Air Transportation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

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.