Hospitality Administration/Management at University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout's hospitality management program outperforms nearly every other program in the country, with graduates earning $43,359—about 25% more than the national median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's a significant premium in an industry where many bachelor's programs leave graduates earning in the mid-$30,000s. The debt load of $25,225 is nearly identical to the national average but translates to a very manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly seven months of their starting salary.

The one notable pattern here is flat earnings growth—graduates earn essentially the same amount in year four as they did in year one. This likely reflects industry dynamics rather than program quality, as hospitality careers often involve lateral moves between properties or taking on operations roles that don't immediately boost pay. The high national ranking suggests UW-Stout places graduates into better initial positions than most programs, which provides a stronger foundation even if early-career raises are modest.

For families evaluating hospitality programs, this is about as strong a value proposition as you'll find in the field. Graduates enter the workforce earning well above their peers nationally, with debt that's easily serviceable on those salaries. The program delivers what matters most: a legitimate earnings advantage that justifies the degree investment.