three required internships that provide hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Offered by the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the program focuses on management and requires classes like lodging operations, restaurant management, and hospitality management and leadership fundamentals. 

Students can develop creative decision-making, budgeting, and communication skills and gain a global perspective as they learn about the culture of wine, marketing, and tourism. The fully online program provides flexibility that can make earning the four-year degree accessible for working professionals.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

Washington State University

  • Pullman, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $567

Out-of-State | $633

Credits to Graduate: 120

Washington State University's hospitality business management BA program, offered through the Carson College of Business, was launched in 1932, making it one of the oldest programs of its kind in the U.S. You can choose from three start dates each year and learn the fundamentals of hospitality business management.

You can develop the event planning, leadership, and cost control skills you need to apply for jobs at hotels, tourist destinations, restaurants, and senior living centers. The program's hospitality relations manager helps students connect with internship and job opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,457
Out-of-state
$25,773
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,076
Out-of-state
$26,526
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
29,843
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Academic Year:

In-State | $4,073

Out-of-State | $21,193

Credits to Graduate: 120

Students can enroll in East Carolina University's online bachelor's program in hospitality leadership to start their careers in the hospitality and tourism industries. ECU's School of Hospitality Leadership is one of the biggest of its kind in the Southeast. 

The hospitality leadership curriculum includes classes like dimensions of tourism, hospitality law, advanced food production and service management, and multicultural hospitality management. The program offers concentrations in convention and special events management, food and beverage management, and lodging management. 

ECU also offers an MS in sustainable tourism and hospitality if you want to pursue graduate education in this field.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
28,021
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $385

Out-of-State | $385

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Alabama's online BS in hospitality management requires a 150-hour internship and can prepare you for leadership roles in the tourism and hospitality industries. 

You'll take classes like sustainable tourism, introduction to the sport industry, hotel sales and event services, and hospitality marketing. The program requires enrollees to earn 53 general education credits, 52 hospitality management credits, and 15 elective credits.

All distance learners pay the same flat tuition rate per credit, no matter where they live. The program accepts applications year-round. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
38,316
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

Oregon State University

  • Corvallis, OR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $375

Out-of-State | $375

Credits to Graduate: 180

Oregon State University's online hospitality management bachelor's program offers four start dates per year. Through the College of Business, you'll take classes in lodging management, vacation property management, hospitality law and labor relations, and service management. The program also requires students to complete three internships. Distance learners can specialize in ecotourism and sustainability.

You can develop skills in operations management, sports event management, and accounting and marketing fundamentals. The program boasts relationships with numerous industry partners, including hospitality technology organizations, restaurants, and resorts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,065
Out-of-state
$29,456
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,446
Out-of-state
$27,297
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
33,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

West Virginia University

  • Morgantown, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $475

Out-of-State | $475

Credits to Graduate: 120

West Virginia University's online BSBA in hospitality and tourism management program provides a flexible online learning environment with no set meeting times. You can learn general business, management, and leadership skills that can prepare you for careers in event planning, tourism, and hotel and restaurant operations.

The program, offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, requires students to complete 40 courses that cover topics like tourism management, hotel operations management, and hospitality revenue management. You'll also complete an event planning practicum, a professional field experience, and an independent study. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,144
Out-of-state
$25,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,332
Out-of-state
$26,676
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
25,474
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  • Greensboro, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $184

Out-of-State | $840

Credits to Graduate: 120

UNC Greensboro's hospitality and tourism management BS degree from the Bryan School of Business and Economics can prepare you for careers in the travel, hotel, meeting, and craft beverage management industries. In fact, the program reports that 88% of students found a job within three months of graduating. 

