Best Tourism Degrees

TBS Staff Writers
By
Updated on October 18, 2023

By some measures, tourism may already be the world’s largest industry, with annual revenue approaching $500 billion.” – peopleandplanet.net

An online Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism provides a major step in getting a foot in the door to this massively growing industry and once inside, people have extensive career options.

A hospitality management degree online program provides students the business skills and cultural education necessary to run travel agencies, organize cultural attractions, operate a food service business, plan meetings as well as large conventions and events, facilitate operations at hotels, theme parks, casinos and resorts, promote tourism, and arrange individual, group, or corporate trips and tours around the world.

A hospitality management online degree allows students to work in sectors such as food service operations, visitor bureaus and conventions, recreational business, tourism development agencies, hotels, resorts, theme parks, international travel and tourism agencies, airlines, and casinos. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 8% employment growth for hotel meeting planners from 2022 to 2032, and a average salary of $52,560 a year.

Hospitality management online degree programs vary widely across the universities and colleges. Tourism and hospitality degree programs offer bachelor and master degrees in many different concentrations and specializations, such as tourism, hospitality, travel, recreation, and event/meeting management.

Programs in the field offer courses such as tourism and hospitality marketing, food service management, brand management, travel law, international travel, hospitality and tourism management, sustainability in hospitality and tourism, operational management, corporate finance, and economics of travel and tourism.

taj mahalTo earn a tourism degree students usually take required general business courses and decide on a program track in areas such as hospitality management, tourism management, or a related field. In most tourism degree programs students take all required courses as well as electives, complete an internship, and finalize their studies with a comprehensive capstone course which includes a practicum and/or research paper.

Best Tourism Degree

Programs

2023


The Best Schools

Tourism Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Rankings Methodology
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The schools are listed in alphabetical order. The list includes mainly bachelor degree programs and a few master degree programs.

The Best Tourism Degree Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Tourism Degrees

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

  • Location-markerPhoenix, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix offers 25 bachelor's degrees across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor's in tourism program prepares students for the field's demands through rigorous study. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to a tourism-specific career or further studies in the subject.

Degree-seekers can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Students seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility. Financial aid enables student success, with 98% of all students receiving aid and 58% of all enrollees graduating.

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 82%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,710

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,800

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,710
  • Out-of-state$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,720
  • Out-of-state$26,160
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled11,420
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Tourism Degrees

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

  • Location-markerLaie, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus

Brigham Young University-Hawaii, boasting a main campus in Laie, offers 66 bachelor's degrees across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management program equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. After the program, students can apply their knowledge to a tourism career or graduate studies.

Learners can receive guidance throughout their studies through career services, academic advising, and other resources. Prospective applicants may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii at a Glance:

Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 97%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,720

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,720

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,600

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,720
  • Out-of-state$5,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled3,096
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Tourism Degrees

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Miami-based Florida International University supports both in-person and online learning across 78 bachelor's degrees. The school's bachelor of arts in global sustainable tourism prepares students for the demands of a tourism career through rigorous study, relevant coursework, and other learning opportunities. Graduates can also pivot to a master's program.

Undergraduate students benefit from institutional support throughout their studies in numerous areas. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. The typical undergraduate receives an average of $8,958 in financial aid.

Florida International University at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 58%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,721

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $16,529

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $41,500

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,721
  • Out-of-state$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,912
  • Out-of-state$21,393
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled58,711
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Tourism Degrees

George Mason University

  • Location-markerFairfax, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

George Mason University, a leader in hybrid education, offers 70 bachelor's programs, three of which are available online. The online bachelor's in tourism and events management program connects students with industry-relevant knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed in the field. The program prepares enrollees for their postgraduate path, whether they pursue a tourism-specific career or graduate studies.

Degree candidates can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. The college reports that enrollees receive $6,524 in financial aid, on average.

George Mason University at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 87%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,060

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,520

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $47,000

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,060
  • Out-of-state$32,520
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,144
  • Out-of-state$33,456
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled37,863
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment33%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Tourism Degrees

Indiana University-Bloomington

  • Location-markerBloomington, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Learners seeking flexible study can choose from in-person or online bachelor's programs at Indiana University-Bloomington. The school's bachelor of science in recreation equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. The program prepares students for the demands of a field or for graduate studies in the tourism market.

Students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Enrollees can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities and determine eligibility. The college reports that 84% of all learners receive some form of financial aid, with $11,645 being the average award package.

Indiana University-Bloomington at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 78%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,575

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,140

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,575
  • Out-of-state$35,140
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,501
  • Out-of-state$31,932
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled43,260
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment19%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Tourism Degrees

Johnson & Wales University-Online

  • Location-markerProvidence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Online

A leader in hybrid education, Johnson & Wales University-Online supports 16 bachelor's degrees, all of which are available online. Students seeking the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tourism field can enroll in the school's online bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management program. Graduates can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the hospitality management field.

The college connects students with institutional resources throughout their studies. Learners can connect with the Office of Financial Aid to explore funding opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid.

