About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Embry-Riddle Prescott trains the next generation of pilots and aerospace engineers in Arizona's high country. The university enrolls 3,245 students who come for hands-on flight training and rigorous engineering programs. Nearly 72% of students are men, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated aviation industry. Students work directly with aircraft and get real flight experience as part of their coursework. The small city setting gives students access to clear skies perfect for aviation training.
Students pay an average net price of $39,983 after financial aid, which represents serious money for most families. However, graduates earn a median of $84,131 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most. Students typically graduate with $23,666 in debt and monthly loan payments of $251. The strong earning potential helps explain why 92.3% of graduates find employment. Only 17.4% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating most come from middle to upper-middle class families.
The student body draws from across the country, with only 25% coming from Arizona. Students maintain an 84% retention rate, suggesting they find what they're looking for. The 70% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of technical programs that prepare students for careers in aviation and aerospace.
Students pay an average net price of $39,983 after financial aid, which represents serious money for most families. However, graduates earn a median of $84,131 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most. Students typically graduate with $23,666 in debt and monthly loan payments of $251. The strong earning potential helps explain why 92.3% of graduates find employment. Only 17.4% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating most come from middle to upper-middle class families.
The student body draws from across the country, with only 25% coming from Arizona. Students maintain an 84% retention rate, suggesting they find what they're looking for. The 70% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of technical programs that prepare students for careers in aviation and aerospace.
Academics & Faculty
Embry-Riddle Prescott built its reputation as one of the nation's top aviation and aerospace universities. Students pursue rigorous engineering degrees alongside actual flight training, creating pilots and aerospace engineers who graduate job-ready. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally in this highly technical environment. A 70% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding coursework in aeronautical science, aerospace engineering, and meteorology programs. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through flight simulators, aircraft maintenance labs, and research projects with industry partners. Students often describe the academic culture as intense but collaborative, where everyone shares a passion for flight and space exploration.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.8%
- Retention Rate
- 83.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,131
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation. | Master | $77,039 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,080 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $59,314 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $48,833 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $36,134 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
Campus Life
This high-altitude campus sits at 5,000 feet in Arizona's mountainous high country, where you'll need both winter coats and sunscreen. Prescott brings genuine four seasons, with snow possible from December through March and summer highs reaching the 80s. About 45% of the 3,245 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where nearly three-quarters are male aviation enthusiasts.
The small city setting means Phoenix is two hours away, but students rarely feel isolated. Weekends revolve around flight training at the campus airport, where student pilots practice on actual aircraft. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Campus traditions include the annual Wings Out West air show and frequent visits from aerospace industry recruiters. Students spend time hiking nearby trails, working on aircraft maintenance projects, or gathering in residence halls to study for notoriously challenging engineering courses. The mountain location attracts outdoor enthusiasts who balance rigorous academics with skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing adventures.
The small city setting means Phoenix is two hours away, but students rarely feel isolated. Weekends revolve around flight training at the campus airport, where student pilots practice on actual aircraft. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Campus traditions include the annual Wings Out West air show and frequent visits from aerospace industry recruiters. Students spend time hiking nearby trails, working on aircraft maintenance projects, or gathering in residence halls to study for notoriously challenging engineering courses. The mountain location attracts outdoor enthusiasts who balance rigorous academics with skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing adventures.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,474 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–53°F
- July Avg
- 62°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 10.2"
Student Demographics
Students from across the country flock to this specialized aviation university, with three-quarters coming from out-of-state to pursue their flying dreams. The student body skews heavily male at 72%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated aerospace industry the school serves. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, indicating most students come from middle to upper-middle-class families who can afford the substantial flight training costs. The diverse mix includes students from various racial backgrounds, all united by their passion for aviation and aerospace careers. This creates a tight-knit community of future pilots and engineers.
- Men
- 71.9%
- Women
- 28.1%
- White
- 55.7%
- Black
- 2.1%
- Hispanic
- 15.7%
- Asian
- 6.7%
- In-State Students
- 24.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.4%
Location
Prescott sits in Arizona's high country, 100 miles north of Phoenix. The city of 45,000 rests at 5,400 feet elevation in the ponderosa pine forests of central Arizona. Students escape desert heat with four distinct seasons and occasional snow. Prescott's historic downtown squares and Victorian architecture earn it the nickname "Arizona's Christmas City." The surrounding Prescott National Forest offers hiking and outdoor recreation just minutes from campus. About 76% of students come from out of state, drawn to the mountain setting and cooler climate. The small city revolves around Northern Arizona University's sister campus and Embry-Riddle's aviation programs. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Prescott, Arizona 86301-3720
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,131
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $89,839
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $251/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,666
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott?
The acceptance rate is 68%, making it moderately selective for a specialized aviation university. Students typically need an SAT score around 1275 and strong performance in math and science courses to gain admission.
How much does Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $39,983 annually, though only 17.4% of students receive need-based financial aid. With total costs reaching $57,706, most families pay close to the full sticker price at this private technological university.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 across the 3,245-student campus. This allows for hands-on instruction in aviation and aerospace programs that require intensive lab work and flight training.
How much do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $84,131 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong demand for aviation professionals. The 92.3% employment rate demonstrates how the specialized aerospace curriculum translates directly to career opportunities.
Where do students live at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott?
Campus housing accommodates 1,474 students, covering nearly half the enrollment. The small-city Prescott setting offers a tight-knit aviation community atmosphere with year-round flying weather for pilot training.
What makes the gender balance unique at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott?
Men comprise 71.93% of students while women make up just 28.07%, reflecting the male-dominated aviation industry. This gender imbalance is typical of engineering and flight programs but creates a distinctive campus culture.
