Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Median Earnings (1yr)

$54,827

95th percentile

60th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$22,000

10% below national median

Analysis

Embry-Riddle's Air Transportation program stands out as a premium choice that delivers exceptional earning power—graduates earn $54,827 in their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and significantly outpacing the national median of $43,044. With only $22,000 in debt versus Florida's typical $26,062 for this field, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 is quite reasonable for such strong initial outcomes.

The earnings trajectory is particularly impressive, jumping 33% to $72,710 by year four, which puts graduates on track for solid middle-class careers in aviation management, airline operations, or airport administration. While this program ranks "only" in the 60th percentile among Florida's air transportation programs, that's because Florida hosts several strong aviation schools—Embry-Riddle still ties for the top spot statewide and dramatically outperforms most national competitors.

The main consideration is that you're paying for Embry-Riddle's aviation industry reputation and network, which clearly pays dividends in job placement and starting salaries. With robust sample size backing these numbers, this program offers strong return on investment for students serious about aviation careers, combining manageable debt with earnings that substantially exceed what most air transportation graduates achieve elsewhere.

Where Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all air transportation bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach	$54,827	$72,710	+33%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide	$54,827	$72,710	+33%
Everglades University	$53,331	$69,522	+30%
Florida Institute of Technology	$47,019	$68,636	+46%
Florida Institute of Technology-Online	$47,019	$68,636	+46%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Air Transportation bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach	$42,304	$54,827	$72,710	$22,000	0.40
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach	$11,665	$54,827	$72,710	$22,000	0.40
Everglades UniversityBoca Raton	$20,768	$53,331	$69,522	$42,750	0.80
Polk State CollegeWinter Haven	$3,366	$50,499	—	—	—
Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne	$44,360	$47,019	$68,636	$27,000	0.57
Florida Institute of Technology-OnlineMelbourne	$12,240	$47,019	$68,636	$27,000	0.57
National Median	—	$43,044	—	$24,500	0.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with air transportation graduates

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Commercial Pilots

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

$198,100/yrJobs growth:

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

$144,580/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

$102,010/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Flight Attendants

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

$67,130/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants

Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants.

Airfield Operations Specialists

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 1094 graduates with reported earnings and 1046 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.