Are you passionate about hotels, tourism, luxury management, or event planning? The hospitality industry is booming, and studying in the best hospitality programs in the US can set you up for a rewarding global career. From hotel management to culinary arts and tourism, these top-ranked universities and colleges offer world-class training and industry exposure.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 hospitality management schools in the United States, with strong keyword optimization for high CPC terms like hospitality degree in the USA, best colleges for hotel management in the US, and hospitality and tourism programs.
Why Choose a Hospitality Program in the US?
The United States is home to some of the world’s top hospitality schools, offering:
- Hands-on training at luxury hotels and resorts
- Internship opportunities with global hotel chains
- Strong alumni networks in the hospitality industry
- High-paying career prospects in tourism, event management, and hotel administration
If you’re aiming to become a hotel general manager, event planner, or travel executive, getting a hospitality degree from a top US university is a smart investment.
Top 10 Best Hospitality Programs in the US
Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration (SHA)
📍 Ithaca, New York
Keywords: best hospitality program in the US, Cornell hospitality ranking
Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, part of the SC Johnson College of Business, is ranked #1 in hospitality education worldwide. It combines business management with hands-on hotel experience.
- Highlights: Ivy League prestige, access to global hospitality firms, strong alumni network
- Programs: Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration, Executive Master’s in Hospitality
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – Harrah College of Hospitality
📍 Las Vegas, Nevada
Keywords: hotel management courses in USA, UNLV hospitality program
Located in the heart of the hospitality capital, UNLV Harrah College is ideal for students looking to break into hotel operations, casino management, and event planning.
- Highlights: Industry-driven curriculum, internships at top Vegas resorts
- Programs: BS & MS in Hospitality Management, Gaming Management Certificate
Florida International University (FIU) – Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
📍 Miami, Florida
Keywords: hospitality and tourism degree USA, FIU hospitality ranking
FIU is known for its international approach to hospitality and tourism education, making it one of the top hospitality schools in the US.
- Highlights: Partnerships with cruise lines and luxury hotels, study abroad programs
- Programs: BS in Hospitality Management, MS in Hospitality & Tourism
Boston University – School of Hospitality Administration (SHA)
📍 Boston, Massachusetts
Keywords: best universities for hotel management USA, BU hospitality program
Boston University’s SHA focuses on strategic hospitality leadership, hotel finance, and marketing, making it one of the best programs for future industry leaders.
- Highlights: Boutique class sizes, strong business integration
- Programs: BS in Hospitality Administration, MS in Hospitality Management
Michigan State University – School of Hospitality Business
📍 East Lansing, Michigan
Keywords: best hospitality colleges USA, Michigan State hospitality ranking
With over 90 years of excellence, MSU’s School of Hospitality Business is one of the oldest and most respected programs in the US.
- Highlights: Corporate mentorship, research-driven curriculum
- Programs: BA in Hospitality Business, MBA specialization
University of Central Florida (UCF) – Rosen College of Hospitality Management
📍 Orlando, Florida
Keywords: top hospitality schools in Florida, UCF Rosen College ranking
UCF’s Rosen College, located near Disney World, offers a real-world learning environment in one of the most visited tourist regions in the world.
- Highlights: Immersive campus, world-class faculty, strong internship programs
- Programs: BS & MS in Hospitality Management, Event Management
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
📍 Pomona, California
Keywords: Cal Poly hospitality degree, California hotel management colleges
Known for its affordable tuition and industry focus, Cal Poly Pomona ranks highly for students seeking practical hospitality education.
- Highlights: On-campus restaurant and hotel labs, industry events
- Programs: BS in Hospitality Management
New York University (NYU) – Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
📍 New York City, New York
Keywords: NYU hospitality program, tourism management degree USA
NYU offers a globalized hospitality curriculum set in one of the world’s top hospitality hubs: New York City.
- Highlights: Access to international events and conferences, internship-centric model
- Programs: BS in Hotel & Tourism Management, MS in Hospitality Industry Studies
Purdue University – White Lodging-J.W. Marriott School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
📍 West Lafayette, Indiana
Keywords: Purdue hospitality school, tourism and hotel management USA
Purdue blends business management with hospitality innovation, making it one of the most dynamic hospitality programs in the Midwest.
- Highlights: Research opportunities, strong employer network
- Programs: BS & MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Penn State University – School of Hospitality Management
📍 University Park, Pennsylvania
Keywords: Penn State hospitality program, hotel and restaurant management in USA
Penn State has a long-standing reputation for producing top hotel and restaurant managers globally.
- Highlights: Alumni in 50+ countries, state-of-the-art training labs
- Programs: BS in Hospitality Management
Career Opportunities After Studying Hospitality in the US
Keywords: hospitality jobs in USA, hotel management salary in USA, career after hospitality degree
Graduates from these top hospitality schools often find jobs in:
- Hotel & Resort Management
- Travel & Tourism Agencies
- Event Planning & Conference Centers
- Cruise Lines & Airlines
- Food & Beverage Management
Average salary range: $50,000 – $120,000 annually depending on specialization and experience.
Conclusion
Enrolling in one of the best hospitality programs in the US can unlock endless career opportunities in a vibrant, high-paying industry. From luxury hotels to global tourism boards, hospitality graduates are in high demand across the globe.
Whether you’re a high school student, international applicant, or career changer, these top-ranked colleges and universities offer the skills, experience, and connections to succeed in the multi-billion-dollar global hospitality market.