Business Administration, Management and Operations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's business program stands out as an exceptional value, with graduates earning $67,000 in their first year—nearly $47,000 more than the national median for business programs. This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally, demonstrating remarkable earning power that extends well beyond typical business degrees.
Within Arizona's competitive landscape, the program performs solidly, ranking in the 60th percentile among state business programs and outearning the Arizona median by over $13,000. While it trails Arizona State's highly-ranked programs by about $6,000, Embry-Riddle graduates still command strong salaries with steady 16% growth to $78,000 by year four. The debt picture is reasonable at $20,500, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.31 despite being higher than national averages.
The aviation industry connection likely drives these impressive outcomes, as Embry-Riddle's specialized environment attracts employers willing to pay premium salaries for business graduates who understand technical industries. For parents, this represents a clear win: your child gets access to a business program that dramatically outperforms national standards while maintaining reasonable debt levels. The 75% admission rate makes it accessible, yet the outcomes rival those of much more selective programs.
Where Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates compare to all programs nationally
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | $66,999 | $77,767 | $20,508 | 0.31 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $61,117 | $70,685 | $22,000 | 0.36 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $61,117 | $70,685 | $22,000 | 0.36 |
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $58,268 | $56,533 | $42,386 | 0.73 |
| DeVry University-Arizona | $55,102 | $55,550 | $46,797 | 0.85 |
| Aspen University | $54,922 | — | $24,796 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe | $12,051 | $61,117 | $22,000 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale | — | $61,117 | $22,000 |
| University of Phoenix-Arizona Phoenix | $9,552 | $58,268 | $42,386 |
| DeVry University-Arizona Phoenix | $17,488 | $55,102 | $46,797 |
| Aspen University Phoenix | $6,264 | $54,922 | $24,796 |
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-Prescott, approximately 17% 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 426 graduates with reported earnings and 386 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.