Hospitality Administration/Management at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis's hospitality program sits in an uncomfortable middle position—better than half of Tennessee schools but trailing the national pack at the 22nd percentile. Starting earnings of $31,190 fall about $3,500 short of the national median, though the $29,000 debt load is actually lower than average. For a major city with a substantial tourism and convention economy, these outcomes suggest graduates may be competing for entry-level positions that don't fully leverage a four-year degree.

The 32% earnings growth to $41,211 by year four offers some reassurance, bringing graduates closer to what their peers at UT-Knoxville earn right out of the gate. But that trajectory means spending the first several years climbing toward what should be the baseline. The debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 keeps this from being a financial disaster, but with 40% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are banking on faster returns.

Parents should recognize this as a "you'll get there eventually" scenario rather than an immediate payoff. If your child is certain about hospitality and wants to stay in Memphis, the city's industry connections may provide value beyond what earnings data captures. Otherwise, the numbers suggest exploring whether a two-year hospitality degree or starting with direct industry experience might deliver similar outcomes without the four-year investment.