Is Cornell or Tulane better for an undergraduate career in hotel management?

Cornell is the stronger choice for an undergraduate career specifically in hotel management.

A major advantage is Cornell’s direct industry infrastructure. Students can gain practical exposure through the Statler Hotel on campus, hotel-related student organizations, and a large alumni network that includes leaders across lodging, food service, travel, consulting, and hospitality real estate. The Nolan School is also closely connected to Cornell’s broader business and real-estate resources, which is valuable for students who may eventually want to move beyond property operations into development, asset management, or corporate roles.

Tulane can still provide useful preparation through business studies and New Orleans-based experiences in restaurants, events, tourism, and service-oriented enterprises. New Orleans is an especially compelling setting for students drawn to food, culture, festivals, and boutique or independent hospitality. But a Tulane student would need to build a hotel-focused path more independently through internships, electives, and networking, whereas Cornell provides that structure from the start.

For a student whose central goal is to enter hotel operations, management training programs, hospitality finance, or hotel real estate after college, Cornell carries clearer specialization and more established recruiting pathways.