Hospitality Administration/Management at University of Denver

University of Denver's hospitality program graduates earn nearly $48,000 a year—38% above the national median for hospitality majors and solidly above Colorado's median of $41,688. The debt load of about $22,000 translates to a manageable 0.46 ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. For a hospitality degree, these are strong numbers that put DU in the 95th percentile nationally.

However, context matters here. Colorado only has four schools offering this program, and DU lands in the middle of that pack (60th percentile) despite charging significantly more than public alternatives like CSU-Fort Collins, which produces similar earnings outcomes. The modest sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—also means these figures could swing considerably year to year as individual students' outcomes heavily influence the median.

The value equation depends on net cost. If your family qualifies for substantial aid at DU, the higher starting salary compared to most hospitality programs nationwide could justify the investment. But if you're paying close to sticker price at a private university, Colorado State delivers comparable earnings with likely lower tuition. For hospitality specifically—a field where work experience and networking often matter as much as the degree pedigree—spending significantly more for marginally higher earnings may not pencil out.