Dreaming of a career in luxury hotels, global tourism, or event management? The United States is home to some of the best hospitality schools in the world, offering students the opportunity to learn from the finest professionals and gain hands-on experience with top hotel brands. From Ivy League hotel management programs to practical, industry-focused degrees, the best hospitality schools in the US provide an excellent foundation for a thriving international career.
In this SEO-friendly article, we’ll explore the top 10 best hospitality schools in the United States, incorporating high CPC keywords such as hospitality degree USA, hotel management colleges in the US, study hospitality in America, and more.
Why Study at a Top Hospitality School in the US?
High-ranking hospitality schools in the USA are recognized globally for:
- Cutting-edge curriculum in hotel and tourism management
- Paid internships with global hotel chains and resorts
- Alumni working at the world’s top hotels and event companies
- Industry certifications and global exposure
- High ROI and strong placement records
Whether you’re looking to become a hotel general manager, event director, or tourism consultant, these schools offer the perfect stepping stone.
Top 10 Best Hospitality Schools in the US (2025)
Cornell University – School of Hotel Administration (SHA)
📍 Ithaca, New York
Keywords: best hospitality school in the US, Cornell hotel administration ranking
Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration is the #1 hospitality school in the world, known for its combination of business rigor and hands-on hotel training. It’s an Ivy League degree with global prestige.
- Top Programs: BS in Hotel Administration, Executive MBA in Hospitality
- Unique Features: Statler Hotel on campus, Ivy League status, world-class alumni network
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – Harrah College of Hospitality
📍 Las Vegas, Nevada
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Located in the hospitality capital of the world, UNLV provides direct access to luxury casinos, five-star resorts, and convention centers. It’s considered one of the top hotel management colleges in America.
- Top Programs: BS & MS in Hospitality Management
- Unique Features: Real-world learning, partnerships with Vegas hotels
Florida International University (FIU) – Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
📍 Miami, Florida
Keywords: tourism and hospitality degree USA, FIU hotel management course
FIU’s Chaplin School ranks among the top hospitality schools for international students. It has strong connections with the cruise and airline industry.
- Top Programs: BS in Hospitality Management, Online MS in Hospitality
- Unique Features: Access to Port Miami, wine and spirits management
Boston University – School of Hospitality Administration (SHA)
📍 Boston, Massachusetts
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Boston University’s SHA is known for producing hospitality leaders and entrepreneurs. It blends business strategy with hospitality-specific training.
- Top Programs: BS in Hospitality Administration, MS in Hospitality Management
- Unique Features: Industry immersion, strong business core
Michigan State University – The School of Hospitality Business
📍 East Lansing, Michigan
Keywords: best US college for hotel management, MSU hospitality ranking
With over 90 years of legacy, MSU is among the oldest hospitality schools in the US. Its graduates occupy leadership positions across the hospitality industry.
- Top Programs: BA in Hospitality Business, MBA with Hospitality Focus
- Unique Features: Real estate investment focus, global alumni base
University of Central Florida (UCF) – Rosen College of Hospitality Management
📍 Orlando, Florida
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Located near Walt Disney World, UCF Rosen College provides a living laboratory for hospitality students. The college is one of the largest and most advanced in the world.
- Top Programs: BS in Hospitality, Event Management, and Lodging
- Unique Features: 159,000-square-foot campus, tourism research center
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
📍 Pomona, California
Keywords: Cal Poly hospitality ranking, hotel management in California
Cal Poly Pomona offers hands-on hotel management education with affordable tuition. Its Collins College of Hospitality Management is consistently top-ranked.
- Top Programs: BS in Hospitality Management
- Unique Features: Student-run Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch
New York University (NYU) – Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
📍 New York City, New York
Keywords: NYU hospitality school, best universities for tourism management USA
NYU offers a business-oriented hospitality education with access to global tourism conferences, internships, and industry events.
- Top Programs: BS in Hotel & Tourism Management, MS in Event Management
- Unique Features: NY location, global career opportunities
Purdue University – White Lodging-J.W. Marriott School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
📍 West Lafayette, Indiana
Keywords: Purdue hospitality school, tourism and hospitality program USA
Purdue blends data-driven decision making with real-world hospitality experience, making it a leader in hospitality research and analytics.
- Top Programs: BS and MS in Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Unique Features: Executive-in-Residence program, Marriott partnership
Penn State University – School of Hospitality Management
📍 University Park, Pennsylvania
Keywords: Penn State hospitality degree, best colleges for hotel and restaurant management
Penn State’s program is one of the most comprehensive hospitality degrees in the US, with a focus on operations, leadership, and customer experience.
- Top Programs: BS in Hospitality Management
- Unique Features: Industry research centers, over 75 years of excellence
Career Opportunities After Graduation
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Graduates from the best hospitality schools in the US often find themselves in:
- Hotel and Resort Management
- Cruise Lines and Airlines
- Event Planning and Convention Management
- Restaurant and Culinary Operations
- Tourism Boards and Luxury Travel Companies
Average Starting Salary: $45,000 – $90,000 annually
Top Locations for Hospitality Jobs: New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles
Conclusion:
If you’re serious about building a successful career in the hospitality industry, enrolling in one of the best hospitality schools in the US is the smartest decision you can make. These institutions offer elite academic programs, global industry connections, and real-world learning that prepare you for leadership roles in the booming travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.