Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $84,131 — 56% above average — while paying $18,725/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 21% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #7 of 7 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of San Diego | 59 | $30,365 | $86,522 |
| #2 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 54 | $43,071 | $103,470 |
| #3 | Adelphi University | 42 | $30,783 | $75,482 |
| #4 | Elon University | 37 | $41,555 | $74,545 |
| #5 | National University | 31 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| #6 | Sacred Heart University | 30 | $46,174 | $75,059 |
| #7 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | 24 | $18,725 | $84,131 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
The highest-earning program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at $62,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Homeland Security at $37,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide earns $62,500, while a Homeland Security graduate earns $37,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,875 for Homeland Security.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,725/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $62,500 | $62,500 | $27,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies | $61,100 | $61,100 | $27,614 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,700 | $55,700 | $24,932 |
| Air Transportation | $47,900 | $47,900 | $24,813 |
| Homeland Security | $37,500 | $37,500 | $25,875 |
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Daytona Beach, FL
- Student Body
- 9,139 students
- Admission Rate
- 58%
- Graduation Rate
- 21%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,725
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $84,131
- Median Student Debt
- $23,666