Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Programs of 2025
A hospitality management degree can prepare you to do business in the hospitality industry. Learn about the top master’s degrees in hospitality management.
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Programs
- #1: Florida International University — FIU’s affordability and high completion and retention rates land it at the top of our list.
A hospitality management degree prepares you to oversee the business operations of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related services.
While you can enter the industry with just a bachelor’s degree, managerial roles may require further education. Earning an online master’s in hospitality can be a flexible way to qualify for these higher-level positions.
To help you find the best option, we compiled a list of the top affordable online master’s in hospitality management programs using data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Scorecard.
We ranked programs based on factors such as cost, accreditation, and student outcomes so you find the best choice for you.
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Top Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Programs
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.
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.
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,119
$21,600
59%
66%
Why FIU Online Made Our List
Located in South Florida, FIU has relationships with Miami food festivals, hotels, cruise lines, and other hospitality industry giants. This proximity alone makes FIU's online MS in hospitality management a top choice. You can take advantage of these relationships while completing your classes from anywhere on your own time.
Why Attend FIU Online
- High Student Completions: FIU has the highest number of students who completed the program of all schools on our list.
- More Affordable Than Other Programs: At just over $9,100, FIU's in-state graduate tuition is the second-lowest on our list.
- High Retention Rate: 92% of FIU online students keep coming back after their first year, indicating students are generally satisfied with their education experience.
Know Before You Go
- Wide Income Potential: FIU reports that the income range for the careers you can get with a master of science in hospitality management is wide — anywhere from $34,000 to $198,000.
- GRE Required for Certain Applicants: If your undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0, you might need to submit GRE or GMAT scores with your application.
- Low Admission Rate: FIU admits around just 1 in 3 applicants, meaning it's more competitive than any other school on this list.
$6,168
$18,566
92%
54,085
Public
Yes
$9,119
$21,600
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$9,119
$21,600
59%
66%
$6,168
$18,566
92%
54,085
Public
Yes
Why FIU Online Made Our List
Located in South Florida, FIU has relationships with Miami food festivals, hotels, cruise lines, and other hospitality industry giants. This proximity alone makes FIU's online MS in hospitality management a top choice. You can take advantage of these relationships while completing your classes from anywhere on your own time.
Why Attend FIU Online
- High Student Completions: FIU has the highest number of students who completed the program of all schools on our list.
- More Affordable Than Other Programs: At just over $9,100, FIU's in-state graduate tuition is the second-lowest on our list.
- High Retention Rate: 92% of FIU online students keep coming back after their first year, indicating students are generally satisfied with their education experience.
Know Before You Go
- Wide Income Potential: FIU reports that the income range for the careers you can get with a master of science in hospitality management is wide — anywhere from $34,000 to $198,000.
- GRE Required for Certain Applicants: If your undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0, you might need to submit GRE or GMAT scores with your application.
- Low Admission Rate: FIU admits around just 1 in 3 applicants, meaning it's more competitive than any other school on this list.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,916
$25,759
43%
9%
Why UCF Online Made Our List
UCF's online hospitality and tourism management master's program is part of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, Florida — one of the biggest hospitality destinations in the country, thanks to its many theme parks. The program offers two tracks: a thesis option for those who want to study the hospitality industry and a non-thesis option for those who want to become hospitality industry leaders.
Why Attend UCF Online
- High Job Placement Rate: Rosen College reports a 97% job placement rate for students after graduation.
- No GRE Requirement: You don't need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply for the hospitality management program, making it easier to apply to than other similar programs.
- Most Affordable Program: UCF's annual graduate in-state tuition is just under $7,000 — the lowest of all the schools on this list.
Know Before You Go
- Lower Earnings Post-Graduation: At just under $40,000, UCF students' average earnings six years after entry are the lowest of the schools on this list.
- Some In-Person Electives: UCF Online notes that not all electives or prerequisite courses may be offered online. So plan which courses to take carefully.
$6,368
$22,467
92%
68,844
Public
Yes
$6,916
$25,759
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,916
$25,759
43%
9%
$6,368
$22,467
92%
68,844
Public
Yes
Why UCF Online Made Our List
UCF's online hospitality and tourism management master's program is part of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, Florida — one of the biggest hospitality destinations in the country, thanks to its many theme parks. The program offers two tracks: a thesis option for those who want to study the hospitality industry and a non-thesis option for those who want to become hospitality industry leaders.
Why Attend UCF Online
- High Job Placement Rate: Rosen College reports a 97% job placement rate for students after graduation.
- No GRE Requirement: You don't need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply for the hospitality management program, making it easier to apply to than other similar programs.
- Most Affordable Program: UCF's annual graduate in-state tuition is just under $7,000 — the lowest of all the schools on this list.
Know Before You Go
- Lower Earnings Post-Graduation: At just under $40,000, UCF students' average earnings six years after entry are the lowest of the schools on this list.
