Online Hospitality and Culinary Arts Degree Programs

A variety of well-paying occupations can open up to you with a degree in hospitality and culinary arts — an industry with one of the highest job openings (BLS, 2017).

Whether it’s for business, a vacation or to catch the next international music festival, people are traveling more than ever. Because the industry has become so competitive, having a degree in hospitality or culinary arts can help widen your career prospects and increase your chances for advancement.

Students aspiring to enter this field may find it more exciting and challenging than ever with hotels, restaurants and travel agencies competing for customer attention, striving to create the ultimate experience for their clients through state-of-the-art services and innovative culinary delights. Many are using technology to enhance customer experience through services such as facial recognition for unlocking doors, automatic check-in apps or the use of AI to keep records of hotel guest preferences. Chefs and sous chefs are learning to blend technology, science and art to create new culinary experiences for their diners.

Government initiatives to boost the hospitality industry are not far behind. Brand USA, a marketing organization which works with the Department of Commerce, is actively working to increase international travel to the United States through multiple campaigns. The Department projects international travel to grow by 2.7 percent by 2022.

According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the hotel industry can provide “jobs with benefits and offers opportunities that quickly lead to upper management position providing longterm careers with high level of satisfaction.” The U.S. Department of Commerce reports 3.4 million jobs in the hotel sector, while food services support nearly 2 million jobs.

Sounds wonderful? If you have good communication and organizational skills you can be a good candidate for jobs in this industry. An online hospitality and culinary art degree program can help you learn the skills needed to advance in this field. High school graduates or working professionals, who don’t have the time to attend an on-campus program, can earn a hospitality degree online without having to leave their job or neglect other commitments.

Chefs and Head Cooks
Job Description:
Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns.
Median Annual Salary: $51,530
Typical Degree Required:
High school diploma or equivalent
Food Scientists and Technologists
Job Description:
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
Median Annual Salary: $68,970
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree
Food Service Managers
Job Description:
Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. They direct staff to ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience, and they manage the business to ensure that it is profitable.
Median Annual Salary: $55,320
Typical Degree Required:
High school diploma or equivalent
Human Resources Managers
Job Description:
Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization�s management and its employees.
Median Annual Salary: $116,720
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Job Description:
Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of events and professional meetings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation, and other details.
Median Annual Salary: $50,600
Typical Degree Required:
Bachelor's degree

Hospitality and culinary workers may be equipped on the job, but upscale institutions increasingly require formal preparation from hospitality and culinary arts degree programs. Online hospitality and culinary degree programs are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree levels. These programs often include internships to help students gain hands-on experience and customer service skills. They may also help prepare you for professional certification or potential employment, as well as specializations of your choice.

Take a look at the variety of options you have in fields such as the hotel and lodging industry, recreation, entertainment, or dining and food service.

Be sure to click on the buttons under each section to get data-driven information on degree programs. This information can serve as a guide as you consider your various degree options.

Take a look at our top college choices, carefully crafted to present prospective online students with the best online college options.

Online Culinary Arts Degrees

While a passion for food is definitely a must, an entrepreneurial spirit coupled with the knowledge you gain may help you start your own restaurant, bakery or even write your own bestselling cookbook. Research from the National Restaurant Association states 8 out of 10 restaurant owners started their careers with entry-level positions in the industry.

Studies show that formally educated professionals in the culinary field are more in demand and receive higher pay than those without. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the demand for chefs and head cooks is going to grow faster than the average rate for all occupations.

Click on the buttons below to learn about the type of jobs you may qualify for, wages you may earn, typical duties you may perform along with coursework you may encounter related to each degree program.

Culinary Arts Baking and Pastry
Online Hospitality Degrees

Careers in the hospitality industry often involve working with customers face to face; however, there are plenty of jobs, like managing housekeeping staff, that involve working behind the scenes. Competition in the industry is expected to be tight in the coming years as hotel chains seek to streamline management positions. Event planners are expected to have a faster than average job outlook from 2019 to 2029. The BLS predicts that degree holders are more likely to have an advantage because of their formal education.

Click on the tabs below to learn about the different degree programs related to the hospitality, travel and tourism including hotel and restaurant management. Compare programs by finding out the jobs you may be able to get with each degree along with the kind of salary you may expect, and coursework you may encounter by degree level.

Hospitality Management Hotel Management Restaurant Management Catering Event Planning Travel and Tourism

Under each degree level, we’ve ranked the top 10 accredited colleges offering the best online hospitality management programs and culinary arts degree programs based on criteria that are important to you as an online student. Our ranking criteria include the percentage of students enrolled in distance education, career placement services, funding opportunities and more. You can have a look at our detailed methodology at the bottom of the page.

Best Online Colleges for Associate Degrees in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Earning an associate degree may allow you to obtain entry-level positions in larger establishments in the hospitality and travel industries, or even managerial positions in smaller hotels and restaurants. However, you may find colleges that allow you to complete them on a part-time study schedule so that you have more time to focus on your other commitments. Associate degree programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete.

1
Albany Technical College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$2,136
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
68
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,649
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Arizona Western College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$2,016
No. of online programs
2
% of students in distance education
52
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,544
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Casper College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$2,256
No. of online programs
14
% of students in distance education
41
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,145
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Central Texas College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,390
No. of online programs
57
% of students in distance education
57
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,629
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Chemeketa Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,915
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
36
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,871
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,800
No. of online programs
13
% of students in distance education
43
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,332
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Middlesex Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$576
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
32
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,643
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
NHTI-Concord's Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$6,880
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
33
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,988
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
Somerset Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
22
% of students in distance education
66
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,000
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,950
No. of online programs
13
% of students in distance education
43
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,643
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
N/A
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
1
Albany Technical College
Average in-state tuition$2,136
No. of online programs25
% of students in distance education68
Avg. amount of Aid$5,649
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Arizona Western College
Average in-state tuition$2,016
No. of online programs2
% of students in distance education52
Avg. amount of Aid$4,544
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Casper College
Average in-state tuition$2,256
No. of online programs14
% of students in distance education41
Avg. amount of Aid$4,145
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Central Texas College
Average in-state tuition$3,390
No. of online programs57
% of students in distance education57
Avg. amount of Aid$3,629
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Chemeketa Community College
Average in-state tuition$3,915
No. of online programs25
% of students in distance education36
Avg. amount of Aid$4,871
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Average in-state tuition$3,800
No. of online programs13
% of students in distance education43
Avg. amount of Aid$5,332
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Middlesex Community College
Average in-state tuition$576
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education32
Avg. amount of Aid$3,643
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
NHTI-Concord's Community College
Average in-state tuition$6,880
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education33
Avg. amount of Aid$3,988
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
Somerset Community College
Average in-state tuition$4,056
No. of online programs22
% of students in distance education66
Avg. amount of Aid$4,000
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Average in-state tuition$4,950
No. of online programs13
% of students in distance education43
Avg. amount of Aid$5,643
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Best Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

With the hospitality industry booming, you can expect that competition for jobs to be stiff. Positions in high-end hotel and restaurant chains or large event management companies may require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree even for entry-level jobs. The career outlook can be bright for bachelor’s degree holders with employment in the meeting, conventions and events sector projected to grow by 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS. Bachelor’s degrees typically take full-time students four years to complete.

1
California State University-East Bay
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$5,742
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
54
Avg. amount
of Aid
$8,452
Admissions
Rate
71.595065402
Graduation
Rate
48
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
East Carolina University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,452
No. of online programs
67
% of students in distance education
45
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,795
Admissions
Rate
82.198982799
Graduation
Rate
65
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Florida International University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,721
No. of online programs
72
% of students in distance education
65
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,872
Admissions
Rate
58.5574446162
Graduation
Rate
58
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Fort Hays State University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,990
No. of online programs
36
% of students in distance education
83
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,629
Admissions
Rate
92.2866271109
Graduation
Rate
44
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
North Carolina Central University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$3,728
No. of online programs
20
% of students in distance education
44
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,058
Admissions
Rate
46.6395268454
Graduation
Rate
46
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Northern Arizona University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$9,738
No. of online programs
65
% of students in distance education
43
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,380
Admissions
Rate
82.6151882925
Graduation
Rate
52
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Robert Morris University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$29,060
No. of online programs
23
% of students in distance education
36
Avg. amount
of Aid
$17,333
Admissions
Rate
84.1282501196
Graduation
Rate
64
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
Schiller International University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$14,160
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
100
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,317
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
33
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$15,406
No. of online programs
31
% of students in distance education
21
Avg. amount
of Aid
$9,757
Admissions
Rate
59.9208443272
Graduation
Rate
80
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$7,014
No. of online programs
26
% of students in distance education
48
Avg. amount
of Aid
$4,950
Admissions
Rate
90.1148625131
Graduation
Rate
58
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
1
California State University-East Bay
Average in-state tuition$5,742
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education54
Avg. amount of Aid$8,452
Admission Rate71.595065402
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
East Carolina University
Average in-state tuition$4,452
No. of online programs67
% of students in distance education45
Avg. amount of Aid$7,795
Admission Rate82.198982799
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Florida International University
Average in-state tuition$4,721
No. of online programs72
% of students in distance education65
Avg. amount of Aid$5,872
Admission Rate58.5574446162
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Fort Hays State University
Average in-state tuition$3,990
No. of online programs36
% of students in distance education83
Avg. amount of Aid$4,629
Admission Rate92.2866271109
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
North Carolina Central University
Average in-state tuition$3,728
No. of online programs20
% of students in distance education44
Avg. amount of Aid$9,058
Admission Rate46.6395268454
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Northern Arizona University
Average in-state tuition$9,738
No. of online programs65
% of students in distance education43
Avg. amount of Aid$9,380
Admission Rate82.6151882925
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
Robert Morris University
Average in-state tuition$29,060
No. of online programs23
% of students in distance education36
Avg. amount of Aid$17,333
Admission Rate84.1282501196
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
Schiller International University
Average in-state tuition$14,160
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education100
Avg. amount of Aid$3,317
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Average in-state tuition$15,406
No. of online programs31
% of students in distance education21
Avg. amount of Aid$9,757
Admission Rate59.9208443272
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Average in-state tuition$7,014
No. of online programs26
% of students in distance education48
Avg. amount of Aid$4,950
Admission Rate90.1148625131
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Best Online Colleges for Master’s Degrees in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Online master’s hospitality degree programs can give working professionals a hands-on chance to apply their knowledge as they learn and work toward management positions. A master’s online culinary arts program can prepare you to run a professional kitchen. Wages can vary depending on your job role, experience and where you live. Online master’s degrees can take full-time students approximately between one to two years to complete.

1
California State University-East Bay
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$5,742
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
54
Avg. amount
of Aid
$8,452
Admissions
Rate
71.595065402
Graduation
Rate
48
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Florida International University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,721
No. of online programs
72
% of students in distance education
65
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,872
Admissions
Rate
58.5574446162
Graduation
Rate
58
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$32,091
No. of online programs
0
% of students in distance education
14
Avg. amount
of Aid
$17,079
Admissions
Rate
91.0015251652
Graduation
Rate
67
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Monroe College
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$14,328
No. of online programs
23
% of students in distance education
27
Avg. amount
of Aid
$14,217
Admissions
Rate
43.8737531636
Graduation
Rate
53
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Roosevelt University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$29,832
No. of online programs
14
% of students in distance education
40
Avg. amount
of Aid
$15,579
Admissions
Rate
64.8490996703
Graduation
Rate
39
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Schiller International University
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$14,160
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
100
Avg. amount
of Aid
$3,317
Admissions
Rate
N/A
Graduation
Rate
33
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
University of Central Florida
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$4,478
No. of online programs
47
% of students in distance education
57
Avg. amount
of Aid
$6,638
Admissions
Rate
42.5339582935
Graduation
Rate
73
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$7,169
No. of online programs
9
% of students in distance education
42
Avg. amount
of Aid
$5,903
Admissions
Rate
82.0444367895
Graduation
Rate
43
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of New Orleans
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$6,090
No. of online programs
5
% of students in distance education
42
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,615
Admissions
Rate
57.2640509014
Graduation
Rate
37
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
University of North Texas
Additional Info
Average in-state tuition
$8,103
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
46
Avg. amount
of Aid
$7,842
Admissions
Rate
71.0536838948
Graduation
Rate
53
Career
Counseling
Yes
Placement
Services
Yes
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
1
California State University-East Bay
Average in-state tuition$5,742
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education54
Avg. amount of Aid$8,452
Admission Rate71.595065402
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
2
Florida International University
Average in-state tuition$4,721
No. of online programs72
% of students in distance education65
Avg. amount of Aid$5,872
Admission Rate58.5574446162
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
3
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Average in-state tuition$32,091
No. of online programs0
% of students in distance education14
Avg. amount of Aid$17,079
Admission Rate91.0015251652
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
4
Monroe College
Average in-state tuition$14,328
No. of online programs23
% of students in distance education27
Avg. amount of Aid$14,217
Admission Rate43.8737531636
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
5
Roosevelt University
Average in-state tuition$29,832
No. of online programs14
% of students in distance education40
Avg. amount of Aid$15,579
Admission Rate64.8490996703
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
6
Schiller International University
Average in-state tuition$14,160
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education100
Avg. amount of Aid$3,317
Admission RateN/A
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
7
University of Central Florida
Average in-state tuition$4,478
No. of online programs47
% of students in distance education57
Avg. amount of Aid$6,638
Admission Rate42.5339582935
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
8
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Average in-state tuition$7,169
No. of online programs9
% of students in distance education42
Avg. amount of Aid$5,903
Admission Rate82.0444367895
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
9
University of New Orleans
Average in-state tuition$6,090
No. of online programs5
% of students in distance education42
Avg. amount of Aid$7,615
Admission Rate57.2640509014
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
10
University of North Texas
Average in-state tuition$8,103
No. of online programs25
% of students in distance education46
Avg. amount of Aid$7,842
Admission Rate71.0536838948
Career CounselingYes
Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

The table below uses data from the BLS to show you the top occupations in the fields of hospitality and culinary studies based on average wages, projected job openings and employment in the field to help you determine which career path can be right for you.

Occupations In-Demand for CULINARY-ARTS
Job Openings
Median Salary
Typical Entry Level Education
Food Scientists and Technologists1,80068,970Bachelor's degree

Methodologies and Sources

To be included in our rankings for the top colleges for online degrees in hospitality and culinary arts by degree level all colleges had to meet the following 4 requirements:

  • Offer a degree or certificate program in that subject, either in an online or hybrid format
  • Have at least 1% of students attending some form of distance education
  • Have awarded at least one degree or certificate in that subject in 2015-16
  • Have reported data for all 19 ranking variables for associate/bachelor’s and 11 ranking variables for master’s (listed below)

We then ranked colleges and universities in the United States that fit our criteria, using 2016-17 data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the weights specified. The final totals were:

  • 25 colleges for online associate degree in hospitality and culinary arts
  • 23 colleges for online bachelor’s degree in hospitality and culinary arts
  • 12 colleges for online master’s degree in hospitality and culinary art

We then scored the final list of colleges by degree level on a 100-point scale using these specific data points:

Associate/Bachelor’s

  1. Associate’s/Bachelor’s Program prominence, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded via distance education in 2016-2017 were in this particular subject
  2. Ratio of undergraduate students participating fully or partially in Distance Education to Total Enrollment
  3. Average in-state tuition for undergraduates
  4. Retention rate
  5. Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal, state, local, institutional or other sources of grant aid
  6. Average amount of federal, state, local, institutional, or other sources of grant aid awarded to undergraduate students
  7. Student-to-faculty ratio
  8. Variety of Programs, based on the number of similar topics for programs in relevant CIP codes that are offered via distance education at any level
  9. Total electronic library collections, including digital books, databases, and media
  10. The availability of any tuition plans (Payment, Guaranteed, Prepaid, Other)
  11. Services (Academic/Career Counseling, Placement for Completers)
  12. Credit offerings (Dual, Life, AP, Military)

Master’s

    1. Master’s Program prominence, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded via distance education in 2016-2017 were in this particular subject
    2. Ratio of graduate students participating fully or partially in Distance Education to Total Enrollment
    3. Average in-state tuition for graduates
    4. Credit offerings (Life, Military)
    5. Services (Academic/Career Counseling, Placement for Completers)
    6. The availability of any tuition plans (Payment, Prepaid, Other)
    7. Total electronic library collections, including digital books, databases, and media

Methodology Sources

        • Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2016-17, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sources

      • 5 Technology Trends Impacting the Hospitality Sector, Comcast, 2018, https://cbcommunity.comcast.com/docs/default-source/white-papers/comcast_hospitalitytrends_wp_3.pdf?sfvrsn=4
      • 2018 and Beyond: Hospitality and Foodservice Trends That Benefit the Business Bottom Line, Total Food Service, 2018, https://totalfood.com/2018-beyond-hospitality-and-foodservice-trends-benefit-business-bottom-line/
      • Advocating for Our Guests, Employees and Communities, the Hotel Industry, 2016 Policy Agenda, https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/Policy_Guide_2016.pdf
      • Assessing objective and subjective factors of culinary career success: Exploring the influence of industry certifications, Journal of Culinary Science & Technology 14, no. 1 (2016): 36-58, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15428052.2015.1080641
      • Bachelor of Culinary Arts (BA), School of Social and Human Studies, Atlantic International University, https://www.aiu.edu/Bachelor%20of%20Culinary%20Arts.htm, accessed October 2018
      • Chefs and Head Cooks, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm, accessed October 2018
      • Facts at a Glance, News & Research, National Restaurant Association (NRA), https://www.restaurant.org/News-Research/Research/Facts-at-a-Glance, accessed October 2018
      • Hospitality and Tourism Management, M.S., University of Central Florida, https://www.ucf.edu/online/degree/hospitality-and-tourism-management-m-s/, accessed October 2018
      • Hospitality Management (PhD), University of Central Florida, https://www.ucf.edu/degree/hospitality-management-phd/, accessed October 2018
      • Leisure and hospitality industry leads in job openings, The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, July 2017, https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2017/leisure-and-hospitality-industry-leads-in-job-openings-rates.htm
      • Lodging Managers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm, accessed October 2018
      • Looking for a bigger salary? These are the companies with the highest median pay, The Washington Post, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2018/04/26/looking-for-a-bigger-salary-these-are-the-companies-with-the-highest-median-pay/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.94007c7e9d4b
      • Major: Culinary Arts, BigFuture, The College Board, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/personal-culinary-services-culinary-arts-related-services-culinary-arts, accessed October 2018
      • Mapping the Technology Landscape, News & Research, National Restaurant Association (NRA), https://www.restaurant.org/News-Research/Research/Mapping-the-Technology-Landscape, accessed October 2018
      • Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm, accessed October 2018
      • Occupational Wages, Department of Labor, New York State, https://labor.ny.gov/stats/lswage2.asp, accessed October 2018
      • Part-time program for Culinary Arts, Walnut Hill College, http://www.walnuthillcollege.edu/programs-classes/degree-programs/part-time-program-culinary-arts/, accessed October 2018
      • What’s the Difference Between Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management?, ECPI University, https://www.ecpi.edu/blog/whats-the-difference-between-culinary-arts-and-hospitality-management, accessed October 2018
      • Why the US Budget Ax Must Spare Brand USA, Forbes, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/edfuller/2017/06/26/why-the-us-budget-ax-must-spare-brand-usa/#32fb6445ba62
      • World Travel and Tourism Council, Travel & Tourism – Global Economic Impact and Issues 2018, 2018, https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/documents-2018/global-economic-impact-and-issues-2018-eng.pdf
      • Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Spotlight, SelectUSA, the Department of Commerce, https://www.selectusa.gov/travel-tourism-and-hospitality-industry-united-states, accessed January 2019

Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.
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Methodologies and Sources