Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,861
73rd percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$23,250
3% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Widener UniversityChester$53,638$37,861$50,579$23,2500.61
East Stroudsburg University of PennsylvaniaEast Stroudsburg$11,036$38,531$43,422$26,9050.70
York College of PennsylvaniaYork$24,606$37,238$41,733$26,0000.70
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$35,339$49,666$26,4170.75
Mercyhurst UniversityErie$44,510$34,675$43,101$26,0000.75
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township$34,940$32,255———
National Median—$34,675—$23,9200.69

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 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.