Hospitality Administration/Management at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Oklahoma State's hospitality graduates start at $35,878—slightly above the national median—but what sets this program apart is the trajectory. Earnings jump 28% to $45,907 by year four, significantly outpacing the typical pattern in hospitality management. At $21,122, graduates carry about $2,800 less debt than their national peers, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that allows most borrowers to stay well below the standard 10% income threshold for loan payments.

With only three hospitality programs in Oklahoma, meaningful state comparisons are limited, but this program matches the state median in both earnings and debt—a reasonable baseline for an in-state option. The 59th percentile national ranking suggests solid middle-of-the-pack performance initially, though the strong earnings growth indicates graduates are advancing into management roles faster than many competitors.

The real story here is momentum rather than starting salary. Hospitality traditionally offers modest entry wages but rewards those who advance into management, and Oklahoma State graduates appear to be climbing that ladder effectively. For families weighing an affordable in-state option with demonstrated career progression, this program offers a practical path—just understand you're trading a lower starting point for meaningful growth potential.