Hospitality Administration/Management at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT's hospitality program graduates earn slightly above both the national median ($35,449 vs. $34,675) and notably more than the typical New York hospitality program ($31,629). Among the 18 New York schools offering this degree, RIT ranks around the 60th percentile—respectable but far behind the state's elite options like Cornell ($77,803) or NYU ($40,637). The debt load of $26,689 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, with a 0.75 ratio that's better than three-quarters of similar programs nationally.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less after four years ($34,543) than they did in their first year out. This stagnation is unusual and suggests the program may be preparing students for entry-level roles without clear advancement paths. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could easily shift with a different cohort or be skewed by a few individuals' career choices.

For families considering this program, the calculus depends heavily on cost. At RIT's tuition rates, you're paying premium prices for middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a field where many successful professionals start at community colleges or culinary schools. If your child has strong academic credentials (note RIT's 1378 average SAT), they might gain admission to programs with significantly better earnings potential. The debt is reasonable, but the flat earnings growth makes this a harder sell than RIT's stronger programs.