Is a degree in Hospitality worth it?

Hospitality (hotels, airlines, transportation, travel) has interested me since I was very little. It’s something that I actually like to do, even down to scheduling, booking tickets and the like.

I’m wondering, though, if it would be wise to get a degree in Hospitality, or if it would be better to just get an entry-level job at a hotel. I was thinking about getting an Associate’s degree first, and seeing how everything works out before getting a Bachelor’s degree. I would love to study the industry, and have a good idea of the ins and outs of Hospitality management and tourism, but I’m wondering if it would be wise to spend the time and money on it.

In my area, the options for education in Hospitality are limited, and the options available are very expensive.

I am thinking about taking a year off between high school and [potentially] college to work (in the hospitality industry in some capacity) to get some money to support myself and my education if I need to. What do you all think?

Would it be better to just go straight from high school to college, majoring in Hospitality Management? My options right now are New York Institute of Technology and NYU, which are both pretty expensive for my circumstances. With my grades I could probably get a scholarship, but I am still deliberating if, in this industry, it would be better to for experience and jump into the industry, instead of going to college for it first.

Your thoughts?