Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
The Vibe Check
The campus feels like a living laboratory for the aerospace industry, buzzing with the energy of students passionate about flight, engineering, and technology. Walking through campus, you'll see flight suits, drone projects, and a constant hum of innovation, creating a focused and highly motivated atmosphere.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Embry-Riddle is the undisputed global leader in aviation and aerospace education, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge simulators, wind tunnels, and research facilities. The curriculum is intensely technical and project-based, with faculty who are often former industry professionals providing direct mentorship.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Daytona Beach
Students balance intense academics with the classic Florida beach lifestyle, spending free time surfing, fishing, or just relaxing on the Daytona Beach shores. The city offers a mix of motorsports history, a lively boardwalk with arcades and restaurants, and easy access to outdoor parks and water activities.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($84,131):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Daytona Beach campus is located in a safe, modern area of the city and features a comprehensive campus-wide emergency alert system. The university maintains a visible security presence, and the surrounding area is a typical mid-sized coastal city with standard precautions needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-renowned reputation and direct pipeline to top aerospace and aviation companies.
- ✓ State-of-the-art facilities, including flight simulators, research labs, and industry-grade equipment.
- ✓ High retention rate indicates a strong student support system and satisfaction among enrolled students.
- ✓ Powerful alumni network within the global aviation, defense, and space industries.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely high tuition and net price, leading to significant potential student debt.
- ✗ The curriculum is notoriously rigorous and demanding, which can create a high-stress environment.
- ✗ The campus culture is highly specialized, which may feel narrow to students seeking a more traditional liberal arts experience.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
It is globally recognized as the premier institution for aviation and aerospace education. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge research, highly specialized degree programs in engineering and transportation, and its direct pipeline to careers in the aviation, defense, and space industries.
Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 66.28%. While not extremely low, the university seeks students with strong academic backgrounds, particularly in math and science. A competitive applicant typically has an average SAT score around 1256 and a solid GPA, with demonstrated passion for the school's core fields.
Campus life is unique and centered around the university's academic mission; students are deeply passionate about aviation, engineering, and technology. While located in a popular tourist destination, the social scene is more focused on student clubs (like the Design/Build/Fly team), flight training, and outdoor activities than on Greek life or traditional college town parties.
For students committed to a career in aerospace, engineering, or a related high-tech field, the return on investment can be very strong, with median 10-year earnings of $84,131. The specialized education and industry connections provide a significant career advantage, but the high cost requires careful financial planning and scholarship pursuit to make it a sound investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1926
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 10,283
- In-State Tuition $42,304
- Zip Code 32114
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a median 10-year earnings of $84,131, the degree offers a strong return on investment, especially for graduates in high-demand engineering and aviation roles. However, the high sticker price and limited need-based aid mean families should carefully evaluate scholarships and financing to manage the significant cost.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.