According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the U.S. hospitality industry is responsible for eight million American jobs. Earning an associate degree online in the hospitality field can open the door to opportunities in a variety of hospitality settings. These include hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and management companies. Students choosing to begin or advance their career in hospitality benefit by taking coursework that covers many different aspects of the industry. These include finance, management, supervision, sanitation, and supply management.
We created a list of the top 10 online associate degree programs in hospitality using information provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Programs selected feature a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on training and experienced faculty. They also hold regional accreditation. We then applied a ranking methodology to narrow our programs down to the best 10 online associate degree programs in hospitality. Where there are ties, the school with the lowest net price is favored.
Ranking the Top Online Hospitality Associate Degree Programs 2018
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 10:1 or less= 3 Points
- 11:1 to 15:1=2 Points
- Greater than 15:1= 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 online hospitality associate degree programs in the United States.
——-
#10 – NHTI-Concord’s Community College – Concord, New Hampshire
Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Net Price: $16,048
Overall Graduation Rate: 20%
Points: 4
NHTI features an ACBSP accredited online associate degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. It prepares students for a variety of careers working in:
- hotel management
- tourism
- travel
- sales
- guest services.
Students can complete a certificate concurrently in:
- Hotel Administration
- Event/Conference Management
- Travel and Tourism
- Wedding Planning Management.
Coursework is offered in areas like hospitality sales and marketing, event meeting and conference planning, and legal issues. Most students can earn their degree in two years of full-time study.
#9 – Bryant and Stratton College – Orchard Park, New York
Hospitality Management Associate Degree
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $13,325
Overall Graduation Rate: 15%
Points: 4
Bryant and Stratton College offers the two-year online Hospitality Management associate degree program. It prepares students to work in a variety of settings including:
- hotels
- sports venues
- travel
- the food and beverage industry.
It’s available online in all 50 states. Students can earn their degree while continuing to meet personal and professional obligations. Courses are available in areas like:
- ethical hospitality management
- technology
- convention and events management
- hospitality services management.
Students can complete an internship experience to gain valuable hands-on experience, preparing them for the workplace.
#8 – University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College – North Little Rock, Arkansas
AAS in Hospitality Management Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $9,670
Overall Graduation Rate: 18%
Points: 5
The University of Arkansas’s Pulaski Technical College features an online AAS in Hospitality Management program. It’s accredited by the ACPHA. This 63 credit hour program includes coursework in:
- lodging operations
- hospitality facilities
- food and beverage management.
A practicum experience provides students with on-the-job training and professional development. Graduates of this top hospitality associate degree program will also receive the certified Hospitality Graduate certificate.
#7 – Delgado Community College – New Orleans, Louisiana
Hospitality Management, A.A.S.
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $8,577
Overall Graduation Rate: 5%
Points: 5
Delgado Community College features a top online associate degree in Hospitality Management. It offers concentrations in:
- Restaurant Management
- Hotel and Lodging Management
- Tourism Management
- Beverage Management
- Meeting and Event Management
- Catering Management.
Required coursework covers areas like:
- hospitality law
- hospitality marketing
- restaurant and hospitality supervision.
All students complete a hospitality practicum experience to gain practical experience in the field.
#6 – Central Texas College – Killeen, Texas
Hospitality Management Associate Degree Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $5,203
Overall Graduation Rate: 16%
Points: 5
Central Texas College is the first college in the country to offer a hospitality degree to students in an online format. Courses in this top online hospitality associate degree program are self-paced. Students can take anywhere from three to 16 weeks to finish each course. Students can choose to specialize in:
- Culinary Arts
- Restaurant and Culinary Management
- Food and Beverage Management
- Hotel Management.
While working toward their degree, students can also complete certificate programs in:
- Property Management
- Restaurant Management
- Food and Beverage Management
- Institutional Food Service Operations.
#5 – Chemeketa Community College – Salem, Oregon
Hospitality & Tourism Management Associate Degree Program
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $4,570
Overall Graduation Rate: 15%
Points: 5
Chemeketa Community College features a top online associate’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Courses are taught by faculty who have worked their way up through the industry ranks. Courses cover areas like:
- restaurant operations
- hospitality cost control
- travel destination geography
- special event planning.
Most students can earn their degree in about two years by taking flexible online courses. Graduates have found success working as attraction managers, food service managers, and hotel or motel manager.
#4 – Endicott College – Beverly, Massachusetts
Hospitality Management Program (A.S.) Online
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Net Price: $35,097
Overall Graduation Rate: 75%
Points: 6
Prepare for an exciting career in the hospitality industry by earning an online associate degree in Hospitality Management from Endicott College. The 66 credit hour program is ideal for those new to the field as well as experienced professionals looking to advance their career. Coursework covers areas like:
- hospitality sales and marketing
- food and beverage marketing
- rooms division management
- service management.
Graduates are prepared to transfer to a bachelor’s level program or gain entry level employment in the hospitality industry.
#3 – Monroe College – Bronx, New York
Associate in Hospitality Management
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Net Price: $12,280
Overall Graduation Rate: 53%
Points: 6
Monroe College features a well-rounded online associate degree in hospitality management. It provides students with the support needed to be successful. This 60 credit hour program includes courses in:
- travel and tourism
- restaurant operations
- customer service
- beverage management.
Students complete a 120 clock hour cooperative education experience in an area of professional interest. While the program is one of the largest in the country, it is also one of the most selective.
#2 – Cincinnati State Technical and Community College – Cincinnati, Ohio
Hospitality Management Online Associate Degree
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $5,463
Overall Graduation Rate: 15%
Points: 6
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College features an online associate degree in hospitality management program. Coursework includes:
- rooms division management
- food and beverage cost control
- event, meeting, and convention management.
Students complete multiple cooperative education experiences to gain valuable hands-on training. Graduates are prepared to manage a variety of hospitality industry settings including hotels, casinos, and catering companies.
#1 – Albany Technical College – Albany, Georgia
Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management Program
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Net Price: $626
Overall Graduation Rate: 37%
Points: 7
Albany Technical College features an innovative associate degree program in Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management. It includes certificates in Hotel Management and Event Coordination. Courses are available in:
- hospitality law
- food and beverage management
- supervision and leadership
- travel industry and travel geography.
An internship provides students with hands-on training and professional development in the field. The program is available to students new to the field and those seeking an upgrade to current knowledge. This top online associate’s degree in hospitality program at Albany Technical College will prepare students for a variety of positions and advancement opportunities in the field.
Related Resources:
15 Best Careers You Can Have with an Online Hospitality Degree
Top 15 Associate Degrees Online in Hospitality Management
Top 20 Most Affordable Hospitality Degree Programs
By BHD Staff
October 2018