Feeling Welcome: The Top 5 Colleges for Hospitality Studies
Hospitality services have become a huge industry on a global scale, but it takes a lot of business studies, trend-seeking, travel and practical experience before someone goes from dishwasher to manager, or from bartender to Sommelier. Colleges that specialize in hospitality must offer a wide range of practical and experiential learning, and in-the-field connections so that students can decide if this exciting, cut-throat world of pleasing patrons is truly for them. The best way for students to break into a career in hospitality is if they can succinctly translate what they learned in their school test kitchens and classrooms to the actual chaos that exists in the kitchens at some of our favorite restaurants, swanky hotels, and cruise liners.
In our search for the top 5 colleges offering a degree in hospitality, we found that many institutions of higher learning offer hospitality majors but not all utilize the holistic approach that exists at the following five schools. Their programs are varied, offering something for every aspect of being hospitable, and despite the amount of hard work involved to achieve success, they sound like fun!
5. The Isenberg School of Management at UMass
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
The Hospitality & Tourism Management Department at the UMass’ Isenberg School of Management boasts world-class academics and a faculty with strong industry experience and connections. On campus, students have access to experiential learning labs, a rigorous curriculum balanced with academics and practical application, and taught by an expert faculty members with professional experience. Students take business courses that strengthen their knowledge and can minor in other business disciplines. The faculty helps graduates gain employment with restaurants, hotels, casinos, clubs, and contract food services.
Percent Acceptance: 58%
Total Cost: $25,818. in-state, $42,151. out-of-state
Average Student Loan Debt at Graduation: $30,000
Average Salary at Graduation: $43,000
4. Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics – Hospitality at UNH
The University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
At the University of New Hampshire Durham Campus, students enjoy the seacoast location and proximity to historic Portsmouth with its fine dining, art, shopping, and nightlife.
Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the Peter T. Paul College among the best undergraduate business schools in the nation, while Best Business Schools ranked it #2 in New England, and #26 nationally. The Hospitality Management program empowers students to become thoughtful, well-rounded leaders, just like their faculty who are also experts in their industry.
Percent Acceptance: 79%
Total Cost: $28,562. In-state, $42,362. out-of-state
Average Student Loan Debt at Graduation: $38,000.
Average Salary at Graduation: $42,000.
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