Hospitality Administration/Management at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Johnson & Wales hospitality graduates start modestly at $33,374 but demonstrate something valuable: steady upward momentum, with earnings jumping 29% to $43,064 by year four. While that first-year number sits just below the national median for hospitality programs, the growth trajectory suggests graduates are building meaningful industry experience and advancing into management roles relatively quickly.

The debt picture is manageable—$26,175 translates to a 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. That's solid footing for a field where many students work through college and enter the workforce with established industry connections. In Rhode Island specifically, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, performing better than its below-average national standing would suggest.

The core question is whether hospitality management aligns with your child's career goals. This isn't a path to six-figure earnings, even with strong growth—year four earnings remain modest by bachelor's degree standards. But for students genuinely passionate about hotels, restaurants, or tourism management, Johnson & Wales delivers exactly what it promises: manageable debt, immediate employment, and clear advancement potential. The program works best for students who value practical training and industry immersion over theoretical coursework, and who understand they're entering a service-oriented field where career satisfaction often matters more than peak earning power.