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Best Value Hospitality Administration/Management Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Pennsylvania's hospitality administration programs reveal striking cost differences, with net prices spanning from $9,837 at Cheyney University to $38,428 at Drexel University. East Stroudsburg University delivers strong value at $15,089 net cost while producing graduates earning $36,848 annually. The state's tourism sector, anchored by destinations like Hershey Park and Philadelphia's historic district, creates steady demand for hospitality professionals. Temple University graduates command the second-highest salaries at $42,570, reflecting Philadelphia's competitive hotel and restaurant market. Public institutions like Indiana University of Pennsylvania offer in-state students access to quality programs at $11,380 tuition, while private options provide specialized training despite higher costs. Pennsylvania's position between major metropolitan areas creates internship opportunities with hotel chains and event management companies.
17
Programs
$9,837 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$38,121
Avg. Program Earnings
58.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Hospitality Administration/Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,089 $36,848 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
2 $17,216 $38,769 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $19,685 $31,133 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $29,219 $42,570 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
5 $30,470 $44,276 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
6 $25,747 $36,674 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
7 $27,263 $37,208 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
8 $33,578 $42,682 $23,550 60.0% 100.0%
9 $38,428 $32,925 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
10 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
11 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
12 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
13 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
14 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
15 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
16 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
17 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $28,591 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The cost difference reflects institutional type and location factors. Cheyney University, a public HBCU, offers the lowest net price at $9,837 but has concerning outcomes with just 16.2% graduation rates. Drexel University charges $38,428 but provides urban Philadelphia access and 77.1% graduation rates. Private institutions like Widener University at $30,470 often include specialized facilities and industry connections that justify higher costs.

How do Pennsylvania hospitality graduates compare in earning potential?

Graduate earnings range from $31,133 to $44,276 annually across reporting schools. Widener University leads with $44,276 average earnings despite higher costs, while Walnut Hill College graduates earn $42,682 from a specialized culinary and hospitality program. Temple University produces strong earners at $42,570, benefiting from Philadelphia's hotel and restaurant density. Even lower-cost options like East Stroudsburg deliver solid returns with $36,848 graduate earnings.

Is debt load manageable for Pennsylvania hospitality students?

Student debt levels remain reasonable across most programs, ranging from $20,500 to $27,000 for schools reporting data. Widener University graduates carry the lowest debt at $20,500 despite the program's higher sticker price. York College students graduate with $21,500 in debt while earning $31,133 annually, creating manageable payment ratios. Temple University's $24,554 average debt aligns well with graduate earning potential of $42,570.

Where do graduation rates indicate program quality?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 16.2% at Cheyney University to 84.3% at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. Temple University achieves 74.7% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable costs for in-state students at $22,082. Private institutions like Drexel (77.1%) and Seton Hill (71.0%) demonstrate strong completion rates. Students should weigh these outcomes against program costs, as higher graduation rates typically correlate with better career placement and earning potential.

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