Hospitality Administration/Management at Temple University

Temple's hospitality management program starts graduates at a modest $35,339, but the trajectory tells a more compelling story: earnings jump 41% to nearly $50,000 by year four. That's substantial growth in an industry where many programs plateau early. The $26,417 in typical debt sits well below the national average for hospitality programs, giving graduates breathing room as they advance through entry-level positions.

Among Pennsylvania's 17 hospitality programs, Temple lands squarely in the middle for starting earnings (60th percentile), trailing schools like East Stroudsburg and Widener but outperforming half the state's options. What distinguishes this program is the combination of affordable debt and strong earnings growth—you're not betting on an immediate payoff, but rather on steady career progression in an industry where experience translates directly to better positions and pay.

The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a year's starting salary, manageable for an industry with predictable advancement paths. If your child is genuinely interested in hospitality management and willing to work their way up from coordinator to director roles, this program provides solid preparation without financial strain. The career arc matters more here than the starting point.