According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is on the rise, with growth of 11% expected through 2026. Positions for meeting, convention, and event planners expected to grow at a rate faster than average. Earning a bachelor’s degree online in hospitality management is a great way to advance in the industry while continuing to work and take care of family obligations.
Hospitality professionals are found in a variety of settings including:
- hotels
- country clubs
- stadiums
- conference centers
- restaurants
- travel agencies
- resorts
Bachelor’s degree programs in hospitality cover coursework in:
- finance
- management
- leadership
- sanitation
- budgeting
- event planning
Due to the nature of the field, work hours and schedules are flexible and the job is fast paced. To be successful in the field, professionals need to be able to adapt to changing trends and consumer expectations.
Ranking the Top Hospitality Bachelor’s Degree Online Programs 2018
There are dozens of hospitality bachelor’s degrees online offered in the United States. We created a ranking of the top 10 programs based on information from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. To be included in our list, programs need to be accredited by ACPHA and offer an online program with minimal on-campus residency requirements. Programs selected for consideration are taught by experienced faculty, offer a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on training, and provide students with mentoring or guidance while in the program. We then developed a ranking methodology that included net cost, student to faculty ratio, and overall graduation rate. The top 10 schools made our list. Where there are ties, the school with the lower net price is favored.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 15:1 or less= 3 Points
- 16:1 to 20:1=2 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Net Price
- Less than $10,000 per year= 3 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year=2 Points
- More than $15,000 per year= 1 Point
Overall Graduation Rate
- Less than 30%= 1 Point
- Between 30% and 50%= 2 Points
- Greater than 50%= 3 Points
Below are the 10 schools that offer the best hospitality bachelor’s degree programs.
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#10 – Bethune-Cookman University – Daytona Beach, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $17,313
Overall Graduation Rate: 37%
Points: 5
With a cutting edge curriculum that aligns with the latest trends and demands of the industry, Bethune-Cookman University is a great choice for students seeking a top online bachelor’s in Hospitality Management. The 123 credit hour program can be completed entirely online. It includes two mandatory internship experiences. Students can choose a concentration in Event and Entertainment Management, completing coursework in areas like:
- risk management
- leadership finance
- marketing
- logistics.
#9 – University of South Carolina – Beaufort, South Carolina
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Net Price: $16,266
Overall Graduation Rate: 27%
Points: 5
Palmetto College at the University of South Carolina features a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management online. It’s a two year program for full-time students, longer if part-time. It’s for students interested in a career in general tourism, food service, or hotel management. Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism is the number one industry in South Carolina. Students are encouraged to use their talents and skills after graduation at one of the thousands of destinations around the state.
#8 – Missouri State University – Springfield, Missouri
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Leadership
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Net Price: $15,173
Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
Points: 5
The online Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Hospitality Leadership is an ACPHA accredited degree program. It’s for students who want to hold leadership positions in hotels, country clubs, casinos, and resorts. Open to students who hold an AAS in hospitality management or culinary arts, it can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students have the opportunity to participate in a paid internship, working three different positions throughout the 750 clock hour experience.
#7 – University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Massachusetts
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $21,281
Overall Graduation Rate: 77%
Points: 6
The Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst features an AACSB accredited bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students take courses covering areas like:
- lodging operations
- casino management
- event management
- revenue management.
Elective course offerings in areas like club management and convention sales allow students to customize the program to meet their professional goals. Online students benefit from working with experienced advisors and joining professional organizations. Graduates have found success working for companies like ARAMARK, Hyatt, and The Cheesecake Factory.
#6 – Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, Illinois
Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Administration Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $16,431
Overall Graduation Rate: 40%
Points: 6
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale features an ACPHA accredited online bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Administration. The program is available to students who have completed an associate degree. Students with a passion for event planning and management can choose to concentrate in that area, applying coursework to their bachelor’s in HTA. A field experience/internship opportunity is offered to students during the summer semester to gain valuable hands-on experience.
#5 – University of Wisconsin – Menomonie, Wisconsin
B.S. Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Net Price: $14,971
Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
Points: 6
The University of Wisconsin Stout features a top online Bachelor’s in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. It’s one of the oldest programs in the world. Courses are delivered in a 100% online format by full-time faculty with industry experience. Students benefit from consistent program course offerings during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Online students are supported by a team of professionals, including Adult Student Services Coordinators and Online Faculty Advisors. They help guide and navigate students through the program. The university has over 100 agreements with hospitality businesses around the world. Students have access to unique internship and co-op experiences that prepare them for the workforce.
#4 – North Carolina Central University – Durham, North Carolina
Bachelor’s Degree Programs Hospitality & Tourism Administration Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $12,687
Overall Graduation Rate: 44%
Points: 6
North Carolina Central University features a top online bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Administration accredited by both the AACSB and the ACBSP. Its international accreditation is through the ACPHA. This 100% online bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism features unique coursework in areas like:
- hospitality law and ethics
- food, beverage and labor cost control
- facilities management.
Students complete extensive hands-on training through internships and work experience requirements.
#3 – Florida International University – Miami, Florida
Online BS in Hospitality Management
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Average Net Price: $12,219
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 6
The online bachelor’s in Hospitality Management is at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University. It’s a hands-on program featuring a mix of core requirements and practical experience. Students must complete 1,000 work hours in the field and a 300 hour advanced internship experience. Concentration areas include:
- Beverage Management
- Culinary Management
- Hotel/Lodging Management
- Restaurant/Foodservice Management
- Event Management
- Travel and Tourism Management.
Courses cover areas like:
- hospitality IT
- accounting
- human resource management for the hospitality industry
- hospitality industry law.
#2 – Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, Arizona
Hotel & Restaurant Management Bachelor’s Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $14,901
Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
Points: 7
The top Hotel and Restaurant Management online bachelor’s degree program at Northern Arizona University is ACPHA accredited. It’s a 120 credit hour program featuring in-depth coursework, hands-on experience, and an internship experience. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:
- amusement parks
- country clubs
- restaurants
- convention halls.
The program is nationally recognized by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.
#1 – Monroe College – Bronx, New York
Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $12,280
Overall Graduation Rate: 53%
Points: 7
Monroe College features a top online bachelor’s in Hospitality Management. It provides students with the tools they need to be successful in this fast-paced industry. Students will gain skills in areas like:
- staffing
- scheduling
- front office systems
- food and beverage cost management.
Concentrations are available in Tourism and Destination Management and Culinary Management. This 120 credit hour program features coursework in:
- restaurant operations
- travel and tourism
- dining room management
- beverage management.
Faculty are experienced industry professionals, teaching students the latest trends and business strategies in the field.
Related Resources:
5 Most Affordable Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Hospitality
Top 15 Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree Online Programs
15 Best Careers You Can Have With an Online Hospitality Degree
By BHD Staff
October 2018