Analysis
Widener's hospitality management program produces above-average earners, but the small graduating class—fewer than 30 students—means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. That caveat matters because you're seeing a program that starts graduates at $37,861 and reaches $50,579 by year four, outperforming 73% of hospitality programs nationwide. Among Pennsylvania's 17 hospitality programs, Widener ranks around the 60th percentile, trailing East Stroudsburg and York but ahead of Temple and most others. The $23,250 in median debt sits slightly below the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61.
The 34% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into meaningful raises—hospitality management typically rewards experience and operational expertise. However, the small cohort size means you're looking at outcomes for perhaps a dozen graduates, not hundreds. One exceptional student or one struggling graduate could dramatically shift these medians.
For families comfortable with some uncertainty in the data, this program shows promise: graduates earn more than most hospitality majors nationally while carrying reasonable debt loads. Just recognize you're making a decision based on limited information—these numbers reflect a boutique program, not a large sample that smooths out individual variation.
Where Widener University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Widener University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widener University | $37,861 | $50,579 | +34% |
| Temple University | $35,339 | $49,666 | +41% |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | $30,307 | $48,277 | +59% |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $38,531 | $43,422 | +13% |
| Mercyhurst University | $34,675 | $43,101 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $53,638 | $37,861 | $50,579 | $23,250 | 0.61 | |
| $11,036 | $38,531 | $43,422 | $26,905 | 0.70 | |
| $24,606 | $37,238 | $41,733 | $26,000 | 0.70 | |
| $22,082 | $35,339 | $49,666 | $26,417 | 0.75 | |
| $44,510 | $34,675 | $43,101 | $26,000 | 0.75 | |
| $34,940 | $32,255 | — | — | — | |
| 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 Widener University, approximately 25% 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 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.