Hospitality Administration/Management at Avila University

Based on comparable hospitality programs in Missouri, Avila's estimated first-year earnings of $36,451 land right at the state median—neither ahead of nor trailing Missouri-Columbia's $38,916 but matching what larger state universities produce. The estimated debt load of $24,462 is actually slightly higher than Missouri's typical $23,250 for this field, though it remains close to the national benchmark. That 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary, which is manageable but doesn't offer much breathing room in an industry known for entry-level wages and demanding hours.

The challenge with hospitality management is less about this specific program and more about the field itself: even top performers in Missouri aren't cracking $40,000 in their first year. The difference between Avila's estimated outcomes and the state's best programs amounts to about $200 monthly in pre-tax income—meaningful for a new graduate's budget but not transformative. Nearly half of Avila's students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are price-sensitive, and $24,000 in debt for $36,000 earnings requires careful financial planning.

If your child is set on hospitality management and values a smaller private school environment, these estimated outcomes suggest Avila performs comparably to state alternatives. But given the field's modest earning potential, minimizing debt should be the priority—whether that means choosing a less expensive in-state option or pursuing scholarships aggressively at Avila.