Johnson & Wales University-Online at a Glance:

Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 41%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $13,365

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $13,365

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $33,400

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,365
  • Out-of-state$13,365
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,734
  • Out-of-state$13,734
  • Retention Rate25%
  • Acceptance Rate41%
  • Students Enrolled1,752
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Tourism Degrees

New York University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Students looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from one of New York University's 137 bachelor's degrees. The bachelor of science in hotel and tourism management is an impressive online program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the tourism market. Graduates can pursue industry-relevant careers or go on to study at the graduate level.

The institution connects students with success-oriented resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies. Learners seeking to defray degree costs can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility.

New York University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 16%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $50,684

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $50,684

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $55,900

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,684
  • Out-of-state$50,684
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$33,408
  • Out-of-state$33,408
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled52,885
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Tourism Degrees

Purdue University-Main Campus

  • Location-markerWest Lafayette, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Purdue University-Main Campus, a leader in hybrid education, offers 145 bachelor's programs. The bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management is one of many robust programs, equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge. Graduates can move into a career or further educational pursuits.

Students can benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies. Prospective applicants may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. The institution reports that 65% of all enrollees receive aid, with an average financial aid package being $9,883.

Purdue University-Main Campus at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 60%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,208

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,010

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,000

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$28,010
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled45,500
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Tourism Degrees

Rochester Institute of Technology

  • Location-markerRochester, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Rochester Institute of Technology, a leader in hybrid education, offers 85 bachelor's programs, three of which are available online. The school's bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the tourism field.

Throughout their studies, degree candidates can access institutional resources centering geared toward student success. Dedicated financial aid counselors can help learners understand their available education funding options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Rochester Institute of Technology at a Glance:

Type of School: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 71%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $44,049

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $44,049

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $50,600

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,049
  • Out-of-state$44,049
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$47,522
  • Out-of-state$47,522
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate71%
  • Students Enrolled16,254
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment18%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Tourism Degrees

Temple University

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Temple University boasts a robust hybrid learning environment, supporting both in-person and online education modalities across 137 bachelor's programs. One option includes the bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management. After the program, students can pursue a hospitality management-specific career or graduate studies.

Learners can benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. The average student receives a financial aid award package of $8,964.

Temple University at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 60%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $16,080

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,992

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$16,080
  • Out-of-state$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,956
  • Out-of-state$23,346
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled38,794
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Tourism Degrees

Texas A&M University-College Station

  • Location-markerCollege Station, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

A leader in hybrid education, Texas A&M University-College Station supports 112 bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor's in recreation, park, and tourism sciences. The program equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through foundational and advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities. The program also prepares enrollees for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.

The college connects learners with institutional resources throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree. Students receive an average of $10,115 in financial aid.

Texas A&M University-College Station at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 58%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,941

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $34,190

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $53,600

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,941
  • Out-of-state$34,190
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,677
  • Out-of-state$18,700
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled68,726
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Tourism Degrees

University of Hawaii-West Oahu

  • Location-markerKapolei, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

A leader in hybrid education, University of Hawaii-West Oahu offers six bachelor's degrees, three of which are available online. The school's bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a tourism-related career. After the program, students can apply their knowledge to a career or graduate studies.

Career services and academic advising are just two of the numerous institutional resources centering around student success. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans. Financial aid enables student success, with 73% of all enrollees receiving aid and 28% of all degree-seekers graduating.

University of Hawaii-West Oahu at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 84%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,344

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $20,304

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,300

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,344
  • Out-of-state$20,304
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled3,049
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Tourism Degrees

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Location-markerAmherst, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

University of Massachusetts-Amherst provides 84 bachelor's degrees in dual modalities. The school's bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in the field. Graduates can pursue a tourism-related career or further their education.

Students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources throughout their studies. Learners seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine eligibility. The college's undergraduate cohort receives an average of $7,894 in financial aid award package, per person.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 64%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,791

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,112

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,791
  • Out-of-state$35,112
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,014
  • Out-of-state$29,529
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled31,350
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Tourism Degrees

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

  • Location-markerDurham, NH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus  supports both in-person and online learning across 86 bachelor's degrees. The school offers a bachelor's in tourism management which, through a robust education, equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the field. The program also prepares students for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.

The college supports enrollees through many institutional resources, including career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans. Financial aid enables student success, with 90% of all enrollees receiving aid and 76% of all students graduating.

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 84%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $15,520

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,050

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,900

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,520
  • Out-of-state$32,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,170
  • Out-of-state$27,810
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled14,788
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment16%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Tourism Degrees

University of Southern Maine

  • Location-markerPortland, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

University of Southern Maine, a leader in hybrid education, offers 66 bachelor's programs, six of which are available online. The school's bachelor's in tourism and hospitality equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the field. Graduates can apply their knowledge and skills to a tourism-specific career or further studies in the subject.

Degree candidates benefit from institutional support throughout their studies. Dedicated financial aid counselors can help learners understand their available education funding options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. Financial aid enables student success, with 97% of all learners receiving aid and 40% of all enrollees graduating.

University of Southern Maine at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 81%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,868

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $20,692

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,600

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,868
  • Out-of-state$20,692
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,578
  • Out-of-state$20,538
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled8,429
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes