How Much Does Hotel Management School Cost?
Hotel Management School Prices
Hotel and motel managers are responsible for the efficient and profitable operation of the lodging establishment they work for as well as the comfort and enjoyment of guests. Their training should include aspects of administration, business, marketing, finance, and customer service. This training can be learned on the job but some establishments—in particular full-service hotels—prefer managers to have a bachelor's degree in hotel management/operations, hospitality, or a related field.
Hotel and Motel Manager Considerations
The job duties of a lodging manager depend on the actual position (i.e. whether he or she works as a general manager, revenue manager, front office manager, etc.) and the size and complexity of the lodging establishment (whether it's an independently owned inn that accommodates a few dozen guests, a Las Vegas hotel that accommodates thousands of guests and has pools, restaurants, and a casino, etc.). Learn more about what hotel/motel managers do by reading the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook for lodging managers.
Additional information that prospective hotel managers should know includes the following:
Salary and Job Prospects
BLS estimates that lodging managers earn a median annual income of $46,810 ($22.50 per hour). Ninetieth percentile income-earners in this profession earn close to $90,000 per year, while those in the 10th percentile earn less than $30,000 per annum.
Job outlook statistics indicate that lodging manager employment growth should grow by 8% between 2010 and 2020. BLS notes that small hotels should offer better job opportunities for lodging managers than large, full-service properties.
Becoming a Lodging Manager
Although formal training at a college or university isn't a prerequisite for lodging managers, BLS stresses that individuals with a degree in hotel or hospitality management will likely have the best job prospects, especially at full-service, upscale establishments. Associate's, bachelor's, and even graduate degree programs are offered by educational institutions across the country. You can begin your search for schools at the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) website. The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) also has information on hotel management educational programs.
In addition to degree programs, a number of professional certifications are available from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AH&LA). They include Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM) and Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA).
Hotel and Motel Management School Average Costs
Please bear in mind that the actual cost of post-secondary school varies greatly between institutions. For the most accurate cost information on a particular school, visit that school's website or contact its financial aid department. The prices below describe national averages only.
- The College Board (a non-profit education organization) estimates that the average per annum tuition and fees at colleges and universities cost:
- Public two-year college: $3,131
- Public four-year college (in-state students): $8,655
- Public four-year college (out-of-state students): $21,706
- Private four-year institution: $29,056
- Note that these costs do not include room and board.
- Graduate programs in hotel or hospitality management might cost $20,000 to $70,000 or more in tuition and fees alone (excluding books, room and board, and other expenses). Some schools allow students to jointly earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in hotel or hospitality management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Such programs cost more and take longer to complete than an M.S. program alone.
- Financial aid is available from schools, state and federal government, non-profits, and private organizations. Find out more about paying for your education at the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid website.
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