Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide specializes in aviation and aerospace programs with exceptional post-graduation outcomes. Ranking in the top 5% nationally for both median earnings and earnings beyond expectations, the university delivers outstanding return on investment while maintaining moderate selectivity and manageable debt levels.
With exceptional tier performance, reflecting the university's outstanding earnings outcomes relative to educational costs
With typical tier performance, showing around-average cost management
With typical tier performance, reflecting moderate enrollment of underserved student populations
With typical tier performance, indicating around-average economic advancement outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisExceptional return on investment in aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ranks #225 nationally with return performance at the 96.7th percentile, leading with exceptional return on investment among the four pillars. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, this medium-sized private nonprofit institution maintains moderately selective admission with a 61.8% acceptance rate while delivering outstanding post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 25.1% Pell-eligible students and 35.5% first-generation students, with an unusually high 93.1% transfer student population. Graduates earn $25,708 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 96.2nd percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years after enrollment, placing Embry-Riddle in the 95th percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $63,066, graduates earn $21,065 more annually.
This combination of specialized programs, strong outcomes, and reasonable accessibility places Embry-Riddle within the Opportunity Builders quadrant.
Embry-Riddle delivers exceptional earnings outcomes with carefully managed debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $84,131 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $55,392 at the 25th percentile to $112,155 at the 75th percentile, reflecting strong outcomes across different aviation and business specializations. The institution generates $25,708 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 96.2nd percentile nationally on this critical measure.
Students pursuing aviation, aerospace, or business careers who want industry-focused programs with exceptional return on investment. Best suited for those prioritizing post-graduation earnings over traditional campus selectivity, particularly in specialized technical fields with strong job market demand.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide admits approximately 61.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category, making it significantly more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining meaningful admission standards.
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% shows that Embry-Riddle is somewhat more selective than typical private nonprofit institutions of similar size and scope. This level of selectivity means that most academically prepared students have reasonable admission prospects, though the specialized nature of aviation and aerospace programs may require specific academic preparation in mathematics and sciences.
Students should view Embry-Riddle as a realistic option rather than a reach school, particularly those with interests in technical fields. The 61.8% acceptance rate allows for comprehensive evaluation of applicants while maintaining program quality and industry preparation standards.
Prospective applicants should focus on demonstrating genuine interest in aviation, aerospace, or related technical fields rather than treating this as a backup option for more competitive programs.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Embry-Riddle's published cost of attendance is $24,015 per year, consisting of $11,665 in tuition, plus $1,600 for books and supplies. As a specialized private nonprofit institution, the university maintains relatively controlled costs compared to similar technical institutions.
The average student pays $19,733 after financial aid, representing savings of $4,282 through institutional and federal assistance programs. This net price of $19,733 compares favorably to the peer median of $27,143, making Embry-Riddle $7,410 less expensive than similar private nonprofit institutions.
The lower-than-expected costs reflect the institution's commitment to accessibility in specialized technical education, particularly important given the career-focused nature of aviation and aerospace programs. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with lower-income students receiving substantially more support.
The combination of controlled tuition rates and targeted financial aid creates affordability advantages for students committed to technical career pathways in high-demand industries.
Embry-Riddle graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $65,391 six years after enrollment to $76,224 at eight years and $84,131 at ten years, representing 28.7% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,262 graduates, providing strong confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $25,708 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Embry-Riddle in the 96.2nd percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $64,400, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility. Earnings span from $55,392 at the 25th percentile to $112,155 at the 75th percentile, with the variation primarily reflecting differences between aviation technical programs and business management tracks.
Approximately 20.7% of graduates continue to graduate study, indicating strong workforce preparation with moderate advanced education continuation.
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
25 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
27 graduates
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.
206 graduates
Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician.
87 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
79 graduates
Embry-Riddle offers 5 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking. Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology ranks #1 nationally and #1 in Florida, producing 25 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $93,433 and a perfect value score of 100.0.
Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Florida, representing the university's flagship program with 945 graduates earning $72,710 and achieving a value score of 96.0. Business Administration and Management ranks #27 nationally and #1 in Florida, graduating 433 students with median earnings of $77,767 and a value score of 92.3.
Aircraft Powerplant Technology graduates 87 students earning $85,596 annually. All five programs achieve top-major status at the institution, reflecting comprehensive excellence across the specialized curriculum portfolio.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
California State University Maritime Academy Higher acceptance rate (37 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 99% | $94,784 | Compare |
California State University Maritime Academy Higher acceptance rate (37 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 99% | $94,784 | Compare |
Jacksonville University Same state (87 miles away) (earnings difference: 19.2%); same institution type | FL | 57% | $68,010 | Compare |
Jacksonville University Same state (87 miles away) (earnings difference: 19.2%); same institution type | FL | 57% | $68,010 | Compare |
Jacksonville University Same state (87 miles away) (earnings difference: 19.2%); same institution type | FL | 57% | $68,010 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas Jefferson University Similar quality tier (#237 ranked) | PA | 86% | $77,449 | #237 | Compare |
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