The recognition reflects Rosen College’s continued strength in hospitality and tourism education and research, as well as its close connection to the industry it serves.
Located in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, Rosen College gives students an opportunity to learn alongside one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality industries. Major hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, restaurants, convention centers and entertainment destinations surround the college, creating an environment where industry is part of the student experience from the beginning.
“The ranking recognizes what Rosen College has accomplished over the past two decades,” Rosen College Dean Cynthia Mejia says. “What excites me most is how we build on that foundation. Our goal is to influence the future of hospitality through the students we educate, the research we produce, the partnerships we create and the solutions we help develop for the industry’s most important challenges.”
Learning in the heart of hospitality
At Rosen College, the connection between the classroom and the workplace extends beyond the college’s location.
Students gain experience through internships, industry projects, professional organizations and opportunities to engage directly with hospitality leaders. Faculty members bring industry experience and current research into the classroom, while partnerships with organizations across Central Florida and beyond help students understand how concepts learned in class are applied in real-world settings.
The result is an education shaped by an industry that is constantly changing.
From guest experience and destination management to lodging, events, food service, entertainment and emerging technologies, Rosen College students are surrounded by the organizations and professionals influencing the future of hospitality.
That connection also extends to research.
Rosen College faculty study challenges facing the hospitality and tourism industry, producing research that explores topics such as consumer behavior, artificial intelligence, technology, destination management, sustainability, accessibility, workforce development and the future of tourism.
The college’s research is designed not only to expand academic knowledge, but also to provide insights that can help industry leaders understand and respond to emerging challenges.
“This ranking reflects the depth, quality and consistency of the research being produced by our faculty,” Manuel Rivera, associate dean of research at Rosen College says. “To be recognized once again among the world’s leading hospitality and tourism programs is a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, students, alumni and industry partners. The ranking recognizes the foundation Rosen College has built over the past two decades. Building on that foundation, Rosen College is helping shape the future of hospitality through impactful research, innovation, industry partnerships and the development of future leaders.”
Building with industry
Rosen College’s industry connections continue to grow as the hospitality landscape evolves.
In 2026, UCF and Universal Destinations & Experiences established the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation at Rosen College through a $10 million investment. The new school expands the university’s partnership with one of the world’s leading experience-driven organizations and creates new opportunities to explore emerging areas of hospitality, entertainment and experience design.
The partnership will support work exploring technologies and approaches including artificial intelligence, digital twins, augmented and virtual reality, service robotics and human-centered experiences.
It represents another example of Rosen College’s approach to education: bringing academic expertise and industry knowledge together to explore what comes next.
The college also works closely with organizations throughout Central Florida, including hotels, resorts, attractions, convention and event organizations, restaurants and other hospitality businesses. These relationships create opportunities for students while helping the college remain connected to the needs and changes shaping the industry.
Preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders
ShanghaiRanking’s recognition is based on research-focused measures including research output, research quality, international collaboration and academic influence. Rosen College’s continued position at the top reflects the work of its faculty and the broader community that supports its mission.
But for Rosen College, the ranking is also a reflection of what happens beyond the classroom.
Students arrive at Rosen College to prepare for careers in one of the world’s largest and most diverse industries. They graduate with academic knowledge, professional experience and an understanding of an industry they have been connected to throughout their education.
For seven consecutive years, ShanghaiRanking has recognized Rosen College as the No. 1 hospitality and tourism program in the nation. The recognition reflects a community built around education, research and industry connection, with a shared focus on advancing the future of hospitality.
As hospitality continues to evolve, Rosen College remains focused on preparing students to not only enter the industry, but help shape what comes next.
Explore our undergraduate programs and graduate programs to learn more about the opportunities available at Rosen College.