Masters in Tourism and Hospitality Management in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Thinking about a career in hotels, luxury resorts, or event management? A Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA can help you get there. With top universities offering hands-on learning and strong ties to brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Disney, this degree prepares you for leadership roles in a fast-growing industry.

The hospitality sector is expected to add 1.5 million new jobs by 2031 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), which makes it a great time to step in. Whether you’re looking to manage high-end properties, launch your own business, or specialize in areas like tourism or food service, this degree gives you the skills and connections to succeed.

This page covers the best universities, tuition costs, admission process, job prospects, and internship opportunities so you can make the right choice. 

Must Read: USA vs Germany to Study

Overview: Studying Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA

The hospitality industry in USA is flourishing, with over 16 million jobs linked to tourism, hotels, and event management (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). If you’re looking for a career in hotels, travel, restaurants, or event planning, a hospitality degree from USA can get you many opportunities.

Quick Facts: Masters in Hospitality Management in the USA

What Are the Top Universities for a Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA?

A master’s in hospitality management from a top-ranked USA university can make you eligible leadership roles in hotels, resorts, event management, and luxury tourism. The global hospitality industry is projected to grow at 5.5% annually, with USA being one of the largest markets for travel and tourism (Source: U.S. Travel Association).

Why University Choice Matters?

• Programs with strong industry partnerships help students secure internships at top brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Four Seasons.
• Universities in major hospitality hubs like Las Vegas, New York, and Florida offer real-world exposure to international tourism and business operations.
• Some programs provide specialized tracks in luxury hospitality, event management, and hotel operations, giving students a competitive edge.

Top Universities for a Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA

Read: Spring Intake in USA

Best Universities for Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA: What Makes Them Stand Out?

1. Cornell University

Ranked among the best hospitality programs globally, Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration focuses on leadership and strategy.

Course Specializations: Real estate finance, luxury hospitality, and digital marketing.

2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

UNLV’s hospitality school is in Las Vegas, the world’s largest hotel and entertainment hub, giving students direct exposure to industry leaders.

Course Specializations: Casino management, event planning, and restaurant operations.

3. Florida International University (FIU)

FIU specializes in international hospitality and tourism, with partnerships in Latin America and Europe.

Course Specializations: Sustainable tourism, global hotel management, and event operations.

4. New York University (NYU)

NYU offers a luxury hospitality and event management specialization, making it ideal for students aiming for executive roles.

Course Specializations: Luxury brand management, digital marketing, and food & beverage operations.

5. Purdue University

Purdue’s hospitality and tourism program is research-oriented, ideal for students interested in data-driven decision-making in the industry.

Course Specializations: Digital transformation in hospitality, sustainable tourism, and revenue management.

6. University of Houston

Offers a practical, business-focused approach with strong ties to major hotel chains in Texas.

Course Specializations: Hotel real estate investment, event management, and service design.

7. Boston University

A business-driven hospitality program with an emphasis on global leadership and entrepreneurship.

Course Specializations: Hospitality finance, global tourism strategies, and leadership training.

8. Michigan State University

Offers a well-rounded curriculum with a strong alumni network in the hospitality and travel industry.

Course Specializations: Hospitality finance, digital innovation, and customer experience management.

9. University of Central Florida (UCF)

Located near Disney World and Universal Studios, UCF offers unmatched experiential learning in theme park and resort management.

Course Specializations: Theme park management, tourism analytics, and revenue optimization.

10. Washington State University

Provides a hands-on learning environment with on-campus hospitality operations.

Course Specializations: Hotel development, restaurant management, and crisis management in hospitality.

How to Choose the Right Program

• If you’re looking for a business-focused program, Cornell, NYU, and Boston University offer strong management-oriented courses.
• If practical experience is a priority, UNLV and UCF are located in major tourism hubs and have partnerships with global hospitality brands.
• For affordable tuition and strong industry ties, FIU, University of Houston, and Washington State University provide excellent value.

Which Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA is Right for You?

Do you want to run a luxury hotel, manage large-scale events, or start your own tourism business? Different programs focus on different skills, so picking the right one is important.

Comparison: Types of Hospitality Master’s Degrees

How to Decide?

• Want to specialize in hotel finance or analytics? An MS in Hospitality is ideal.
• Looking for a leadership-focused program? An MBA in Hospitality is the way to go.
• Making a career switch? The MMH program provides a strong foundation.

What Will You Study in Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA? 

A hospitality master’s degree blends business, leadership, and real-world applications. Expect to learn everything from hotel revenue management to AI-driven guest experiences.

Core Subjects in a Hospitality Master’s Program

Real-World Learning:

• Internships with leading hotels, resorts, and event firms.
• Business simulations where students manage a virtual hospitality company.

Check Out: Cost of Masters in USA

What is the Acceptance Rate for a Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA? 

