Hospitality Management at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Hospitality Administration/Management
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,009/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (310,600 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 135 Hospitality Administration/Management programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

The strong performance of SDSU's Hospitality Administration/Management program is deeply rooted in its prime location and robust industry connections. Being situated in San Diego, you're at the epicenter of a thriving tourism and convention market, offering unparalleled access to luxury resorts, major event venues, and a diverse culinary scene. This environment cultivates extensive internship opportunities and strong recruiting pipelines directly into management-track roles, allowing graduates to hit the ground running. The program's reputation within this dynamic regional labor market helps you secure positions with leading employers, often in supervisory capacities that command higher starting salaries. To truly maximize your potential and navigate future industry shifts, actively seek diverse experiences within the field, focusing on developing irreplaceable leadership, guest relations, and strategic problem-solving skills throughout your studies.

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 $553K $548K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.7x 16.5x 15.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.8x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,612
46% growth from Year 1

About San Diego State University

Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Hospitality Management at San Diego State University?
At 61/100, San Diego State 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 San Diego State 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 San Diego State University one of the best schools for Hospitality Management?
Among 135 Hospitality Management programs, San Diego State University's #4 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 →