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Henry Ford College offers the nation's most affordable hospitality management program at just $576 net annually, creating an extraordinary entry point into an industry where the median salary reaches $56,670 nationally. The program market reveals striking cost variations, with private options like Universidad Ana G. Mendez charging $7,569 while public alternatives span from Michigan's bargain rates to California State University-Northridge at $7,599. Graduates face mixed earning potential, with CUNY New York City College of Technology alumni averaging $35,772 compared to $19,227 at Ana G. Mendez Carolina Campus. The hospitality sector continues expanding across major metropolitan areas, with hotels, resorts, and event management companies seeking trained administrators. Community colleges dominate the affordable tier, offering targeted training that connects directly to local tourism economies. Ohio University's regional campuses provide multiple pathways into the field, though graduation rates vary significantly from 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus.
50
Programs
$576 – $11,276
Net Price Range
$33,394
Avg. Program Earnings
44.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Hospitality Administration/Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $576 $3,460 10.6%
2 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
3 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
6 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
7 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
8 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
9 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
10 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
11 $6,802 $4,865 26.2%
12 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
13 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
14 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
15 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
16 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
17 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
18 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
19 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
20 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
21 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
22 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
23 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
24 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
25 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
26 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
27 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
28 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
29 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
30 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
31 $9,433 $10,405 70.4%
32 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
33 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
34 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
35 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
36 $10,095 $12,500 20.0%
37 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
38 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
39 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
40 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
41 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
42 $10,753 $7,272 25.8%
43 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
44 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
45 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
46 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
47 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
48 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
49 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
50 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Henry Ford College's hospitality program so affordable compared to other options?

Henry Ford College charges just $576 annually after aid, making it 87% less expensive than the next closest option at $4,503. The Michigan community college benefits from strong state funding and local industry partnerships. This creates an accessible pathway into hospitality management without the financial burden typical of four-year programs.

How do graduation rates compare across affordable hospitality programs?

Graduation rates span from 10.6% at Henry Ford College to 56.2% at California State University-Northridge, showing significant variation in student completion. Four-year universities generally outperform two-year colleges, with New Mexico State achieving 52.2% compared to community college averages around 20-30%. Ohio University's branch campuses show mixed results, ranging from 12.1% to 20% across different locations.

Is earning potential worth the investment at these lower-cost programs?

CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $35,772 annually while carrying just $10,828 in debt, creating a favorable return on investment. However, Universidad Ana G. Mendez graduates earn only $19,227 with $14,141 in debt, highlighting the importance of program selection. California State University-Northridge provides a middle ground at $31,719 earnings with $15,000 debt.

Does geographic location affect program quality and job prospects?

Programs in major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles typically offer higher earning potential, with CUNY and Cal State Northridge graduates earning $35,772 and $31,719 respectively. Rural campuses like Ohio University branches often have lower costs but may limit immediate job opportunities. Texas Rio Grande Valley serves a growing hospitality market near the Mexican border, offering unique bilingual career paths.

Where do most affordable hospitality programs accept the highest percentage of applicants?

University of the Virgin Islands accepts 96.9% of applicants, followed by California State University-Northridge at 91.2% and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at 87.7%. These high acceptance rates reflect the practical nature of hospitality education and industry demand for trained professionals. Most programs prioritize accessibility over selectivity, making career entry achievable for motivated students.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.