- Some In-Person Electives: UCF Online notes that not all electives or prerequisite courses may be offered online. So plan which courses to take carefully.
Auburn University
Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,692
$32,076
50%
45%
Why Auburn Made Our List
Auburn's online MS in hospitality management ranks highly in categories that matter to students, including graduate earnings and student retention and graduation rates. With courses in consumer behavior and hospitality strategy and many electives to choose from, you can tailor your program to whatever hospitality sector you want to enter.
Why Attend Auburn
- High Retention Rate: At over 93%, Auburn's percentage of students who return after their first year is the highest among the schools on our list.
- Impressive Graduation Rate: The university's 79% graduation rate means most students complete their studies and earn the degree they set out to get.
- High Earnings After Graduation: Auburn graduates earn an average of $43,100 six years after earning their degrees, which is high compared to those of other schools on our list.
Know Before You Go
- Higher Tuition: Auburn is less affordable than most of the schools on this list, with an in-state graduate tuition rate of nearly $11,000 per year.
- No Thesis Option: The hospitality management program doesn't offer a thesis track for students who want to pursue a career researching the hospitality industry.
- Lower Admission Rate: With an admission rate of 51%, Auburn is more competitive than other schools on this list.
$10,704
$32,112
93%
33,015
Public
Yes
$10,692
$32,076
Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,692
$32,076
50%
45%
$10,704
$32,112
93%
33,015
Public
Yes
Why Auburn Made Our List
Auburn's online MS in hospitality management ranks highly in categories that matter to students, including graduate earnings and student retention and graduation rates. With courses in consumer behavior and hospitality strategy and many electives to choose from, you can tailor your program to whatever hospitality sector you want to enter.
Why Attend Auburn
- High Retention Rate: At over 93%, Auburn's percentage of students who return after their first year is the highest among the schools on our list.
- Impressive Graduation Rate: The university's 79% graduation rate means most students complete their studies and earn the degree they set out to get.
- High Earnings After Graduation: Auburn graduates earn an average of $43,100 six years after earning their degrees, which is high compared to those of other schools on our list.
Know Before You Go
- Higher Tuition: Auburn is less affordable than most of the schools on this list, with an in-state graduate tuition rate of nearly $11,000 per year.
- No Thesis Option: The hospitality management program doesn't offer a thesis track for students who want to pursue a career researching the hospitality industry.
- Lower Admission Rate: With an admission rate of 51%, Auburn is more competitive than other schools on this list.
University of Mississippi
University, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,252
$26,820
98%
61%
Why Ole Miss Made Our List
Ole Miss's online MS in hospitality management offers critical courses in managing hospitality finances, information technology, and organizational behavior. It's an accelerated program without sacrificing academic rigor. As a student in this program, you'll get plenty of hands-on hospitality experience while studying under distinguished faculty.
Why Attend Ole Miss
- Fast Completion Time: Ole Miss says students can complete this program in as little as a year, meaning you can start your hospitality career faster.
- Very Attainable Program: The university boasts the highest acceptance rate of the schools on our list at 98%, meaning most applicants find it easy to get in.
- No GRE Required: You don't need to submit GRE or GMAT scores with your graduate application.
Know Before You Go
- No Specializations or Tracks: Other hospitality management programs on this list have specializations as well as research and non-research tracks — Ole Miss offers neither.
- Geared Toward Working Professionals: The program caters to seasoned workers with management experience. If you're new to the field, you might consider working in the industry first before applying.
- Portfolio Required for Graduation: In addition to completing 30 credits of coursework, hospitality management master's students must submit a final portfolio in order to graduate.
$9,072
$26,292
88%
24,043
Public
Yes
$9,252
$26,820
University, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,252
$26,820
98%
61%
$9,072
$26,292
88%
24,043
Public
Yes
Why Ole Miss Made Our List
Ole Miss's online MS in hospitality management offers critical courses in managing hospitality finances, information technology, and organizational behavior. It's an accelerated program without sacrificing academic rigor. As a student in this program, you'll get plenty of hands-on hospitality experience while studying under distinguished faculty.
Why Attend Ole Miss
- Fast Completion Time: Ole Miss says students can complete this program in as little as a year, meaning you can start your hospitality career faster.
- Very Attainable Program: The university boasts the highest acceptance rate of the schools on our list at 98%, meaning most applicants find it easy to get in.
- No GRE Required: You don't need to submit GRE or GMAT scores with your graduate application.
Know Before You Go
- No Specializations or Tracks: Other hospitality management programs on this list have specializations as well as research and non-research tracks — Ole Miss offers neither.
- Geared Toward Working Professionals: The program caters to seasoned workers with management experience. If you're new to the field, you might consider working in the industry first before applying.
- Portfolio Required for Graduation: In addition to completing 30 credits of coursework, hospitality management master's students must submit a final portfolio in order to graduate.
