Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide logo

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, FL Private ยท Urban Est. 1926 worldwide.erau.edu
Accept Rate
61.75%
Grad Rate
19.5%
Enrollment
8,786
Avg SAT
1193
Tuition
$11,665
Median Salary
$84,131
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Attending Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach feels like stepping onto a futuristic flight deck, where the hum of engines and the sight of aircraft are part of daily life. The campus buzzes with a singular, intense focus on aviation and aerospace, creating a highly disciplined and goal-oriented atmosphere. It's a place where students live and breathe technology, strategy, and the sky.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

61.75%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 119375th Pctl
10701260
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
2432
1122436

Admissions Tips

Show a demonstrated passion for aviation or aerospace beyond just your application essay; highlight relevant projects, flight hours, or STEM club involvement. While test scores are important, a strong background in math and physics is critical for success in the core curriculum.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1193
40080012001600
School range: 1070โ€“1260

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university's academic strength is laser-focused on aerospace, engineering, and aviation-related fields, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge simulators, wind tunnels, and research labs. Instruction is highly technical and practical, emphasizing hands-on application over abstract theory, which directly prepares students for the demands of the industry.

Popular Majors

Transportation
52.4%
Business & Marketing
21.3%
Mechanic & Repair Tech
18%
Engineering
4%
Multidisciplinary Studies
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

19.5%
Graduation Rate
66.7%
Retention Rate
8,786
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$11,665
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$19,733
After financial aid
Total Cost
$24,015
Cost of attendance/year
25.1%
Receive Pell Grants
10.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Daytona Beach

Life in Daytona Beach offers a unique blend of academic intensity and coastal recreation, with students frequently taking breaks to enjoy the famous beach and oceanfront activities. The city provides a mix of tourist-driven entertainment, outdoor adventures, and a growing local food scene, offering a balanced lifestyle outside the classroom.

Local Rent Check

$1,152 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Daytona Beach
Explore Daytona Beach

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$46,660
$0Est. 4 Years: $46,660

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($84,131):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Daytona Beach campus is generally considered safe with standard security measures like 24/7 patrols and emergency call boxes. The surrounding area has a moderate crime rate, so students are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, especially off-campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unmatched hands-on access to aircraft, simulators, and advanced aerospace technology.
  • โœ“ Strong, direct pipeline to top employers in the aviation, defense, and aerospace industries.
  • โœ“ Uniform and disciplined campus culture fosters focus and professionalism.
  • โœ“ Tuition is the same for all students, regardless of residency.

Cons

  • โœ— The graduation rate is low, indicating the program's rigor or student attrition can be high.
  • โœ— The campus culture is highly specialized and may feel narrow to those without a singular passion for aviation.
  • โœ— The retention rate suggests a significant number of students do not return for their sophomore year.

Notable Alumni

Eileen Collins
First female Space Shuttle pilot and commander, a NASA astronaut.
Rick D. Amman
Former NASA Deputy Director of the Kennedy Space Center.
Brian B. Binnie
Test pilot who broke the sound barrier in a private spacecraft (SpaceShipTwo).

Frequently Asked Questions

Embry-Riddle is globally renowned as the premier institution for aviation and aerospace education. It is known for its highly specialized curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities like flight simulators and wind tunnels, and its direct pipeline to careers in the aviation, defense, and space industries.

No, it is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 61.75%, it has a moderately selective admissions process. The middle 50% SAT range is 1193, indicating that successful applicants are solid academic performers, but it is accessible to many students with a strong interest in the field.

Campus life is highly structured and centered around a shared passion for aviation and technology. The urban campus in Daytona Beach has a disciplined, professional atmosphere, and students often spend their free time engaging in outdoor activities, given the proximity to the beach and ocean.

For students committed to a career in aerospace or aviation, the investment can be highly worthwhile. The university provides specialized training and industry connections that lead to strong starting salaries, with a 10-year median earnings of $84,131, which can outweigh the cost of attendance for many graduates.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

American Airlines FedEx United Airlines Northrop Grumman Delta Air Lines
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1926
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 12,808
  • In-State Tuition $11,665
  • Zip Code 32114

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 84.2% โ™€ 15.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of under $20,000 and out-of-state tuition matching in-state rates, Embry-Riddle presents a financially accessible option for a specialized, high-value education. The strong 10-year median earnings of $84,131 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for those entering high-demand aerospace and engineering fields.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $11,665
Housing (12 mo) $13,824
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $32,689
With avg financial aid:
$19,733/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.