In this article, we profile the 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree programs from accredited and top-ranked institutions for 2017-2018.
Hospitality managers often hold a two to four-year degree in hospitality management or tourism management. Career advancement depends on education and experience. To set yourself apart from the competition, earning a bachelor’s degree online while working may be beneficial to your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job outlook for hospitality managers is expected to increase by eight percent over the next seven years.
We reviewed 79 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) that offered online bachelor’s degrees in hospitality management, tourism management, or business administration with a concentration or studies that cover hospitality management. From our list of schools, we looked at the rankings received from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then chose regionally and nationally ranked institutions. We listed our schools in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in hospitality management degrees for 2017-2018.
#30 – Robert Morris University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,250
Robert Morris University offers a type of online bachelor’s in hospitality management that emphasizes hospitality, tourism, and business. Completion of the program earns a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism management. Classes are delivered online and include executive development, food and beverage operations, hospitality and tourism marketing and sales, introduction to hospitality and tourism management, meeting and convention management, and supervision of hospitality and tourism operations. Robert Morris is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 188th best national university in the country. Also, the business programs have earned a top ranking and are recognized by major publications like U.S. News.
#29 – Charleston Southern University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism
Charleston, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,140
The hospitality management degree online programs from Charleston Southern University include the bachelor’s degree. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in entertainment facilities, hotel management, and tourism. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Online classes include advanced marketing for the hospitality industry, business policy, case studies in hospitality and tourism, economics of tourism, fundamentals of planning and developing tourism, human resources management, marketing and advertising, and organizational behavior for the hospitality industry. Charleston Southern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 98th best regional university in the South and the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #21 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – Concordia University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,250
The online bachelor’s in hospitality management program from Concordia University consists of 40 credit hours in the major and may be completed entirely online. Courses run seven weeks in length and are taught by experienced industry professionals. Required courses include applied accounting and finance, business strategy plan, hospitality business management, innovation and systems thinking, integrated promotional strategy in hospitality, marketing in the global environment, and principles of ethical management. Concordia is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 103rd best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#27 – Sullivan University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Louisville, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $19,740
Sullivan University’s bachelor’s in hospitality management online program can be completed in as little as 18 months and is designed for working students with busy lives. Small class sizes provide focused curriculum and the opportunity to build relationships with faculty and peers. All classes are taught by experienced leaders within the hospitality industry. Courses include hospitality industry entrepreneurship, human resources development in the hospitality industry, marketing hospitality services, principles of hospitality management, quality service management in the hospitality industry, and senior seminar in hospitality administration. Sullivan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.
#26 – Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Phoenix, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $17,050
The hospitality management degree online programs at Grand Canyon University include the bachelor’s in hospitality management. This 120-credit program offers online courses that run seven weeks in length and are taught by industry leaders and professionals. A broad-based curriculum covers all topics in the hospitality management industry. Some of the courses offered include ethical and legal issues in business, financial accounting, hospitality services marketing, hotel and lodging management, organizational behavior and management, revenue generation for hospitality, and strategic management. Grand Canyon is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World rank the school as a top national university.
#25 – Everglades University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,400
One of the most affordable bachelor’s in hospitality management online programs is offered by Everglades University. The program requires a total of 123 credits and takes approximately 41 months to complete. All courses are delivered online and designed to equip students with the skills needed to work in the hospitality industry as assistant managers, managers, and related administrative personnel. Online courses taught by university professors and industry professionals include business and technology of sustainability, business ethics, facilities planning and management, food and beverage management, global strategy and policy, managerial accounting and financial analysis, principles of hospitality management, and relationship management. Everglades has earned recognition in recent years as a top regional college in the South by U.S. News and World Report.
#24 – University of the Southwest
Online BBA in Hospitality Management
Hobbs, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,456
University of the Southwest offers an affordable online hospitality management degree program that yields a BBA in hospitality management. The program is set up to emphasize core business principles with a focus on topics relevant to the hospitality and tourism industries. All coursework is delivered online and taught by industry leaders. These courses include effective organizational team, food service management, hospitality industry financial management, human resources, management in the hospitality industry, management information systems, and service marketing. University of the Southwest has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West.
#23 – University of Massachusetts
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Amherst, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,971
One of the top hospitality and tourism degrees online is the bachelor’s in hospitality and tourism management offered through the Isenberg School of Management at University of Massachusetts. The program is nationally accredited and the school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 74th best national university, and the online bachelor’s programs #24 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Classes are taught online by the same professors who instruct on the Amherst and other campuses. Courses include food service management, hospitality and tourism law, hospitality managerial accounting, human resources management and the hospitality industry, introduction to hospitality and tourism, restaurant operations management, and service experience management.
#22 – ECPI University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Hospitality Management
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,775
The online bachelor’s in hospitality management from ECPI University is a BBA program with a concentration in hospitality management. The program is ideal for working students who do not want to give up their day job and life commitments to return to school. The program offers a year-round schedule with the opportunity of completing a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years. Online courses are taught by ECPI University instructors and include advanced hospitality customer service, culinary nutrition, food service cost control, front house management, introduction to food service, organizational leadership and management, purchasing and storeroom management, and supervision for food service. ECPI is an unranked school but is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional college in the South.
