Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

If you're considering a career in hospitality, a bachelor's degree in hospitality management may be right for you. Learn how you can earn one online.
By
portrait of Ellery Weil
Ellery Weil
Read Full Bio

Writer

Ellery Weil, Ph.D., is a historian and education writer. When she's not writing about education for BestColleges, she specializes in turn-of-the-twentieth-century women's history. Her writing has been published on three continents. She holds degrees ...
Updated on September 21, 2023
Edited by
portrait of Giselle M. Cancio
Giselle M. Cancio
Read Full Bio

Editor & Writer

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for BestColleges, where she focuses on a variety of topics including subject-specific content, DEI, and career-related content. She previously worked in higher education, managing social media and digital communications...
Learn more about our editorial process

www.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.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.


  • Hospitality management is a degree that can lead to several different careers.
  • Hospitality management encompasses restaurants, hotels, resorts, and theme parks.
  • You can study hospitality management in person or through an accredited online program.
  • Having a degree means you can begin a hospitality career at a higher level with higher pay.

If you've ever enjoyed staying at a hotel or dining at a restaurant, you've been a patron of the hospitality industry. And you're not alone — which is why hospitality is a major economic sector in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in December 2022, over 16 million people in the U.S. worked in this industry.

If you're considering a career in this field, a bachelor's in hospitality management can help you get ahead.

Is a Hospitality Management Degree Right for Me?

  • What the degree is about: Hospitality management focuses on all the skills needed to work at hotels, restaurants, conference centers, resorts, and more. The degree combines business management knowledge with food science, hygiene and safety, and more.
  • 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.
  • Career path: Hospitality is a large field with many career opportunities. Hotel and restaurant management bachelors is a popular focus for graduates, as is working in operations, sales, or human resources.

Hospitality Management Programs You Should Consider

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 combine studying with 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.

Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees 2023

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

These rankings were compiled by our BestColleges Ranking Team and include 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. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. 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.

  • Browse programs
  • Discover matches
  • Request info
#1 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $263
Out of State | $782

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

FAU's hospitality management degree, with a focus on business administration, provides you with 1,000 hours of work experience. 

Along with an internship and business core courses, the major curriculum incorporates every aspect of hospitality management. This includes law, marketing and revenue management, food and beverage services, and guest services.

FAU's hospitality and tourism management program requires you to hold at least 60 credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA. You must also complete the foreign language requirement. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
30,805
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

University of Wisconsin-Stout

  • Menomonie, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $738
Out of State | $738

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration

UW-Stout offers an online hospitality degree that focuses on hands-on experience with co-ops or internships that you can complete at your workplace. 

The 120-credit degree program requires a capstone project and 68 professional studies credits. You'll study operations management, financial and revenue management, and organizational management. Courses run online, but you must meet in person for internships and the food and services fundamentals lab.

You can apply at any time since UW-Stout has no application deadline. The university allows you to audit courses for 30% of the tuition fee if you're a Wisconsin resident. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,014
Out-of-state
$14,981
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,155
Out-of-state
$15,465
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
7,970
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

  • Delhi, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $295
Out of State | $353

Credits to Graduate
121

School Information
School Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

SUNY Delhi's hospitality management degree features experiential learning. You can complete an optional six-month position for college credit at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. 

The hotel and restaurant management program concentrates on building hospitality and restaurant management skills. You'll take courses on financial management, human resources management, and hospitality law.  

You need a minimum 2.0 GPA and an associate degree from an accredited college to apply. Upon admittance, you can connect with faculty advisors. And throughout the online program, you can also access tutoring and resume help. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$10,840
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$13,570
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
3,077
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

Utah Valley University

  • Orem, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $260
Out of State | $260

Credits to Graduate
120

School Information
School Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Delivered through the Woodbury School of Business, UVU's online degree in hospitality management lets you customize your education with business or creative specializations. 

In UVU's hospitality management program, you can concentrate your studies in general operations, revenue management, sales, event planning, or culinary arts. The core curriculum provides a foundation in food and beverage management, hospitality law, and analytics.

As an online student, you can access academic tutoring, advising, a career development center, and mentors. To apply, you must submit an online application, pay a fee, and provide high school or college transcripts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,192
Out-of-state
$16,092
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,541
Out-of-state
$25,977
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
40,936
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $206
Out of State | $618

Credits to Graduate
113-125

School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

With more than 130 online degrees, FIU offers a hospitality management degree that allows you to enrich your studies through internships and study abroad opportunities. You can also participate in Miami's South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Experiential learning is integral to this online hospitality degree, with every student required to complete 500 hours of industry work. And you also must finish a 10-week internship. 

FIU's bachelor's in hospitality management program emphasizes hands-on experience. You'll gain access to the school's Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, where you'll do activities at many labs and food hubs. 

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
91%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,836
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

North Carolina Central University

  • Durham, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $184
Out of State | $727

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration 

Durham's NCCU, which opened its classrooms in 1910 as a liberal arts college for African Americans, provides a hospitality management degree. The degree prepares you for careers in airlines, lodging, resorts, cruise lines, and event management. 

The four-year hospitality management degree runs online, but you must attend monthly in-person seminars in business attire. You must also complete 1,000 hours of internships. In addition, you'll study subjects like lodging management and operations. Other course topics cover financial management, food and beverage production, and event planning. 

