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

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 delivers exceptional value, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for graduate earnings while maintaining relatively manageable debt levels. At $54,827 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 27% more than the national median and 9% above Florida's state average for this field. The $22,000 median debt load is actually lower than both national ($24,500) and state ($26,062) averages, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40—meaning graduates typically earn back their entire debt load in less than five months of work.

The program's strength becomes even clearer when looking at career trajectory. Earnings jump 33% by year four to $72,710, suggesting strong advancement opportunities in the aviation industry. Among Florida's air transportation programs, this ranks competitively but not dominantly at the 60th percentile—Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus edges it out slightly. However, the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these numbers reflect genuine program outcomes rather than statistical anomalies.

For parents concerned about ROI in a specialized field, this program offers compelling evidence of market value. The aviation industry's growth trajectory, combined with Embry-Riddle's established reputation, creates a strong foundation for career success with manageable financial risk.

Where Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide 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-Worldwide	$54,827	$72,710	+33%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach	$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)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideDaytona Beach	$11,665	$54,827	$72,710	$22,000	0.40
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach	$42,304	$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-Worldwide, approximately 25% 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.