#21 – Monroe College
Online BBA in Hospitality Management
Bronx, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,460
Monroe College’s hospitality management degree online program combines business and hospitality management to provide a BBA in hospitality management. The program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by instructors who teach on campus. The design of the program builds on the knowledge obtained at the associate degree level and explores contemporary and common topics seen in the hospitality management and tourism industries. Courses include controls and procedures, managing the operation of hotels, organizing and scheduling various departments, and planning of recreational opportunities and events. Monroe College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 26th best regional college in the North, and the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #180 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#20 – Bethune-Cookman University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Daytona Beach, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,410
The affordable online hospitality management degree program from Bethune-Cookman University is an extension of the on-campus bachelor’s experience. The program is ideal for those holding full-time jobs or who have schedules that prevent them from attending traditional on-campus classes. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same faculty members who instruct on campus. The classes are structured to incorporate contemporary challenges and issues faced in the hospitality management industry. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration and is a direct replica of the face-to-face program. Bethune-Cookman is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national liberal arts college.
#19 – Rutgers University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Camden, New Jersey
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,238
While not a bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program, the online BBA from Rutgers University does emphasize topics in operations management and offers advanced business electives in hospitality management. After completing core requirements, students interested in hospitality management may enroll in classes that will be helpful before entering the industry. Online courses include business communications, hospitality management, strategic human resource management, and the management of multinational business. The program is 100% online and has an option that allows students to earn a concentration in hospitality management. Rutgers is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional university in the North and 9th top public school.
#18 – University of the Potomac
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Washington, DC
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,884
University of the Potomac’s online bachelor’s in hospitality management is a 120-credit online and hybrid program that is designed to be completed in four years. The program offers three concentrations so that students may tailor their degree toward suitable interests and career goals. These concentrations include hospitality management, hospitality and tourism law, hotel property and facilities management, restaurant and foodservice management, and tourism management. Courses include introduction to business analysis, operations management, organizational communications, and supervision and leadership in hospitality. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as having a top ranked business school.
#17 – Strayer University
Online BBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Washington, DC
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,975
Strayer University’s online bachelor’s in business administration program offers a concentration in hospitality and tourism management for students interested in careers in the field. The concentration provides students with courses designed to tailor their degree and personal interests. Key courses include food and beverage operations management, lodging operations management, principles of hospitality and tourism management, purchasing and cost control, and quality service assurance. Strayer has earned recognition by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. It is also one of the most affordable schools to earn an online bachelor’s in hospitality and tourism management.
#16 – Washington State University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Business Management
Pullman, Washington
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,041
Washington State University’s hospitality management degree online is a fully online program with courses that run seven weeks in length. The program is designed for working students who are unable to attend traditional classes but want to earn an online bachelor’s in hospitality management. Courses are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include hospitality leadership and organizational behavior, hospitality systems, introduction to industry experience, operations analysis, personnel and human resources management, and service operations management. WSU is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 143rd best national university in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – Northern Arizona University
Online Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Flagstaff, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,764
One of the more affordable hospitality and tourism degrees online is offered through the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration and designed to prepare students for careers in the hospitality industry. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include corporate finance for hospitality managers, hospitality industry analytics, hospitality leadership and ethics, hotel and operations management, introduction to the hospitality industry, revenue management and cost control for restaurants. U.S. News and World Report ranks Northern Arizona University as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #226 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – The University of Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Restaurant, Hotel, and Meetings Management
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,470
The University of Alabama’s online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree is a 120-credit, entirely online program that emphasizes convention sales and services, food service management, and hotel or resort industries. Along with the online coursework, students are required to complete an internship (500 hours) or practicum in hospitality management. Courses are taught by industry professionals and the same professors who lead classes on campus. These courses include food safety and risk management, front office procedures, hospitality law, hospitality industry training, hospitality marketing, principles of food preparation, and restaurant management and service. University of Alabama is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 103rd best national university.
#13 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Business (Tourism)
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,370
The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University offers hospitality and tourism degrees online, which include the bachelor’s in business with a concentration in tourism. The interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for positions in business and tourism. Courses are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Online courses include business law and ethics for managers, convention sales and management, global marketing management, introduction to resort and hotel management, special events management, sustainable tourism, and tourism transportation systems. ASU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #4 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – University of South Carolina
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Bluffton, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,166
University of South Carolina’s hospitality management degree online is a top-ranked and affordable bachelor’s degree program issued by USC Beaufort. The program consists of 120 credit hours, and transfer credit (up to 45-60 previous college credit) may be accepted. Online courses include hospitality financial management, hospitality management strategies, hotel management, introduction to the hospitality industry, principles of food service sanitation, quantity food production, and restaurant food production management. USC is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best regional college in the South and 6th top public school in the nation.
