At $19,733/yr net price, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide 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) | $19,733 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,131/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$50,131/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.6% |
| 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 | $18,761/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,701/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,836/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,015/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,015/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 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $59,314 | $22,405 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $52,107 | $15,375 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $48,833 | $23,250 |
| Homeland Security. | Bachelor | $40,667 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
21.6% of students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Embry-Riddle Worldwide delivers strong earning potential for aviation professionals, but the extremely low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. While graduates earn $84,131 annually with moderate debt loads, only 22% of students actually complete their degrees.
Systems Engineering offers the strongest return at $117,572 annually, making the $34,021 debt load manageable. Air Transportation and Business Administration graduates also see solid outcomes around $75,000-$77,000. However, you face a real possibility of accumulating debt without earning a degree given the poor completion rates.
The $19,733 annual net price makes this school more affordable than most private institutions, but the low retention rate of 67% signals academic or support challenges that derail many students. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance.
This school works best for highly motivated students with clear aviation career goals who can handle the online learning format effectively. Military students and working professionals in the aerospace industry may find the flexibility valuable. However, traditional college students or those unsure about aviation careers should consider schools with higher graduation rates and more complete support systems.
The specialized aviation focus means your career options remain narrow if you change interests. Given the completion challenges, you need strong self-discipline and clear career direction before enrolling. The financial risk of incomplete degrees outweighs the earnings potential for students who struggle with independent learning or lack committed career focus in aviation fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Systems Engineering graduates earn $117,572 annually, making the $19,733 net price worthwhile, but other programs like Aerospace Engineering show much lower returns at $65,080-74,576.
What is the graduation rate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
Only 21.6% of students graduate, which is extremely low and creates significant risk of debt without a degree. This poor completion rate makes the school a high-risk investment for most students.
How much debt do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates have?
Median debt is $23,666, which is manageable for high-earning programs like Systems Engineering but problematic for lower-paying tracks. Given the 21.6% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without finishing.
Which programs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide have the best ROI?
Systems Engineering offers the strongest return at $117,572 in average earnings. Air Transportation and Business programs show moderate returns around $75,000-77,000, while Aerospace Engineering programs underperform at $65,000-74,000 despite being the school's specialty.