Florida International University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Admission Difficulty: Embry-Riddle Worldwide is slightly more selective with a 57.67% acceptance rate compared to FIU's 63.86%, though both are moderately competitive.
Cost and Value: FIU offers significantly better affordability, with in-state tuition at $6,565 and out-of-state at $18,963, resulting in an average net price of $9,133. Embry-Riddle charges $11,665 regardless of residency but has a much higher net price of $19,733. FIU graduates carry less debt ($16,500 vs $23,666).
Academic Strengths: FIU is a comprehensive research university with 38,761 students and strong programs across multiple disciplines. Embry-Riddle Worldwide specializes in aviation, aerospace, and technology fields, serving 8,786 students primarily through distance learning formats. Both maintain similar student-faculty ratios (FIU 24:1, Embry-Riddle 22:1).
Campus Experience: FIU provides a traditional campus experience in Miami with NCAA Division I athletics and extensive on-campus activities. Embry-Riddle Worldwide focuses on flexible, career-oriented education for working professionals with limited traditional campus life.
Outcomes: While FIU has a higher graduation rate (73.90% vs 21.60%) and retention rate (91.61% vs 66.67%), Embry-Riddle graduates earn significantly more ten years post-graduation ($84,131 vs $60,249), reflecting the specialized nature of aviation careers.
FIU suits students seeking a traditional college experience with diverse academic options at an affordable price, while Embry-Riddle Worldwide fits working professionals pursuing specialized aviation and aerospace careers who need flexible scheduling.
Admission Difficulty: Embry-Riddle Worldwide is slightly more selective with a 57.67% acceptance rate compared to FIU's 63.86%, though both are moderately competitive.
Cost and Value: FIU offers significantly better affordability, with in-state tuition at $6,565 and out-of-state at $18,963, resulting in an average net price of $9,133. Embry-Riddle charges $11,665 regardless of residency but has a much higher net price of $19,733. FIU graduates carry less debt ($16,500 vs $23,666).
Academic Strengths: FIU is a comprehensive research university with 38,761 students and strong programs across multiple disciplines. Embry-Riddle Worldwide specializes in aviation, aerospace, and technology fields, serving 8,786 students primarily through distance learning formats. Both maintain similar student-faculty ratios (FIU 24:1, Embry-Riddle 22:1).
Campus Experience: FIU provides a traditional campus experience in Miami with NCAA Division I athletics and extensive on-campus activities. Embry-Riddle Worldwide focuses on flexible, career-oriented education for working professionals with limited traditional campus life.
Outcomes: While FIU has a higher graduation rate (73.90% vs 21.60%) and retention rate (91.61% vs 66.67%), Embry-Riddle graduates earn significantly more ten years post-graduation ($84,131 vs $60,249), reflecting the specialized nature of aviation careers.
FIU suits students seeking a traditional college experience with diverse academic options at an affordable price, while Embry-Riddle Worldwide fits working professionals pursuing specialized aviation and aerospace careers who need flexible scheduling.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Florida International University | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 63.9% | 57.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,155 | 1,200 |
| Enrollment | 38,761 | 8,786 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,565 | $11,665 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,963 | $11,665 |
| Net Price | $9,133 | $19,733 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.9% | 21.6% |
| Retention Rate | 91.6% | 66.7% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,249 | $84,131 |
| Median Debt | $16,500 | $23,666 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Florida International University | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering. | $72,274 | Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $65,080 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | $67,101 | Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | $64,087 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $66,897 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $59,314 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $66,653 | Air Transportation. | $48,833 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $63,071 | Homeland Security. | $40,667 |