Hospitality Administration/Management at Marywood University

A bachelor's degree costing $26,000 in debt for a hospitality management career starting near $35,000 creates a manageable but tight financial picture. Based on comparable Pennsylvania programs, this field typically produces first-year earnings that put graduates just above the national median—but hospitality careers start modestly, and several peer schools in the state show graduates earning $37,000 to $38,500 in their first year, which would make the same debt load easier to manage.

The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds, meaning graduates should be able to handle their loan payments, though there won't be much financial cushion in those early years. Hospitality careers often grow through experience and promotions rather than dramatic early salary jumps, so the first-year number matters more here than in fields with steeper earning curves. The $26,000 debt estimate aligns closely with Pennsylvania's median for similar programs and exceeds the national benchmark by about $2,000—not alarming, but worth noting given the modest starting salaries in this field.

Without actual outcomes data for Marywood's specific program, you're essentially betting on an average Pennsylvania result. If this career path genuinely excites your child and they're comfortable with a modest starting salary in exchange for working in hotels, restaurants, or event management, the financial setup isn't prohibitive. But if they're uncertain about the field, starting a hospitality career with $26,000 in debt leaves little room for a change of heart.