Hospitality Management at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Hospitality Administration/Management
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
64
Optimistic
64
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,803/yr (121% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (310,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #1 of 135 Hospitality Administration/Management programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

The robust earnings reflect Cornell's unparalleled reputation in hospitality education, often called "The Hotel School." This program is not just about managing hotels; it's a rigorous business degree with a specialized focus. Your education here prepares you for leadership roles across a vast ecosystem, from real estate development and finance within the hospitality sector to consulting, asset management, and entrepreneurial ventures, far beyond traditional operations. The high AI risk, however, highlights an evolving industry. While your strategic thinking and interpersonal skills will remain vital, many routine managerial and operational tasks, from revenue management to guest services coordination, are increasingly optimized by artificial intelligence. This means your career will demand adaptability, focusing on overseeing these advanced systems and innovating customer experiences rather than performing those tasks manually. You'll need to master leveraging technology to your advantage. Your actionable advice is to actively seek internships and projects that integrate data analytics and new technologies, ensuring you're not just managing people, but also managing and interpreting the insights from AI-driven tools.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Hospitality Management graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $718K $697K $612K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 64 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,086
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,785
27% growth from Year 1

About Cornell University

Only 8% of applicants gain admission to Cornell University, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 15,935 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Facilities managers $104,690/yr
Business teachers, postsecondary $97,270/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Hospitality Management at Other Schools

Compare Hospitality Management

Other Majors at Cornell University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Hospitality Management at Cornell University?
At 64/100, Cornell University's Hospitality Management program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Hospitality Management at Cornell University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Cornell University one of the best schools for Hospitality Management?
Among 135 Hospitality Management programs, Cornell University's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Hospitality Management at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →