Hospitality Management at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Hospitality Administration/Management
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,915/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (310,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 135 Hospitality Administration/Management programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

JMU's Hospitality program consistently delivers strong outcomes, reflecting its robust practical curriculum and strategic industry connections. Your success isn't just about classroom learning; it's built on a foundation of hands-on experience and a reputation that attracts recruiters from across the mid-Atlantic and beyond. Graduates frequently step into management roles at major hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton, upscale resorts, convention centers, and large-scale event management companies, often in operational leadership. While Harrisonburg offers a regional tourism base, many alumni leverage the program's network to secure positions in larger markets like DC, Richmond, and nationwide. Even as the industry embraces new technologies, your role as a manager will increasingly involve leveraging these tools and leading teams through change, rather than being replaced by them. To maximize your career trajectory, actively pursue diverse internships and build your professional network from day one.

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 $579K $571K $519K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.5x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,875
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,319
39% growth from Year 1

About James Madison University

James Madison University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 20,497 in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Hospitality Management at James Madison University?
At 62/100, James Madison 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 James Madison 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 James Madison University one of the best schools for Hospitality Management?
Among 135 Hospitality Management programs, James Madison University's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →