Hospitality Administration/Management at Campbell University

Campbell University's hospitality program reports first-year earnings of $44,464—about $10,000 above both the national and North Carolina medians for this degree. Among North Carolina's 11 hospitality programs, it ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming established options like East Carolina and Appalachian State. Graduates carry $19,750 in debt, which creates a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the typical burden in this field. The four-year earnings trajectory shows strong growth to nearly $61,000, suggesting graduates are advancing into management roles rather than stalling at entry-level hospitality positions.

The caveat here matters: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, which means these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. That said, Campbell serves a sizable population of Pell-eligible students (33%), and the program appears to be delivering upward mobility for students who might not otherwise access management-track positions in hospitality. The relatively modest debt load compared to peers—about $6,000 less than the NC median—makes the financial risk more acceptable even with the small sample uncertainty.

For a field where many programs leave graduates earning in the low $30,000s with similar debt loads, Campbell's results stand out. If your student is considering hospitality management and Campbell is already on the list, these outcomes suggest the program is doing something right, though you should verify whether this performance holds as you get closer to enrollment.