Analysis
Missouri hospitality programs cluster in a narrow earnings band, and Westminster's estimated outcomes fall right in the middle—around $36,500 based on comparable programs statewide. That places graduates roughly on par with the national median for this field, though hospitality remains a notoriously low-earning major regardless of where you study it.
The estimated debt load of $24,500 creates a manageable ratio of 0.67, meaning graduates would owe about eight months of their first year's salary. For context, that's better than many hospitality programs nationally, where debt frequently exceeds first-year pay. The real challenge isn't the debt-to-earnings balance—it's that both numbers are modest. Even Missouri's top hospitality program (Mizzou) only produces median earnings around $39,000, leaving little financial cushion.
Westminster serves a substantial number of Pell-eligible students, which matters in a field where starting salaries barely crack $35,000. If your family is paying full freight at a private college, compare Westminster's total cost of attendance against public alternatives like Missouri State, where similar programs suggest identical outcomes at likely lower tuition. The financial case depends entirely on net price after aid—in hospitality, where you study matters far less than what you ultimately pay.
Where Westminster College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,188 | $36,451* | — | $24,462* | — | |
| $14,130 | $38,916* | $45,198 | $23,250* | 0.60 | |
| $9,024 | $36,451* | $39,810 | $26,000* | 0.71 | |
| $9,496 | $34,395* | $41,252 | $18,750* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | — | $34,675* | — | $23,920* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with hospitality administration/management graduates
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Lodging Managers
Food Service Managers
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Gambling Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
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 Westminster College, approximately 40% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.