Skip to main content

Cheapest Hospitality Administration/Management Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Henry Ford College in Dearborn offers hospitality administration training for just $576 in net costs, making it the most accessible program among affordable options that range up to $8,245 annually. This stark cost difference reflects how community colleges and regional campuses have adapted to serve students entering an industry where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth in lodging managers through 2031. Ohio dominates the affordable market with five regional campus programs, though their graduation rates hover between 12% and 20%, while four-year options like California State University-Northridge achieve 56% completion rates at $7,599 net cost. The hospitality sector's recovery from pandemic impacts has created renewed demand for trained managers, particularly in regions with tourism economies. New Mexico State graduates earn $28,236 annually, representing the middle range of post-graduation income potential, while CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates command $35,772 in a market where hotel occupancy rates have returned to pre-2020 levels across major metropolitan areas.
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 $6,270 40.7%
24 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
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 explains the dramatic cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Henry Ford College's $576 net cost reflects Michigan's community college funding model and lower overhead costs compared to four-year institutions. The $8,245 top end represents programs at full universities with additional student services and facilities. Regional campus programs in Ohio fall between $4,503 and $6,483, offering middle-ground options. Net price calculations include federal and state aid, making actual costs significantly lower than published tuition rates.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in hospitality management?

Higher-cost programs generally achieve better completion rates, with California State University-Northridge reaching 56% at $7,599 net cost. Ohio's regional campuses show completion rates between 12% and 20% despite lower costs ranging from $4,503 to $6,483. New Mexico State achieves 52% graduation rates at $6,747, demonstrating that mid-priced programs can deliver strong outcomes. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley balances 49% completion with $6,500 costs.

Where do graduates earn the highest salaries relative to program costs?

CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $35,772 annually after paying $4,783 in net costs, creating strong return on investment. California State University-Northridge graduates make $31,719 with $7,599 in costs, while New Mexico State graduates earn $28,236 at $6,747 net price. Universidad Ana G. Mendez shows the lowest earnings at $19,227 despite $7,569 costs. Geographic location strongly influences both program costs and graduate earning potential.

Does attending a regional campus affect career prospects in hospitality management?

Regional campuses offer lower costs but typically serve local job markets rather than national hospitality chains. Ohio's five regional programs cost between $4,503 and $6,483 but show graduation rates under 21%. Students often transfer to main campuses or enter local hospitality businesses upon completion. These programs work best for students seeking immediate workforce entry rather than corporate management tracks. Location near tourism destinations can offset the regional campus limitation.

What role does student debt play in choosing affordable hospitality programs?

New Mexico State graduates carry $20,973 in average debt despite earning $28,236, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. CUNY students manage just $10,828 in debt while earning $35,772, offering better financial outcomes. Universidad Ana G. Mendez graduates face $14,141 debt against $19,227 earnings, the poorest ratio among tracked schools. California State University-Northridge students balance $15,000 debt with $31,719 earnings, creating manageable repayment scenarios.

More Hospitality Administration/Management Rankings

Best Value Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Administration/Management Under $20,000

Related

All Hospitality Administration/Management Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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