Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, achieving nearly $19,000 above expectations in specialized aviation and aerospace careers.
Graduates consistently reach top-tier earnings that place the university among the strongest performers nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes, ranking in the top 10% nationally for graduate earnings among all institutions. What makes this specialized university distinctive is its laser focus on aviation, aerospace, and technical fields that translate directly into high-paying careers. With median 10-year earnings of $84,131, graduates consistently outperform expectations by nearly $19,000 compared with similar students at other institutions.
The university serves a selective student population, with only 15% of students receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its position as a specialized institution that attracts students from higher-income families. However, those who do attend see remarkable returns on their investment. The institution's strength lies in its deep industry connections and specialized curriculum that prepares students for careers in aviation, aerospace, and related technical fields where demand remains strong and compensation is competitive.
As a medium-sized private nonprofit institution based in Florida, Embry-Riddle combines the focused mission of a specialized school with the resources and network of an established university. For students committed to aviation and aerospace careers, the combination of industry-specific training, strong alumni networks, and consistently high graduate earnings makes this institution a compelling choice despite higher upfront costs.
Embry-Riddle's program portfolio reflects its specialized mission in aviation, aerospace, and technical fields that lead directly to high-demand careers. Aeronautics and Aviation Science dominates the university's output with 945 graduates, creating the largest economic impact through sheer scale even though individual earnings of $48,833 are more moderate. This program serves as the university's core pipeline into aviation careers where Embry-Riddle's reputation and industry connections provide significant advantages in hiring and career advancement.
Business Administration graduates 433 students annually with stronger early-career earnings of $59,314, reflecting the university's ability to combine business training with aviation industry knowledge. Aircraft Powerplant Technology represents the highest-earning program with graduates earning $64,087, demonstrating how specialized technical training translates into premium compensation in fields where expertise is scarce and demand remains strong.
The university's focused approach creates clear advantages in specialized markets where employers actively recruit Embry-Riddle graduates. Unlike broader institutions that compete across many fields, Embry-Riddle's concentrated expertise in aviation and aerospace means graduates enter industries where the university's reputation, alumni networks, and industry partnerships provide meaningful career advantages. This specialization explains why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations by nearly $19,000 compared with similar students at other institutions.
Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide achieve outstanding long-term financial outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $84,131, placing the institution in the top 10% nationally for graduate earnings. Even more impressive is how much graduates outperform expectations—they earn nearly $19,000 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages we track. This exceptional performance stems from the university's specialized focus on high-demand technical fields where employers actively recruit and starting salaries remain competitive.
The university's program portfolio drives these strong outcomes through targeted career preparation. Aeronautics and Aviation Science represents the largest program by total impact, graduating 945 students who enter directly into aviation careers with median earnings of $48,833. Business Administration graduates 433 students annually with stronger early earnings of $59,314, while Aircraft Powerplant Technology produces 87 highly specialized graduates earning $64,087 in their early careers. These programs connect directly to industries where Embry-Riddle's reputation and alumni network provide meaningful advantages in hiring and career advancement.
The university's specialized mission creates clear pathways into aviation, aerospace, and technical management roles where demand consistently exceeds supply. Graduates benefit from industry-specific training, extensive internship opportunities, and employer relationships that have been built over decades. This focused approach explains why Embry-Riddle graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed what similar students earn at broader institutions, making it an exceptional choice for students committed to these career paths.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide requires a significant upfront investment, with net prices that reflect its specialized mission and private status. Low-income students pay approximately $35,431 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $39,693, and high-income families pay about $43,073. These prices are notably higher than typical public universities, positioning the institution as a premium option that requires careful financial planning from most families.
The investment becomes more manageable when viewed against graduate outcomes. With median 10-year earnings of $84,131 and graduates earning nearly $19,000 more than expected compared with peers, the long-term return helps justify the higher upfront costs. Federal student loan debt averages $23,666, which is reasonable relative to graduate earning power, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,998, reflecting the reality that many families need to contribute significantly to cover the full cost of attendance.
What makes the financial picture sustainable is the strength of graduate outcomes in specialized fields. Aviation and aerospace careers typically offer stable employment with competitive compensation, and Embry-Riddle's industry connections help graduates secure positions that can support loan repayment. The university's loan repayment rates are strong, with borrowers consistently paying down balances faster than national averages, indicating that graduates generally achieve the financial stability needed to manage their educational investment successfully.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
