Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach and Florida International University present contrasting educational paths with similar admission difficulty but vastly different costs and outcomes.
Admission and Cost: Both schools accept roughly 64% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. However, cost differences are substantial. FIU charges $6,565 for in-state students and $18,963 for out-of-state, while Embry-Riddle costs $42,304 regardless of residency. Net prices reflect this gap: FIU averages $9,133 compared to Embry-Riddle's $40,289.
Academic Environment: Embry-Riddle specializes in aviation, aerospace, and engineering with 7,535 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. FIU offers broader academic programs across multiple colleges with 38,761 students and a 24:1 ratio. FIU demonstrates stronger retention (91.61% vs 85.49%) and graduation rates (73.90% vs 67.40%).
Campus Experience: Embry-Riddle provides a focused, smaller community atmosphere with NCAA Division II athletics. FIU offers a larger, more diverse urban campus experience in Miami with Division I sports and extensive extracurricular options.
Financial Outcomes: Embry-Riddle graduates earn significantly more ten years post-graduation ($84,131 vs $60,249) but carry higher debt ($23,666 vs $16,500). The substantial salary premium helps offset the higher educational investment for aviation and engineering careers.
Embry-Riddle suits students committed to aviation or aerospace careers who can manage higher costs for specialized training and superior earning potential. FIU better serves students seeking affordable, comprehensive education with diverse academic options in a major metropolitan area.
Admission and Cost: Both schools accept roughly 64% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. However, cost differences are substantial. FIU charges $6,565 for in-state students and $18,963 for out-of-state, while Embry-Riddle costs $42,304 regardless of residency. Net prices reflect this gap: FIU averages $9,133 compared to Embry-Riddle's $40,289.
Academic Environment: Embry-Riddle specializes in aviation, aerospace, and engineering with 7,535 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. FIU offers broader academic programs across multiple colleges with 38,761 students and a 24:1 ratio. FIU demonstrates stronger retention (91.61% vs 85.49%) and graduation rates (73.90% vs 67.40%).
Campus Experience: Embry-Riddle provides a focused, smaller community atmosphere with NCAA Division II athletics. FIU offers a larger, more diverse urban campus experience in Miami with Division I sports and extensive extracurricular options.
Financial Outcomes: Embry-Riddle graduates earn significantly more ten years post-graduation ($84,131 vs $60,249) but carry higher debt ($23,666 vs $16,500). The substantial salary premium helps offset the higher educational investment for aviation and engineering careers.
Embry-Riddle suits students committed to aviation or aerospace careers who can manage higher costs for specialized training and superior earning potential. FIU better serves students seeking affordable, comprehensive education with diverse academic options in a major metropolitan area.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Florida International University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 64.5% | 63.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,240 | 1,155 |
| Enrollment | 7,535 | 38,761 |
| In-State Tuition | $42,304 | $6,565 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,304 | $18,963 |
| Net Price | $40,289 | $9,133 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.4% | 73.9% |
| Retention Rate | 85.5% | 91.6% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $84,131 | $60,249 |
| Median Debt | $23,666 | $16,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Florida International University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $65,080 | Computer Engineering. | $72,274 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | $64,087 | Construction Engineering Technologies. | $67,101 |
| Computer Engineering. | $62,012 | Mechanical Engineering. | $66,897 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $61,020 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $66,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $59,314 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $63,071 |