Air Transportation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

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.