This study investigates the current status of four‐year hospitality education pro grams within home economics units. Using data from a 1987 national survey of 276 members of the Federation of Administrators of Home Economics, status was determined by analysis of variation in enrollment, characteristics of faculty, pro gram options offered, types of laboratory facilities, internship requirements, and student placement services. Programs surveyed varied significantly only in current and predicted enrollment, number of full‐time faculty, number of faculty with Ph.D.s, and proportion of programs placing at least one graduate in mid‐scale dining. Given the increased employment projections for hospitality managers and the fact that the current majority of these programs are within home economics units, hospitality education programs offer an opportunity for substantial home economics program growth.