Best Tourism Degrees
Updated October 18, 2023
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"By some measures, tourism may already be the world's largest industry, with annual revenue approaching $500 billion." - peopleandplanet.net
An online Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or a Master's degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism provides a major step in getting a foot in the door to this massively growing industry and once inside, people have extensive career options.A hospitality management degree online program provides students the business skills and cultural education necessary to run travel agencies, organize cultural attractions, operate a food service business, plan meetings as well as large conventions and events, facilitate operations at hotels, theme parks, casinos and resorts, promote tourism, and arrange individual, group, or corporate trips and tours around the world.
A hospitality management online degree allows students to work in sectors such as food service operations, visitor bureaus and conventions, recreational business, tourism development agencies, hotels, resorts, theme parks, international travel and tourism agencies, airlines, and casinos. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 8% employment growth for hotel meeting planners from 2022 to 2032, and a average salary of $52,560 a year.
Hospitality management online degree programs vary widely across the universities and colleges. Tourism and hospitality degree programs offer bachelor and master degrees in many different concentrations and specializations, such as tourism, hospitality, travel, recreation, and event/meeting management.
Programs in the field offer courses such as tourism and hospitality marketing, food service management, brand management, travel law, international travel, hospitality and tourism management, sustainability in hospitality and tourism, operational management, corporate finance, and economics of travel and tourism.
To earn a tourism degree students usually take required general business courses and decide on a program track in areas such as hospitality management, tourism management, or a related field. In most tourism degree programs students take all required courses as well as electives, complete an internship, and finalize their studies with a comprehensive capstone course which includes a practicum and/or research paper.
Tourism Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
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Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
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Featured Schools
The schools are listed in alphabetical order. The list includes mainly bachelor degree programs and a few master degree programs.
The Best Tourism Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Tourism Degrees
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix offers 25 bachelor's degrees across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor's in tourism program prepares students for the field's demands through rigorous study. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to a tourism-specific career or further studies in the subject.
Degree-seekers can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Students seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility. Financial aid enables student success, with 98% of all students receiving aid and 58% of all enrollees graduating.
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 82%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,710
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,800
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,200
#2 Best Tourism Degrees
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, HI - 4 years
- Campus
Brigham Young University-Hawaii, boasting a main campus in Laie, offers 66 bachelor's degrees across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management program equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. After the program, students can apply their knowledge to a tourism career or graduate studies.
Learners can receive guidance throughout their studies through career services, academic advising, and other resources. Prospective applicants may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii at a Glance:
Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 97%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,720
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,720
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,600
#3 Best Tourism Degrees
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Miami-based Florida International University supports both in-person and online learning across 78 bachelor's degrees. The school's bachelor of arts in global sustainable tourism prepares students for the demands of a tourism career through rigorous study, relevant coursework, and other learning opportunities. Graduates can also pivot to a master's program.
Undergraduate students benefit from institutional support throughout their studies in numerous areas. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. The typical undergraduate receives an average of $8,958 in financial aid.
Florida International University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 58%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,721
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $16,529
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $41,500
#4 Best Tourism Degrees
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
George Mason University, a leader in hybrid education, offers 70 bachelor's programs, three of which are available online. The online bachelor's in tourism and events management program connects students with industry-relevant knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed in the field. The program prepares enrollees for their postgraduate path, whether they pursue a tourism-specific career or graduate studies.
Degree candidates can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. The college reports that enrollees receive $6,524 in financial aid, on average.
George Mason University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 87%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,060
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,520
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $47,000
#5 Best Tourism Degrees
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking flexible study can choose from in-person or online bachelor's programs at Indiana University-Bloomington. The school's bachelor of science in recreation equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. The program prepares students for the demands of a field or for graduate studies in the tourism market.
Students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Enrollees can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities and determine eligibility. The college reports that 84% of all learners receive some form of financial aid, with $11,645 being the average award package.
