Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle's interdisciplinary studies program costs more than typical Florida alternatives but delivers earnings that justify the premium—though the advantage over state competitors is narrower than you might expect from a specialized institution. At $41,524 first-year, graduates earn about $6,000 more than the Florida median and nearly $6,300 above the national average. The program ties with Embry-Riddle's online campus for second-best earnings statewide, though it trails Hodges University significantly. That 60th percentile ranking among Florida programs signals solid but not exceptional performance relative to in-state options.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $29,319, particularly given the relatively low 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio. You're paying about $5,000 more than Florida's typical program debt, but the earnings bump covers that difference within the first year. This sits in the 30th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 70% of similar programs saddle students with more loans—which helps offset concerns about the premium over state schools.

The real question is whether this interdisciplinary degree makes sense at an aviation-focused university where tuition runs higher than public alternatives. If your child wants Embry-Riddle's resources and network without committing to a traditional aviation career, the numbers work. But if location flexibility matters, note that UCF delivers 90% of these earnings at likely lower cost for in-state students.