Hospitality Administration/Management at University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky's hospitality management program starts students at just $27,809—nearly $7,000 below the national median and even trailing the state's $28,650 average. While the program ranks in only the 5th percentile nationally, it's actually middle-of-the-pack for Kentucky (40th percentile), suggesting the state's hospitality programs generally underperform compared to those elsewhere. With only three schools offering this major in Kentucky, the local comparison is limited, but UK still trails nearby Western Kentucky by about $1,700 annually.

The program's saving grace is substantial earnings growth: graduates see their pay jump 47% to nearly $41,000 by year four, significantly outpacing the national median. The relatively modest debt load of $21,610—below both state and national averages—also helps. However, the crucial caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, making these figures less reliable than data from larger programs.

For parents, this presents a gamble. If your child is passionate about hospitality and wants to stay in Kentucky, the reasonable debt burden offers some protection. But the low starting salary means lean early years, and the small sample raises questions about whether these outcomes are typical. Consider whether your student might be better served by exploring hospitality programs in markets with stronger tourism economies.