Acceptance rates vary widely depending on the university and the program’s competitiveness.

What You Need to Know:

• Cornell University has the most competitive program, with an acceptance rate of around 30%.
• Schools with industry-focused programs like UNLV and FIU have higher acceptance rates (~50%-60%).
• Having hospitality work experience, a strong SOP, and good academic performance increases your chances.

Acceptance Rates at Top Hospitality Schools

How to Improve Your Chances?

• Gain work experience in hospitality or customer service roles.
• Write a compelling SOP explaining your leadership experience and career goals.
• Secure strong recommendation letters from hospitality professionals or professors.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA

The US hospitality industry is valued at $4.1 trillion (₹342 lakh crore), which has led to a high demand for skilled managers (Source: AHLA Report). Universities look for leadership potential, relevant work experience, and a strong understanding of the service industry.

General Admission Requirements

Who Has an Edge?

• Applicants with internships or full-time work experience in hotels, tourism, or event management.
• Strong SOP and LORs that highlight leadership, problem-solving, and passion for hospitality.

How to Apply for a Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA?

Universities look beyond grades—they want students who bring leadership and industry knowledge.

Note: 

• Application deadlines typically fall between October and June, depending on the university.
• Some universities conduct interviews to assess communication and leadership skills.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Pro Tip:

• Start your application 9-12 months in advance to allow time for test prep and document collection.
• A strong SOP that explains your career goals and hospitality experience can make your application stand out.

How Much Does a Hospitality Master’s Cost in the USA? 

The cost of studying in USA varies based on the university, program length, and location.

Note:

• The average tuition fee for hospitality master’s programs in the USA is $20,000–$60,000 (₹16.5–₹50 lakh) per year.
• Cities like New York and Boston have higher living costs, while states like Florida and Nevada offer more affordable options.

Cost Breakdown: Tuition & Living Expenses

Cheapest vs. Most Expensive Cities for Hospitality Students

Ways to Reduce Costs:

• Apply for scholarships and assistantships to offset tuition fees.
• Choose affordable cities like Orlando or Las Vegas, which offer lower tuition and living costs.
• Work part-time on campus—hospitality schools often provide paid internships in hotels, resorts, and event planning firms.

Read: USA Study Visa Requirements

Can You Get a Scholarship for Hospitality Studies?

Yes! Many universities and hospitality organizations in the USA offer scholarships to help students manage tuition costs. 

Top Hospitality Scholarships in the USA

How to Improve Your Chances?

• Keep a strong GPA (usually 3.0+).
• Get work experience in hospitality before applying.
• Write a great scholarship essay that highlights your passion for the industry.
• Apply early—deadlines are often 6–12 months before classes begin.

Do Hospitality Master’s Programs Include Internships?

Absolutely! Internships are a huge part of hospitality programs. If you have experience managing a five-star hotel, planning major events, or working at a Michelin-star restaurant, it is a plus. Most universities require an internship before graduation to prepare students for real-world challenges.

85% of hospitality students who complete an internship land a full-time job within six months (Source: American Hotel & Lodging Association).

Where Can You Intern?

What Are the Career Options After a Master’s in Hospitality Management in USA?

If you love working with people and want a dynamic career, hospitality management opens up endless opportunities.

Top Jobs in Hospitality Management

How to Get Ahead in Hospitality?

• Gain international experience through study abroad or internships.
• Build leadership skills in guest relations and crisis management.
• Network at hospitality industry events and alumni meetups.
• Stay updated with hospitality tech trends, like AI-driven customer service and digital marketing.

What Can You Do with a Hospitality Master’s Beyond Hotels? 

Think a hospitality management degree is only for hotel jobs? The skills you gain—customer experience, operations, leadership, and event planning—are in demand across multiple industries. Luxury brands, tech companies, consulting firms, or even finance, businesses want professionals who understand service, strategy, and people management.

70% of hospitality grads work outside traditional hotel roles (Source: AHLEI Report).

Companies like Amazon, Google, and Deloitte actively recruit hospitality professionals for customer experience and operations roles.

Where Can You Work with a Hospitality Master’s?

Can You Stay in the USA After Graduation?

Yes! If you want to stay and work in USA after your hospitality degree, you have multiple visa options. Whether you’re aiming for hands-on experience or looking for long-term residency, knowing your options early will help you plan better.

Many global hotel chains, luxury brands, and consulting firms sponsor international employees for work visas.

Work Visa Options After Graduation

How to Increase Your Chances?

• Target companies with H-1B sponsorship history—many global hotel chains and travel tech firms offer sponsorships.
• Develop specialized skills—expertise in revenue management, digital marketing, and hospitality tech makes you stand out.
• Use university career services—they can help find employers who frequently hire international grads.