Hospitality Administration/Management at Harris-Stowe State University

Based on comparable hospitality programs in Missouri, graduates here can expect starting salaries around $36,450—slightly above the national median for the field. With estimated debt near $23,250, that translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, meaning you'd owe roughly eight months of pre-tax income. For a field where many bachelor's degree holders earn in the mid-$30,000s nationally, these estimates suggest Harris-Stowe is performing on par with peer institutions like Missouri State-Springfield.

The caveat worth noting: these figures come from just three similar programs across Missouri, not from Harris-Stowe's actual graduate outcomes (which weren't reported due to small sample sizes). That means there's inherent uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers the same results. However, with 73% of students receiving Pell grants, Harris-Stowe serves a population where even modest earnings gains can meaningfully improve economic mobility. The hospitality industry offers clear career ladders, and a bachelor's degree can open doors to management roles that aren't accessible with just experience.

The key question is whether your child has genuine interest in hospitality management—not just hotels and restaurants, but events, tourism, and entertainment venues. If they do, the estimated debt load is reasonable enough that they shouldn't graduate underwater, though they'll need to be strategic about internships and early career moves to maximize their trajectory.