Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an Associate of Applied Science program, 14 Bachelor of Science, aviation-focused programs, six Master of Science programs, three Ph.D. degrees, and two certifications (Aircraft Dispatcher and ISTAT). This gives students a wide range of options. Embry-Riddle also has sister campuses in Prescott, Arizona, and on many military bases. The school also has an online learning component.

Program Highlights

Offering several campuses and an online option, Embry-Riddle is a flexible university. The Daytona Beach campus is located on the Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB), which means there is no commute for flight students to the field.

Embry-Riddle offers degree programs from bachelor’s to Ph.D, so students don’t have to transfer schools when pursuing graduate degrees after they complete undergraduate work. The university works with many airlines to help place students after graduation including SkyWest and Frontier Airlines.

Degrees offered include:

• Associate of Applied Science:
  • Aviation Maintenance Science
• Bachelor of Science:
  • Aeronautical Science
  • Aeronautics
  • Aerospace & Occupational Safety
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aerospace Physiology
  • Air Traffic Management
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Aviation Business Administration
  • Aviation Maintenance Science
  • Human Factors Psychology
  • Meteorology
  • Space Physics
  • Spaceflight Operations
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science
• Master of Science
  • Aviation
  • Aviation Finance
  • Business Admin. in Aviation Mgmt.
  • Human Factors
  • Occupational Safety Management
  • Unmanned Systems
• Ph.D.
  • Aviation Business Administration
  • Aviation
  • Human Factors
• Certificates
  • Aircraft Dispatcher
  • ISTAT

The school is part of Region 9 of the National intercollegiate Flying Association Inc.

This program could be a good fit for students looking for an aviation-focused university with many industry ties.

Value

Embry-Riddle is one of the most well-known aviation colleges there is and its tuition reflects that. For Florida resident students, a year at ERAU will cost around $51,000 before flight costs, and out-of-state students will pay slightly more, around $53,000. The school estimates that flight costs will come in just north of $74,000 and should be completed in three years. This cost does not include courses such as CFI, CFII, and MEI, which most students do complete. Those electives will add an additional $27,000.

Scholarships are available for all concentrations at ERAU, most solely focused toward flight students, such as the:

● Army Aviation Association of America Inc. (AAAA) Scholarship
● Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Scholarship
● Pioneers of Flight Scholarship

The school also has ROTC available for those wanting to join the Army, Air Force, or Navy.

Fleet and Facilities

Embry-Riddle offers one of the largest collegiate fleets in the world, more than 100 aircraft.

The fleet consists of:
● Cessna 172s
● Diamond DA42-VIs
● Frasca C172 Level 6 Flight Training Devices
● Frasca Diamond DA42-VI Level 6 Flight Training Devices
● Frasca Level 6 CRJ-200 Regional Jet Flight Training Devices
● Red Bird Cross Wind Trainers
● CRJ-200 FFS

Students finishing the Embry-Riddle flight program can take advantage of the 500-hour ATP reduction.

Campus Life

Students will have the opportunity to stay at one of eight residence halls, one off-campus housing complex, or live off-campus in Daytona Beach. The aviation department prides itself on giving students the opportunity to join many clubs with an aviation focus, such as the Flight Team, Alpha Omicron Alpha (AOA), Women in Aviation (WIA), and Ninety-Nines (99s).

If students want non-aviation-related activities, they can join the student union, participate in several sports, or join other clubs available.

The Bottom Line

As an aviation-focused university, Embry-Riddle gives students the choice of 22 degree programs and two certificate programs. Close proximity to the airfield and a large fleet of aircraft make finishing the program in three years the norm.