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 gives you a solid earnings payoff with one serious catch: only 22% of students finish. That median $84,131 salary ten years out looks strong against a net price under $20,000, but that number belongs to the people who graduated. The 21.6% graduation rate and 66.67% retention rate mean the biggest financial risk here isn't debt size, it's dropping out with loans and no degree to show for them.
This is an online school built for working adults, mostly in aviation and military careers, and the program earnings reflect that. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering leads at $65,080, followed closely by Vehicle Maintenance and Repair at $64,087. Business Administration pays $59,314. These three carry the school. Air Transportation drops to $48,833, and Homeland Security sits at the bottom at $40,667 while still leaving you with $20,500 in debt. If Homeland Security is your plan, the math is thin.
Median debt of $23,666 is manageable against these salaries, and the engineering and maintenance tracks clear it comfortably. Homeland Security graduates carry nearly as much debt for a salary that's $24,000 lower.
The net price tiers barely move by income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $18,761. if you earn over $110,000, you pay $24,015. That's only a $5,000 spread, so lower-income families get little price relief here. Budget for close to full net price regardless of income.
This school fits you if you're already working in aviation or the military, can finish an online program on your own schedule, and target engineering, maintenance, or business. If you need structure to complete a degree, the completion odds here should give you pause.
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.