Hospitality Administration/Management at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa

The small sample size here makes any conclusions tentative, but the backward earnings trajectory from $28,789 to $22,625 over four years is the central concern. Most graduates see their incomes grow as they gain experience, yet this program's alumni appear to be earning 21% less four years out. Whether that reflects graduates leaving hospitality for lower-paying work, industry-specific challenges in Wisconsin, or simply statistical noise from tracking fewer than 30 people, parents should understand this isn't the typical career arc.

The debt picture adds complexity. At $26,508, graduates carry 54% more debt than the national median for hospitality programs, ranking in the worst 5% nationally. Combined with declining earnings, a graduate could easily find themselves earning in the low-$20,000s while still managing nearly $27,000 in student loans. That's a tight financial squeeze, particularly in an industry not known for rapid salary growth. The program does rank in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin hospitality programs, but given the small number of competitors statewide, that's hardly reassuring.

Given the high proportion of Pell-eligible students (57%), many families here are already economically vulnerable. For them, taking on above-average debt for a field with entry-level wages and uncertain advancement makes this a high-risk investment. Consider whether community college hospitality programs with lower tuition might offer similar career outcomes without the debt burden.