Indiana University-Bloomington at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 78%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,575
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,140
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,200
#6 Best Tourism Degrees
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Online
A leader in hybrid education, Johnson & Wales University-Online supports 16 bachelor's degrees, all of which are available online. Students seeking the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tourism field can enroll in the school's online bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management program. Graduates can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the hospitality management field.
The college connects students with institutional resources throughout their studies. Learners can connect with the Office of Financial Aid to explore funding opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid.
Johnson & Wales University-Online at a Glance:
Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 41%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $13,365
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $13,365
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $33,400
#7 Best Tourism Degrees
New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from one of New York University's 137 bachelor's degrees. The bachelor of science in hotel and tourism management is an impressive online program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the tourism market. Graduates can pursue industry-relevant careers or go on to study at the graduate level.
The institution connects students with success-oriented resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies. Learners seeking to defray degree costs can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility.
New York University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 16%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $50,684
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $50,684
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $55,900
#8 Best Tourism Degrees
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Purdue University-Main Campus, a leader in hybrid education, offers 145 bachelor's programs. The bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management is one of many robust programs, equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge. Graduates can move into a career or further educational pursuits.
Students can benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies. Prospective applicants may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. The institution reports that 65% of all enrollees receive aid, with an average financial aid package being $9,883.
Purdue University-Main Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 60%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,208
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,010
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,000
#9 Best Tourism Degrees
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rochester Institute of Technology, a leader in hybrid education, offers 85 bachelor's programs, three of which are available online. The school's bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the tourism field.
Throughout their studies, degree candidates can access institutional resources centering geared toward student success. Dedicated financial aid counselors can help learners understand their available education funding options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Rochester Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 71%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $44,049
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $44,049
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $50,600
#10 Best Tourism Degrees
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Temple University boasts a robust hybrid learning environment, supporting both in-person and online education modalities across 137 bachelor's programs. One option includes the bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management. After the program, students can pursue a hospitality management-specific career or graduate studies.
Learners can benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. The average student receives a financial aid award package of $8,964.
Temple University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 60%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $16,080
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,992
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,200
#11 Best Tourism Degrees
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, Texas A&M University-College Station supports 112 bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor's in recreation, park, and tourism sciences. The program equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. The program also prepares enrollees for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.
The college connects learners with institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. Students receive an average of $10,115 in financial aid.
Texas A&M University-College Station at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 58%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,941
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $34,190
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $53,600
#12 Best Tourism Degrees
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Kapolei, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, University of Hawaii-West Oahu offers six bachelor's degrees, three of which are available online. The school's bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a tourism-related career. After the program, students can apply their knowledge to a career or graduate studies.
Career services and academic advising are just two of the numerous institutional resources centering around student success. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans. Financial aid enables student success, with 73% of all enrollees receiving aid and 28% of all degree-seekers graduating.
University of Hawaii-West Oahu at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 84%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,344
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $20,304
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,300
#13 Best Tourism Degrees
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Massachusetts-Amherst provides 84 bachelor's degrees in dual modalities. The school's bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in the field. Graduates can pursue a tourism-related career or further their education.
Students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Learners seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility. The college's undergraduate cohort receives an average of $7,894 in financial aid award package, per person.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 64%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,791
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,112
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,200
#14 Best Tourism Degrees
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus supports both in-person and online learning across 86 bachelor's degrees. The school offers a bachelor's in tourism management which, through a robust education, equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the field. The program also prepares students for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.
The college supports enrollees through many institutional resources, including career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans. Financial aid enables student success, with 90% of all enrollees receiving aid and 76% of all students graduating.
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 84%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,520
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,050
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,900
#15 Best Tourism Degrees
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Southern Maine, a leader in hybrid education, offers 66 bachelor's programs, six of which are available online. The school's bachelor's in tourism and hospitality equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the field. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to a tourism-specific career or further studies in the subject.
Degree candidates benefit from institutional support throughout their studies. Dedicated financial aid counselors can help learners understand their available education funding options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. Financial aid enables student success, with 97% of all learners receiving aid and 40% of all enrollees graduating.
University of Southern Maine at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 81%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,868
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $20,692
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,600
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