At $39,983/yr net price, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott 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) | $39,983 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $159,932 |
| 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) | 69.8% |
| 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 | $37,016/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,781/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $37,944/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,511/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,052/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation. | Master | $77,039 | $37,674 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,080 | $26,312 |
| 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 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $48,833 | $23,250 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $23,733 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $36,134 | $22,500 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
69.8% of students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott delivers solid financial returns for aviation-focused careers, with median earnings of $84,131 putting graduates well above national averages despite the $39,983 annual price tag.
Air Transportation majors see the strongest payoff at $77,039 median earnings, though they carry higher debt loads at $37,674. Engineering programs offer better debt-to-income ratios, with Aerospace Engineering graduates earning $65,080 while borrowing just $26,312. Computer and Electrical Engineering follow similar patterns with respectable earnings and manageable debt.
Business Administration represents the weakest financial outcome at $59,314 median earnings. You're paying premium prices for a generic degree that lacks the specialized aviation focus that justifies Embry-Riddle's costs.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its narrow industry focus. If aviation markets contract or your career interests shift, you've paid top dollar for limited transferable value. The 69.8% graduation rate also means nearly one in three students pays without finishing.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to aviation careers and can handle the debt load. The industry connections and specialized training justify the premium for future pilots, aerospace engineers, and aviation managers. However, only 17.4% of students receive need-based aid, making this a poor choice for families seeking affordability.
Skip Embry-Riddle if you're uncertain about aviation careers, need significant financial aid, or considering general programs like business that you can get cheaper elsewhere. The specialized focus creates both the value proposition and the financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott worth the high tuition cost?
The $40,000 annual net price is steep, but graduates earn $84,131 after 10 years with relatively low debt of $23,666. The ROI works best for aviation and engineering majors, where specialized training commands higher salaries.
Do Embry-Riddle Prescott graduates make enough money to justify the cost?
Air transportation majors earn $77,039 while aerospace engineers start around $65,080, making the investment worthwhile for these fields. Business majors earn less at $59,314, which may not justify the premium tuition.
What is the student debt situation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott?
The median debt of $23,666 is manageable compared to earnings potential, especially for aviation and engineering graduates. However, the 69.8% graduation rate means about 30% of students take on debt without finishing their degree.
Which programs at Embry-Riddle Prescott offer the best return on investment?
Air transportation offers the strongest ROI at $77,039 average salary, followed by aerospace engineering at $65,080. Computer and electrical engineering programs also provide solid returns above $60,000.