Engineering Physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

The small sample size here matters—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the data we have shows Embry-Riddle's Engineering Physics program producing first-year earnings just below the national median ($56,889 vs. $57,457) while keeping debt slightly lower than average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates owe roughly five months' salary, which is manageable by engineering standards.

What's more interesting is the state context: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's Engineering Physics offerings, though only four schools in the state provide this degree. Florida's median for this program matches Embry-Riddle's exactly, suggesting these numbers may reflect regional market realities as much as program quality. The aerospace industry concentration in Florida likely shapes these outcomes, and Embry-Riddle's specialized focus could open doors at Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and similar employers that value its reputation.

The real question is whether your child wants aerospace-focused engineering specifically. If so, Embry-Riddle's industry connections justify the investment despite middling first-year earnings. If they're considering engineering more broadly, programs at larger state universities might offer similar outcomes with lower tuition. Just remember: these numbers come from a small graduate cohort, so they're more directional than definitive.