Analysis
Pennsylvania College of Technology's hospitality program lands right at the state median for this field, with peer programs in Pennsylvania suggesting first-year earnings around $35,000. That figure aligns closely with what similar bachelor's programs produce nationally, though several PA schools—like East Stroudsburg and Widener—report outcomes roughly $3,000 to $4,000 higher. The estimated debt of $26,905 runs slightly above both the state and national medians for hospitality programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77. For context, that means roughly nine months of first-year income would be needed to cover the total debt load.
The hospitality industry typically rewards experience and location over credentials alone, which explains why even top programs in Pennsylvania show earnings clustering in the mid-to-upper $30,000s rather than breaking into dramatically higher territory. The 32% Pell grant enrollment suggests this program serves students who may have fewer financial cushions, making that slightly elevated debt figure more consequential. Similar programs at public institutions like Temple produce comparable outcomes with potentially lower debt loads.
If your child is certain about hospitality management and committed to staying in Pennsylvania, this program appears workable but not exceptional—the estimated numbers suggest neither a particularly strong nor weak investment compared to alternatives. You'd want to confirm actual job placement rates and industry connections, since those often matter more than the degree itself in this field.
Where Pennsylvania College of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,940 | $35,007* | — | $26,905* | — | |
| $11,036 | $38,531* | $43,422 | $26,905* | 0.70 | |
| $53,638 | $37,861* | $50,579 | $23,250* | 0.61 | |
| $24,606 | $37,238* | $41,733 | $26,000* | 0.70 | |
| $22,082 | $35,339* | $49,666 | $26,417* | 0.75 | |
| $44,510 | $34,675* | $43,101 | $26,000* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $34,675* | — | $23,920* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with hospitality administration/management graduates
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Lodging Managers
Food Service Managers
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Gambling Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pennsylvania College of Technology, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.