You can complete internships and study abroad experiences, plus earn industry accreditations in food service safety, responsible alcohol service, and hotel industry analytics. The program also offers a concentration in esports management that focuses on management careers in the field. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,422
Out-of-state
$19,581
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,219
Out-of-state
$18,937
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
19,038
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

Northern Arizona University

  • Flagstaff, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Academic Year:

In-State | $11,352

Out-of-State | $11,352

Credits to Graduate: 120

Northern Arizona University's online interdisciplinary studies hospitality leadership program can help you gain the practical business skills you need for a career in the hospitality industry. The program encourages transfer students to apply and offers a flexible online learning environment combined with a structured, semester-based schedule.

The curriculum covers leadership, strategic management, ethics, and business analytics. You'll learn how to make good business decisions and navigate diverse work environments. Other courses cover service management, hospitality operations, and profitability and cost control.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,381
Out-of-state
$16,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,724
Out-of-state
$19,266
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
28,711
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024

Everglades University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Semester:

In-State | $9,984

Out-of-State | $9,984

Credits to Graduate: 123

Everglades University's online BS in hospitality management program takes 41 months to complete. You'll get a solid understanding of many facets of the service and hospitality management industry, including finance, marketing, and management. 

The program also aims to help students develop critical thinking, analytical, communication, and technical skills that can help them thrive as supervisors, managers, or assistant managers. Required courses include effective customer service, convention and exhibition management, and global strategy and policy. Learners must also complete a hospitality management capstone experience.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,120
Out-of-state
$18,120
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,600
Out-of-state
$21,600
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
2,247
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Featured Online Hospitality Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Why Should I Get an Online Hospitality Management Degree?

If you're interested in working with people and combining business, math, and science with creativity and creature comforts, you might be a good fit for a career in hospitality management. While many people begin their careers in this field with an entry-level job, getting your bachelor's in hospitality management can give you a leg up and allow you to apply for higher-level or corporate-side roles directly after graduation.

When you study hospitality management online, you'll be able to learn from anywhere, allowing you to study while you hold a job or internship to get valuable real-world experience. Some programs offer flexible class times to suit your schedule, and you can save on relocation costs if you attend a school online.

Benefits of a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management

  • Learn industry-specific skills, including finance and supply chain literacy and food science.
  • Gain experience through practical lessons and internship placements, depending on the program.
  • Kick off your hospitality management career with the qualifications to apply for mid-level positions.
  • Gain transferable skills applicable to various jobs in the hospitality sector.

Reasons to Get Your Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Online

  • You can study from home without the costs of relocation.
  • Many online programs offer night and weekend classes, so you can work while you study.
  • Online programs can be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, and many offer scholarships.

How Much Does a Hospitality Management Degree Cost?

A bachelor's in hospitality management can be expensive. The average bachelor's degree at a public college or university was $12,394 annually as of 2020-2021, per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Students studying at a private institution paid an average of $26,621 yearly. The good news is scholarships and grants can help cover some of these costs.

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-2021

Public Institution
$12,394

Private Institution
$26,621

Source: NCES

How Long Does an Online Hospitality Management Degree Take?

While most full-time bachelor's programs in hospitality management last four years, the timeline can vary. Whether you're coming in with transfer credits and whether you choose to study full or part time can significantly impact the length of your program.

Average Length of Time
4 years*

Required Course Credits
120+ credits*

*Varies depending on your school/program

What Are the Admission Requirements for Hospitality Management Programs?

When you submit your application to an online hospitality management program, you'll likely also need to have:

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    A GPA that falls within your program's preferred range on a 4-point scale or higher
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    Transcripts from high school and any other college classes you've taken
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    Letters of recommendation from past teachers, coaches, and others who know you well
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    Scores from either the SAT or ACT within your program's preferred range or higher
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    An application fee or an approved fee waiver
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    An application form listing previous schools, extracurriculars, job and internship experience, etc.

"I decided to study hospitality management because it offers a unique opportunity to combine my passions for customer service, business, and travel. I have always been passionate about providing an excellent customer experience and saw hospitality management as the perfect way to combine this with my interest in the business. What I also liked is that the hospitality industry is an ever-evolving sector that offers the potential for international travel and career development."

