Hospitality Administration/Management (Bachelor's Degree) at University of South Alabama

Median Earnings (1yr)

$28,310

11th percentile

40th percentile in Alabama

Median Debt

$18,500

23% below national median

Analysis

Starting at $28,000 annually, South Alabama's hospitality program earns less than most alternatives in a field where early-career pay already skews low. While graduates here carry about $6,000 less debt than the state median, that lower debt load doesn't offset the earnings gap—their first-year salary lands $4,000 below the Alabama median and trails Auburn hospitality grads by more than $12,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 looks manageable on paper, but remember that's against modest income that needs to cover rent, transportation, and living expenses in addition to loan payments.

The bright spot is relatively contained borrowing at $18,500, putting graduates in a better position than the national median of nearly $24,000. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in this data sample, these numbers could swing considerably year to year, making it difficult to bank on these figures. For a family comparing hospitality programs in Alabama, the larger programs at Auburn or Alabama offer both stronger earning potential and more reliable outcomes data.

If hospitality management is the goal, this program's lower debt won't compensate for the earnings disadvantage over a career. Students serious about the field should weigh whether the cost savings of attending South Alabama justify entering the workforce at a significant pay disadvantage compared to peers from other Alabama programs.

Where University of South Alabama Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of South Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of South AlabamaMobile	$9,676	$28,310	—	$18,500	0.65
Auburn UniversityAuburn	$12,536	$40,664	$48,022	$24,500	0.60
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa	$11,900	$32,178	$44,200	$25,000	0.78
National Median	—	$34,675	—	$23,920	0.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with hospitality administration/management graduates

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Lodging Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.

$68,130/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Food Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

$65,310/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Gambling Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.

$35,630/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.

$35,630/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of South Alabama, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.