Everglades University
Boca Raton, FL4 yearOnline
$22,200
$22,200
86%
66%
Why EU Made Our List
EU's online master's in hospitality management aims to equip students with the skills they need to become managers in the food, tourism, and lodging sectors of the hospitality industry. The program teaches topics like accounting, human resources, project management, and more at a high level.
Why Attend EU
- Attainable Program: EU's 92% overall acceptance rate is the second-highest of the schools on this list, meaning your odds of getting in are high.
- Fast Completion Time: You can complete your hospitality management master's program in just one year.
Know Before You Go
- Low Graduation Rate: At 58%, EU's graduation rate is the lowest of the schools on this list, suggesting students might struggle with factors such as cost.
- Most Expensive Program on the List: Graduate in-state tuition at EU is more than $22,000 a year, making it the most expensive school on our list by far.
$20,768
$20,768
75%
2,247
Private
Yes
$22,200
$22,200
Boca Raton, FL4 yearOnline
$22,200
$22,200
86%
66%
$20,768
$20,768
75%
2,247
Private
Yes
Why EU Made Our List
EU's online master's in hospitality management aims to equip students with the skills they need to become managers in the food, tourism, and lodging sectors of the hospitality industry. The program teaches topics like accounting, human resources, project management, and more at a high level.
Why Attend EU
- Attainable Program: EU's 92% overall acceptance rate is the second-highest of the schools on this list, meaning your odds of getting in are high.
- Fast Completion Time: You can complete your hospitality management master's program in just one year.
Know Before You Go
- Low Graduation Rate: At 58%, EU's graduation rate is the lowest of the schools on this list, suggesting students might struggle with factors such as cost.
- Most Expensive Program on the List: Graduate in-state tuition at EU is more than $22,000 a year, making it the most expensive school on our list by far.
Is an Online Hospitality Management Degree Right for You?
Pros
Multiple Career Options: A hospitality management degree can qualify you to work in fields such as lodging, tourism, and food and beverage management.- Solid Return on Investment: According to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online master’s students and graduates we surveyed say their degree will have or has had a positive return on investment — and 97% say they would recommend online education to others.
- Study While Working: Many online programs are flexible enough to allow you to work full-time while pursuing your degree.
Cons
Stressful Working Hours: Certain positions in the hospitality industry require extended or overnight shifts, which can be highly stressful.- In-Person Internship: Some programs may require students to complete an in-person internship or practicum, which can be difficult for online students with a full-time job.
Sources: BestColleges, NCES PowerStats
How to Choose the Best Master’s in Hospitality Management Program for You
There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online hospitality management program, including cost, program length, and career outlook.
Cost of a Master’s in Hospitality Management
Online
$10,995 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,534 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
On-Campus
$21,974 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$15,428 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
Source: NCES PowerStats data from 2019-2020; the latest available numbers are for master’s degrees in business/management
- Hospitality Management Scholarships: Students pursuing their master’s in hospitality management can qualify for industry-specific scholarships, such as theBanks Brown Graduate Scholarship and the Rama Scholarship for the American Dream.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA can give qualifying students access to federal financial aid, including grants, federal work-study, loans, and some scholarships.
- Student Loans: Federal and private loans are available to pay for college tuition. In many cases, you don’t have to repay them until after you graduate.
- Online Student Scholarships: There are several scholarships designed to help online students pay for college, such as the GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship.
Master’s in Hospitality Management Program Length
Typical # of Credits
30-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
Master’s in Hospitality Management Application Requirements
Transcript: A transcript details past courses, grades, and degrees earned.- Undergraduate degree: All master’s programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree — but it doesn’t have to be in the same subject.
- Test scores: Some programs may require you to submit your scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests.
- Resume: Many master’s programs ask that you submit a CV or resume that details relevant work experience.
- Letters of recommendation:Letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors, or colleagues offer unique academic and professional insight. Colleges and universities often ask for at least one.
- Personal statement or essay: An application essay can help the admissions team understand your academic goals, background, and challenges beyond your transcript.
Jobs With a Master’s in Hospitality
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Event Planner | $59,440 | Coordinates all elements of events and gatherings, such as conferences, conventions, and weddings |
| Food Service Manager | $65,310 | Manages daily restaurant operations, including staffing, regulatory compliance, and budgeting |
| Gambling Manager | $85,580 | Coordinates operations at casinos and other facilities; they may also set house rules |
| Lodging Manager | $68,130 | Oversees operations at a hotel or other type of lodging to ensure guests are comfortable |
Education Beyond a Master’s in Hospitality Management
A master’s is typically the highest degree most professionals in hospitality management pursue, especially if they aim to move into leadership roles, such as director of operations.
Some institutions offer Ph.D. programs in hospitality management, but these are better suited for those interested in becoming researchers or university professors.
If that’s not what you’re interested in, a master’s degree and years of experience are generally all you need to qualify for most senior-level roles in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Hospitality Management Programs
Some courses you may take in a hospitality management program include hospitality and tourism marketing, global issues in hospitality and tourism, and hospitality business law.
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