Hospitality Administration/Management at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT-Knoxville's hospitality program starts modestly but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 33% to reach $48,310 by year four—well above what most hospitality programs deliver even at graduation. That $36,439 starting salary edges above Tennessee's median for this field and ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, suggesting stronger industry connections or alumni networks than competing Tennessee programs. For comparison, University of Memphis hospitality graduates start nearly $5,000 lower.

The $22,500 in median debt sits below both national and state averages, creating a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. This is a field where many graduates worry about low starting salaries making loans burdensome, but UT-Knoxville keeps that concern in check. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates means these figures are reasonably reliable, though not as robust as programs with hundreds of data points.

For parents concerned about hospitality's reputation for modest pay, this program offers a compelling counterpoint: Tennessee's flagship university appears to translate its broader reputation into better hospitality outcomes than most in-state alternatives. The upward earnings trajectory by year four suggests graduates are moving into management roles rather than staying stuck in entry-level positions. If your child is committed to hospitality management specifically, this represents a solid in-state option with room for career growth.