Hotel Management Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Hotel Management courses in USA focus on hospitality operations, event management, and guest services, preparing students for careers in hotels, resorts, and tourism. Top universities like Cornell, NYU, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Boston University typically charge $30,000–$55,000 (₹25–46 L) per year. Graduates often move into managerial roles within months, earning around $50,000–$75,000 (₹42–63 L) early in their careers.

Hospitality management courses focus on key areas such as hotel operations and event planning, preparing you for careers in fields like resort operations. With renowned institutions like Cornell University, the USA offers exposure to the latest trends in the industry, which is essential for standing out in a competitive job market.

The hospitality industry is growing rapidly, with an estimated 449 million people expected to be employed by 2034, making up 12.2% of the global workforce. Pursuing a hotel management course in USA will prepare you for the workforce and also give you access to industry innovations. This blog will cover the top programs, guiding you on how to study in the USA and make an informed decision for your educational journey.

Hotel Management Courses in USA: Overview

Hotel management courses equip students with the knowledge to oversee hotel operations, guest services, and hospitality management. With a growth rate of 5.8%, the industry opens up job roles like operations manager and food and beverage director, in sectors like tourism, travel, and hospitality services. 

Here’s a brief overview of hotel management courses in USA.

Now, let’s explore the benefits of studying hotel management courses in USA.

Why Pursue Hotel Management Courses in USA?

Hotel revenue in the US is expected to reach $114.74 billion this year, with the hotel industry projected to see a 12% job growth over the next five years. Studying a course in the US will equip you to benefit from this positive growth and stay updated with the latest industry trends.

Here are the other benefits of pursuing Hotel Management Courses in USA.

• Access to Modern Facilities: 

Leading universities like Michigan State University offer state-of-the-art hotel management labs and simulation facilities, giving you exposure to real-world scenarios.

• Industry Partnerships: 

Universities in the USA have partnerships with major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. It provides you with opportunities for internships that can lead to job placements.

• Exposure to Global Trends: 

Studying in the USA allows you to gain insights into global hospitality trends, with courses that cover emerging topics like sustainability and technology integration in hotel management.

• Diverse Career Opportunities: 

With the USA being the largest hospitality market globally, a hotel management degree opens up career paths in luxury resorts, event planning, and tourism agencies.

• Leadership and Entrepreneurial Skills: 

Programs in the USA, such as those at University of Houston, emphasize leadership and entrepreneurship, preparing you to take on managerial roles.

• Strong Job Demand: 

With the hotel industry expected to grow by 12%, graduates of U.S. hotel management programs are in high demand in sectors like wellness tourism.

After exploring the benefits of studying Hotel Management courses in USA, let’s check out the top universities offering this program.

Top Universities For Hotel Management Courses in USA

Understanding the best universities and colleges in the USA for hospitality can help you plan your journey more effectively, including budgeting and fulfilling minimum requirements. 

Institutions like Boston University are considered among the best due to their strong academic programs and industry connections. They offer both undergraduate and masters degrees in the hospitality sector.

Here are the top universities offering hotel management courses in USA.

Apart from top universities, there are other alternative options to consider. Let’s explore them.

Popular Universities for Hotel Management Courses in USA

Alternative universities to top institutions not only expand your study options but also broaden your specialization. Institutes like Ohio University are competitive and serve as strong alternatives to top universities.

Below are the popular universities offering hotel management courses in USA.

After exploring universities to study hotel management courses in USA, let’s take a look at the eligibility requirements for students.

Eligibility Criteria for Hotel Management Courses in USA

Admission to hotel management programs is competitive due to the growing demand for job roles like operations manager and revenue manager. Typically, you’ll need to meet academic requirements such as a minimum GPA and submit a statement of purpose. Some universities, like Cornell, also require GRE or GMAT scores. 

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS. Once you receive your admission confirmation, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.

Below are the eligibility requirements to study hotel management courses in USA.

Now that you’ve seen the eligibility requirements for hotel management courses in the USA, let’s check out the complete process to guide your journey.

Application Process for Hotel Management Courses in USA

The top 10 best schools for hospitality management have an average acceptance rate of 47.5%, indicating a moderately competitive process. Generally, you will need to apply through the university portal and submit documents like academic transcripts. 

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency levels through tests like TOEFL. Once your admission is confirmed, you can apply for a student visa for USA.

