At $40,289/yr net price, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn $84,131/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $50,131/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,289 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $161,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,131/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$50,131/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,666 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $35,431/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,066/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $39,693/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $42,233/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,073/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $117,572 | $34,021 |
| Air Transportation. | Master | $77,039 | $37,674 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,047 | $36,711 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,080 | $26,312 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Bachelor | $64,087 | $22,662 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $26,293 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $59,314 | $22,405 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $26,196 |
The Risk Factor
67.4% of students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach delivers strong returns if you choose the right major and can handle the $40,289 annual price tag. The aviation-focused curriculum pays off handsomely in specialized fields, with Systems Engineering graduates earning $117,572 within ten years of graduation.
Your major choice makes or breaks the financial case here. Systems Engineering and Air Transportation programs justify their costs with salaries well above the national average. However, even the flagship Aerospace Engineering programs show mixed results, with some tracks earning $74,576 while others drop to $65,080. Business Administration graduates at $75,047 perform better than aerospace engineers, which should give you pause if you assumed all aviation programs here guarantee high pay.
The school carries specific financial risks tied to the aviation industry's boom-bust cycles. Airline hiring freezes, defense spending cuts, or economic downturns can severely impact job prospects for graduates. Your debt load of around $23,666 is manageable compared to earnings, but only 15% of students receive need-based aid, meaning you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket.
This school works financially if you're targeting Systems Engineering, Air Transportation, or related technical fields where the aviation specialization commands premium salaries. Skip Embry-Riddle if you want general engineering or business degrees available elsewhere for less money. The 67% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish, making this a poor bet if you're academically marginal or uncertain about your commitment to aviation careers.
Merit scholarships can reduce costs, but the school's limited aid means you need solid family finances or clear career goals in high-paying aviation specialties to make the numbers work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach worth the high tuition cost?
The $40,289 annual net price is steep, but graduates earn $84,131 on average after 10 years, which is above the national median. Systems Engineering majors see the best returns at $117,572, while some aerospace programs start closer to $65,000.
What are the best paying majors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Systems Engineering leads with $117,572 average earnings, followed by Air Transportation at $77,039. Traditional aerospace engineering programs earn $65,000-$75,000, which is solid but not exceptional given the school's cost.
How much student debt do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates have?
The median debt is $23,666, which is manageable compared to the high sticker price. However, with a 67% graduation rate, about one-third of students don't finish their degrees.
Does Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach provide good financial aid?
The net price of $40,289 suggests decent aid since the full cost is much higher. Students should compare aid packages carefully, as aviation programs require significant investment in equipment and training beyond tuition.