Hospitality Administration/Management at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's hospitality management program costs more than most alternatives in the state, but the earnings justify the premium. With graduates earning $36,986 in year one—roughly $5,000 above Ohio's median for this program—and climbing to $46,064 by year four, this program sits in the 60th percentile statewide. The $26,000 median debt loads students with about $600 more than the state average, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 remains manageable, well below concerning levels. That 25% earnings growth over four years suggests career progression rather than stagnation, which matters in an industry where entry-level pay can feel discouraging.

The national picture reinforces Ohio State's positioning. At the 66th percentile nationally, this program outperforms two-thirds of hospitality management degrees across the country—no small feat in a field where median starting salaries hover around $34,675. The combination of slightly higher debt but notably stronger earnings creates a more favorable trade-off than most programs offer.

For families weighing options, Ohio State's hospitality program represents a solid middle ground: not the cheapest path into the industry, but one that delivers measurably better earning potential than Kent State or Youngstown State. If your student is committed to hospitality management and can handle the debt load, the earnings trajectory makes this a defensible choice over lower-cost Ohio alternatives.