Hospitality Administration/Management at Ball State University

Ball State's hospitality program graduates earn $28,071 in their first year—about $7,500 less than the typical Indiana hospitality graduate and nearly $6,600 below the national average for this degree. That 25th percentile ranking against other Indiana programs is particularly troubling since most students attend state schools for cost reasons. When nearby Purdue campuses are producing graduates earning $34,000 to $41,000 in the same field, parents need to ask hard questions about what's driving this gap.

The debt load itself isn't outrageous at $24,148, sitting near national norms. But paired with below-average earnings, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86—meaning your child would owe nearly a full year's salary. That's a heavy burden for someone entering an industry known for demanding hours and modest starting pay. The hospitality field typically requires hustle and personality more than pedigree, so the lower admission standards here aren't necessarily a red flag, but the earnings outcomes suggest Ball State isn't providing sufficient competitive advantage.

For families considering this program, the comparison to other Indiana options is stark. Unless Ball State offers compelling reasons—specific industry connections, location advantages, or scholarship money that dramatically reduces that debt—this appears to be paying similar tuition for below-market outcomes. The hospitality industry rewards ambition and work ethic, but graduates need every advantage they can get at the starting line.