#11 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor’s in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,395
The bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program at University of Wisconsin is ranked as one of the top hospitality programs in the country. According to the program website, the school boasts a 98% job placement rate. The program offers online delivery of classes taught by industry experts and experienced faculty. Online courses include club management, development of tourism attractions, hospitality management strategies, hospitality tourism marketing and management, principles of hospitality organizational management, principles of tourism, and security and risk management for the hospitality industry. University of Wisconsin is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 69th best regional university in the Midwest and 15th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #110 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Norfolk State University
Online Bachelor’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,738
Norfolk State University’s hospitality and tourism degrees online include the bachelor’s in tourism and hospitality management. This 100% online degree program is designed for working adults who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in tourism and hospitality management without attending traditional classes. Courses are taught by the same Norfolk professors who instruct on campus. These classes include club and resort management, event planning and management, facilities layout and design, hospitality property management, introduction to entrepreneurship, principles of retailing, and restaurant ownership and operation. Norfolk is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.
#9 – Troy University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management
Troy, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,260
The online hospitality management degree program from Troy University is designed to provide students with the knowledge needed to work successfully in hospitality, sport, and tourism management. The online bachelor’s degree offers three concentrations: Hospitality management, sport management, and tourism management. Classes are delivered online and taught by professors with industry-related experience. Courses include economic impact and valuation, facility management, human resource management, legal aspects of hospitality management, and tourism development and planning. Troy University is a top-ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 69th best regional university in the South and the 23rd top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #226 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor’s in Service and Hospitality Management
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,425
Granite State College offers a hospitality management degree online program that emphasizes undergraduate work in communication, leadership, and mastery of the hospitality industry. Students may earn a bachelor’s in service and hospitality management entirely online. Courses include applied studies in management, event meeting and conference management, food service systems and control, hotel and restaurant management, organizational behavior, principles of management, and quality management. The program is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #99 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#7 – Missouri State University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration
Springfield, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,060
Missouri State University offers one of the most affordable hospitality and tourism degrees online on our list. This ACPHA-accredited degree program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other hospitality venues. Classes are delivered online and taught by industry professionals. Some of the courses include analyzing financial performance in hospitality operations, introduction to hospitality leadership, introduction to lodging management, principles of food preparation, and safety and sanitization. Missouri State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 71st best regional university in the Midwest and 16th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #76 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#6 – East Carolina University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Greenville, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,997
East Carolina University’s bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program requires students complete a series of hospitality and business administration courses. The program also offers three concentration areas, which require a total of 18 credits. These concentrations include convention and special events management, food and beverage management, and lodging management. Courses can be taken online and include cost controls for hospitality operations, hospitality facilities management, hospitality information systems, introduction to hospitality management, multicultural hospitality management, and principles of food preparation and menu planning. East Carolina is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 210th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #156 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.
#5 – Florida International University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,556
Florida International University’s online hospitality management degree program consists of the online bachelor’s in hospitality management. The program offers 24/7 access to interactive classes and technology, real-time feedback from faculty members, and guidance from a dedicated success coach. All courses are delivered online and include accounting for the hospitality industry, hospitality information technology, human resource management for the hospitality industry, lodging operations control, management accounting for the hospitality industry, and restaurant management. Six available concentrations allow students to tailor their degree program toward areas of interest or career goals. Florida International is ranked and accredited. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #54 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – North Carolina Central University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Administration
Durham, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,132
North Carolina Central University’s hospitality and tourism degrees online include the BS in hospitality and tourism administration degree. This 100% online program requires 128 total credits and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). Admission requirements include a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. All classes are delivered online and are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include applied sanitation and safety, event planning and management, food and beverage production, introduction to hospitality management, introduction to travel and tourism, leadership colloquium in hospitality and tourism, and research methods in hospitality and tourism. NCCU is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 72nd best regional university in the South and 24th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #226 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online BBA in Hospitality Management
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,618
Eastern New Mexico University’s bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program is one of the most affordable on our list. The program offers a business degree (BBA) with a concentration in hospitality management for those interested in marketing and promotion in hospitality, lodging, and restaurant service. All courses can be taken online and are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include food operations management, lodging management, organization theory, supervision and management, and training and development. Eastern New Mexico University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#2 – Columbia Southern University
Online BBA in Hospitality and Tourism
Orange Beach, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,175
Columbia Southern University’s online hospitality management degree is a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism. This 120-credit hour degree program may be completed entirely online and in up to five years. Flexible courses are delivered online to help accommodate the schedules of busy and working students who are unable to attend traditional on-campus classes. These courses include accounting for hospitality and tourism, facilities management and design in hospitality and tourism, introduction to tourism, legal aspects of hospitality and tourism, marketing for hospitality and tourism, and resort management and operations. In recent years, Columbia Southern has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Hays, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,884
The online bachelor’s in hospitality management program from Fort Hays State University is the most affordable program on our list. This completely online program consists of 120 credits, which include various studies in tourism and hospitality management. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Courses include international hospitality problems and planning, introduction to leadership concepts, management information systems, principles and practices in tourism and hospitality management, service operations management, and tourism and hospitality management. Fort Hays State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
BDP Staff
June 2017
This concludes our list of the 30 best affordable bachelor’s in hospitality management degree programs of 2017-2018.
