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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,015 |
| Tuition and Fees | $42,304 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$4,282 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,733 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $35,431 |
| $30–48k | $18,701 |
| $48–75k | $20,836 |
| $75–110k | $24,015 |
| $110k+ | $24,015 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Embry-Riddle graduates carry median debt of $23,666, essentially matching the peer median of $24,181 and resulting in typical debt levels for similar institutions. Debt ranges from $5,250 at the 25th percentile to $26,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with minimal borrowing while others approach federal lending limits.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates that typical graduates devote 28% of their annual income to debt obligations, representing manageable levels for technical career pathways. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,998 with monthly payments of $342, reflecting moderate family borrowing to support specialized technical education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Embry-Riddle represents an exceptional educational investment based on return on investment analysis. The university generates $25,708 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 96.2nd percentile nationally and demonstrating outstanding value creation.
Median earnings of $84,131 rank at the 95th percentile, while debt levels remain typical at the 43rd percentile, creating a highly favorable investment profile. Graduates earn $21,065 more annually than the $63,066 peer median, while carrying essentially identical debt burdens.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates sustainable financial obligations relative to income potential. This combination earns exceptional ROI tier performance, ranking at the 97th percentile nationally.
Embry-Riddle's financial aid profile reflects its specialized mission and moderate selectivity. With 25.1% of students receiving Pell Grants, the institution enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students while focusing primarily on middle and upper-middle-income families.
The $4,282 average financial aid savings indicates moderate but not extensive aid availability compared to more selective institutions. Aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the progressive net price structure, with families under $48,000 receiving the most substantial support.
The financial aid approach emphasizes access to specialized technical education rather than broad-based merit aid, reflecting the university's role in workforce development for aviation and aerospace industries. Students should expect aid to be primarily need-based rather than merit-focused, with the strongest support reserved for those demonstrating genuine financial need through federal aid applications.
The combination of controlled borrowing and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable debt sustainability. Students should expect debt levels consistent with career-focused technical programs, with earnings potential sufficient to support standard repayment timelines without undue financial strain.