You must pay a $100 enrollment deposit and submit high school or college transcripts, depending on if you apply as a first-year or transfer student. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,728
Out-of-state
$16,435
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,740
Out-of-state
$17,694
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
8,078
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

University of North Alabama

  • Florence, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320

Credits to Graduate
121-122

School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association College and Schools Commission on Colleges

UNA, Alabama's oldest four-year public school, offers industry opportunities even before you graduate with its online degree in hospitality management. 

The curriculum pairs lessons with two internships totaling 350 hours. The program also includes hands-on learning at business and industry events. Major core requirements for UNA's hospitality and events program combine security and risk management, event planning, and food production. You'll also learn about property management. 

You must fill out UNA's main application and submit a 250- to 300-word letter of intent to enroll in the hotel management degree. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$19,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,660
Out-of-state
$13,320
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
8,086
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $440
Out of State | $440

Credits to Graduate
127

School Information
School Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission

BU offers an accelerated cohort-based online hospitality degree that lets you graduate in two years. For BU's bachelor's in hospitality management program, you must hold an associate degree from an accredited college, or at least 60 credits with a minimum "C" grade. 

Courses integrate the anthropology of tourism, new media marketing, and the customer experience. You'll also learn about team leadership and financial management. With a hotel management degree, graduates have found work at Disney, Hilton, and Omaha Zoo. 

You must complete an online application and provide proof of a high school or GED diploma with your official transcripts. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$10,710
Retention Rate
51%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
13,059
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

Johnson & Wales University-Online

  • Providence, RI
  • 4 years
  • Online

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $495
Out of State | $495

Credits to Graduate
120

School Information
School Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

Enroll in the Johnson & Wales online hospitality degree program and you can minor in human resources management. You can also enroll in a 12-credit internship, but the program does not require it. 

The school's' bachelor's in hospitality management program features small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1. Subjects covered include food service, hospitality sales, and human resources management. Other courses teach you about marketing and revenue management.

Johnson & Wales accepts applications year round and has multiple start dates. To apply for an undergraduate program, you need college credit or at least two years of work experience. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,365
Out-of-state
$13,365
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,148
Out-of-state
$14,148
Retention Rate
50%
Admission Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
2,152
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023

Northern Arizona University

  • Flagstaff, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $455
Out of State | $455

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration

NAU's hospitality management degree — recognized by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education — includes 1,200 hours of fieldwork. You can get work experience at local partner organizations such as Paradise Bakery, Walt Disney, Four Seasons, Enterprise, or Marriott. 

NAU's hotel and restaurant management program requires 45 units in hospitality administration, 12 units in business, and 15 concentration units. You must also complete eight units of a foreign language. You can transfer up to 75 credits from a community college in Arizona. 

While studying online, you'll also have research access to the Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center and Marion W. Isbell Endowment for Hospitality Ethics.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,243
Out-of-state
$16,248
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,309
Out-of-state
$18,630
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
29,566
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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. Students studying at a private institution pay an average of $26,621 yearly. The good news is scholarships and grants may help cover some of these costs.

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-21

Public Institution

$12,394

Private Institution

$26,621

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?

Read More: How to Find Scholarships for College Students

How Long Does an Online Hospitality Management Degree Take?

While most full-time bachelor's programs in hospitality management take four years to earn, 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:

  • Check Circle
    A GPA that falls within your program's preferred range on a 4-point scale or higher
  • Check Circle
    Transcripts from high school and any other college classes you've taken
  • Check Circle
    Letters of recommendation from past teachers, coaches, and others who know you well
  • Check Circle
    Scores from either the SAT or ACT within your program's preferred range or higher
  • Check Circle
    An application fee or an approved fee waiver
  • Check Circle
    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?

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

According to the BLS, careers in hospitality management pay a wide range of salaries and have various outlooks. Some hospitality-related jobs, like in event planning, are growing much faster than the average occupation. The BLS projects jobs for event planners will grow by 18% in the next decade. HR managers earned an average of $126,230 per year in 2021.

One thing hospitality careers 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.

5 Popular Jobs for a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management
Job Title 2021 Median Pay
Food Service/Restaurant Manager $59,440
Hotel/Lodging Manager $59,430
Event Planner $49,470
Human Resources Manager $126,230
Logistician $77,030
Sources: BLS

Read More: How to Earn a Travel Agent Certification

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

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

Master's of Science (MSc) 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 will be able to design an original research project and present it as a final thesis.

Master's of Management in Hospitality (MMH) at Cornell University

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

Master's 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 Hospitality Management Degrees

What kind of degree is hospitality management?

A bachelor's degree in hospitality management is typically a bachelor of science (BS) degree. There are hospitality management programs available at various levels, including associate or master's degrees for those who have already completed a bachelor's. A bachelor's in hospitality management is geared toward those looking for a career in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality institutions, including at the corporate level.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in hospitality management?

Generally, a bachelor's degree in hospitality management takes four years to earn. However, many online programs offer flexible and/or accelerated options for part-time students or for those who wish to earn their degrees faster. In those cases, it may take more or less than four years to finish the full degree. For those who have already completed an associate degree, it may also take less time to finish a bachelor's.

What courses will I take in an online hospitality management degree?

The courses you will take in your online hospitality management program vary from program to program. However, some courses that will likely be offered include:

  • Business accounting and economics
  • Principles of the food and beverage industry
  • Higher-level math and finance courses
  • Business-centered computer science classes

Most programs will also offer a variety of electives you can choose from, which may help you build toward a specialization.

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.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.