Marissa Johnson | Party Planner, Founder of Inflatable Blast

How Much Money Can I Make With a Hospitality Management Degree?

Median Annual Wage | 2022

Lodging Managers
$61,910

Food Service Managers
$61,310

Sources: BLS, BLS

What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), your pay and job outlook in hospitality management depends on your specific position — wages and growth vary widely between roles. Some hospitality-related field, like event planning, are growing faster than the average occupation. The BLS projects jobs for event planners will increase by 8% in the next decade. Some positions can earn well above the average wage; HR managers, for example, earned an average of $130,000 per year in 2022.

One thing all hospitality roles have in common is that they call for a mix of hard skills like finance and accounting and soft skills, such as the ability to work well with customers and coworkers.

Hospitality Management Jobs & Salaries
Job Title 2022 Median Pay
Food Service Manager $61,310
Lodging Manager $61,910
Event Planner $52,560
Human Resources Manager $130,000
Logistician $77,520
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Is a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Worth It?

"Honestly, I changed my major five times before deciding to pursue a degree in hospitality! It wasn't until then that I felt a career path aligned with my values of celebrating life and serving others. In 2011, I graduated with a bachelor of science degree in event management from University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management (the second-ranked hospitality college in the nation)."

Carin Hunt | Wedding Planner and Business Owner

"[Studying hospitality management] was one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences of my life. I learned the fundamentals of hospitality management, such as hospitality marketing, customer service, operational management, and financial management. I also had the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and get an inside look at the industry, and I learned the importance of communication and teamwork and was able to apply these skills in the workplace."

Marissa Johnson | Party Planner, Founder of Inflatable Blast

Featured Online Hospitality Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Master's Programs to Consider

Master of Science (MS) in Hospitality Management at Auburn University

Auburn University offers a full-time, two-year MSc program in hospitality management, available on campus or online. Students in the campus program are able to design an original research project and present it as a final thesis.

Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) at Cornell University

The Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University offers a unique one-year master's program in management with a hospitality focus. This program is offered in partnership with the business school and strongly focuses on the business administration side of hospitality.

Master of Hospitality Administration (MHA) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is home to a world-leading hospitality school that offers an online master's program. This is a flexible postgraduate study option for those looking to further an administrative career in the hospitality field. The flexible, online-only program is geared toward working professionals and takes two years to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Hospitality Management Programs

Can you make money with a hospitality degree?

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As of 2022, the BLS reports that food services managers earn a median annual salary of $61,310, lodging managers earn $61,910, and meeting and event planners earn $52,560. Payscale reports that employees in the casino and resort industry earn an average of $67,000 per year as of December 2023. Executive chefs, travel managers, and food service directors at top-billed hotels, resorts, or cruise lines may earn more.

Does hospitality management require math?

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Hospitality management only requires a little math. As an undergraduate student, you likely need to take a course in either foundations of math or algebra as part of your core curriculum. In addition, you may be required to take finance, financial accounting, quantitative analysis, and managerial accounting as part of your major.

What can I expect from a hospitality management course?

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Hospitality management courses cover many topics, such as accounting, law, tourism, restaurant operations, and hotel management.

A bachelor's degree in hospitality management includes major courses, a liberal arts core, and a selection of electives. Graduate degree programs are more focused and can concentrate on sustainable tourism, international hospitality, or another related subfield.

What is the most important aspect of hospitality management?

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The customer experience is the most critical element of professional hospitality. Consequently,

hospitality management professionals must have strong problem-solving and team leadership skills.

They should be able to meet guest expectations, pay attention to details, be flexible, create an appropriate atmosphere, manage a budget, and understand why events matter.

Which subject is best for hospitality management?

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You can major in business, finance, home economics, food science, or nutrition and build a successful career in hospitality management. Graduate degrees often result in higher wages. In December 2023, for example, Payscale reported that an MBA in hospitality management earned an average salary of $74,00 annually.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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