Here are the steps involved in the application process for a Hotel Management course in USA.

• Step 1: Submit Admission Application: Complete the online application for your chosen university.
• Step 2: Submit Additional Documents: Provide the required documents, including:
  • Academic transcripts (high school or undergraduate degree)
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Standardized Test Scores (GRE or GMAT)
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo) 
• Step 3: Attend Interview: Some universities, like Cornell, may require an interview as part of the selection process. Be prepared to discuss your academic background, motivation, and career goals.
• Step 4: Check Application Status: Regularly check your application portal for updates or requests for additional documents.
• Step 5: Apply for Student Visa: After receiving your admission offer, apply for an F-1 student visa by submitting the following:
  • I-20 form (issued by the university)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Valid passport
  • Visa application form and fee payment

Next, let’s discuss the subjects you’ll be studying in hotel management courses in USA.

Curriculum Details for Hotel Management Courses in USA

The curriculum is diverse and flexible, covering core subjects like restaurant management and event planning. You can also specialize in areas such as sustainable tourism or hospitality marketing, which will help you secure roles like catering manager.

In addition, you can gain practical experience through internships with global hotel chains like Wyndham Hotels, and participate in co-op programs offering real-world exposure to hotel operations.

Here is the curriculum for hotel management courses in the USA.

Now, let’s explore the costs involved in studying for a hotel management course in the USA.

Cost of Pursuing Hotel Management Courses in USA

The cost of studying will help you understand your expenses and plan your budget, including scholarships. The major cost is tuition fees, which amount to $17,949 - $69,870 (INR 15.5L - INR 60.3L). 

Apart from that, you’ll need to spend $12,000 - $14,400 (INR 10.3L - INR 12.4L) annually for decent living expenses.

Here is the cost of living in US for Indian students and other expenses for hotel management courses in USA.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Students can explore scholarship options to reduce the financial cost of studying hotel management courses in USA. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Hotel Management Courses in USA: Scholarships for Students

Each year, $46 billion is spent on scholarships to support both merit-based and need-based students studying in the USA. Scholarships can cover anywhere from 20% to 100% of your tuition fees and can also help manage your living expenses while studying.

Below is a breakdown of the scholarships available for students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are targeted at students from a particular university who are either meritorious or in need of financial support. Hotel management students, for example, can apply for the Guy Fieri Foundation Scholarship offered by the University of Nevada, which provides financial aid of up to $10,000 (INR 8.6L).

Here are some internal scholarships to study in USA for Indian students.

Students can also apply for external scholarships, which are available to those studying in the United States.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are primarily offered by governments, foundations, and corporate funding. Hotel management students in the USA can apply for the Fulbright scholarship, which covers the full cost of studying in the USA.

Here are some external scholarships for students.

Now that you’ve explored financial aid options through scholarships, let’s take a look at career opportunities after graduation.

Job Opportunities After Hotel Management Courses in USA

The average salary is $44,648 (INR 38.6L), with top earners making more than $75K (INR 64.8L), making it one of the highest paying jobs in the USA. A hotel management course teaches you skills like leadership and interpersonal communication, opening up job roles such as revenue manager.

Here are the job opportunities after hotel management courses in the USA.

Source: Indeed

Next, let’s check out the top companies hiring graduates from hotel management courses in USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Hotel Management Graduates

The US is home to top hospitality companies like Accor and Wyndham. Graduates can be well-placed to be hired by companies like InterContinental and Mandarin Oriental, for roles such as sales manager or catering director.

Here are the top recruiters hiring hospitality management graduates.

Source: Indeed, Glassdoor

Now, let’s see how you can benefit from upGrad’s assistance in studying hotel management courses in USA.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Hotel Management Courses in USA?

Studying hotel management courses abroad can be challenging, especially with the complicated application procedures and financial planning. upGrad simplifies the entire experience by providing expert guidance, ensuring your journey is made easy.

Here’s how upGrad can assist you.

• Personalized Mentorship: upGrad offers guidance to help you make informed decisions about your education and career.
• Visa Assistance: Get support with visa paperwork, making the process smoother and more manageable.
• Scholarship Support: upGrad helps you explore available scholarships, easing the financial burden of studying abroad.
• IELTS/TOEFL Preparation: Receive focused training for English proficiency tests to increase your chances of success.
• Career Counseling: upGrad offers continuous career support, including resume evaluations and job readiness advice.