Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is the world's largest and most prestigious university specializing in aviation and aerospace education. Founded in 1926—just 22 years after the Wright Brothers' first flight—Embry-Riddle has grown to over 32,000 students across campuses in Daytona Beach, Prescott, and 130+ worldwide locations. With 154 training aircraft, FAA R-ATP authorization (1,000 hours instead of 1,500), and a 94.5% placement rate, ERAU is the gold standard for aspiring airline pilots and aerospace professionals seeking a comprehensive university education.
Embry-Riddle at a Glance
Annual Tuition
~$44,000
Plus flight fees
Fleet Size
154
Aircraft
R-ATP Hours
1,000
vs 1,500 standard
Placement
94.5%
Graduate rate
University Overview
Embry-Riddle is celebrating its centennial in 2025-2026, marking 100 years of aviation excellence. The university holds top rankings from U.S. News & World Report and is the only university worldwide focused exclusively on aviation, aerospace, and related STEM disciplines.
Rankings & Recognition
- • #1 Aerospace Engineering (non-doctoral) – Prescott
- • #4 Aerospace Engineering (doctoral) – Daytona
- • #1 Regional College West – Prescott
- • #1 Online Bachelor's (private universities)
- • Largest Air Force ROTC in USA
- • AABI accredited flight programs
Key Advantages
- • R-ATP: Airline ready at 1,000 hours
- • FAA Part 141 approved
- • Largest civilian flight fleet in USA
- • 160,000+ alumni worldwide
- • Airbus Track with A320 type rating
- • 4-year degree + flight certificates
R-ATP Advantage
As an FAA-approved institution, Embry-Riddle graduates qualify for the Restricted ATP at just 1,000 flight hours—500 hours less than the standard 1,500 requirement. This can save graduates 1-2 years of time building before joining an airline.
Programs & Degrees
B.S. in Aeronautical Science
The flagship flight degree combines a rigorous 4-year academic curriculum with FAA pilot certifications. Graduates earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings, plus over 190 hours of flight experience.
| Flight Course | Certificate/Rating |
|---|---|
| FA 121 | Private Pilot Certificate |
| FA 221 | Instrument Rating |
| FA 222 | Multi-Engine Rating |
| FA 321/322 | Commercial Certificate (SE/ME) |
| FA 417 (optional) | CFI / CFII |
Additional Programs
Aviation Degrees
- • B.S. Aeronautical Science (Fixed Wing)
- • B.S. Aeronautical Science (Rotary Wing)
- • B.S. Aeronautics (non-flight)
- • B.S. Air Traffic Management
- • B.S. Aviation Business Administration
- • M.S. in Aviation / Aerospace
Engineering & STEM
- • B.S. Aerospace Engineering
- • B.S. Mechanical Engineering
- • B.S. Electrical Engineering
- • B.S. Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
- • B.S. Space Operations
- • Ph.D. in Aviation / Aerospace
Airbus Track
Select students can complete their final semester at the Airbus Americas Training facility in Miami, earning an A320 type rating as part of their degree—a significant advantage for airline employment.
Fleet & Facilities
Embry-Riddle operates the largest civilian flight training fleet in the United States with 154 aircraft across both residential campuses. All aircraft feature Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits and ADS-B equipment.
| Campus | Aircraft | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona Beach | Cessna 172 Skyhawk | 88 |
| Daytona Beach | Diamond DA42-VI | 14 |
| Prescott | Cessna 172 / DA42NG | 50+ |
| Prescott | Super Decathlon (UPRT) | 1 |
| Prescott | Robinson R-22/R-44 | Multiple |
Campus Locations
Daytona Beach, FL
- • Adjacent to Daytona Beach Intl Airport
- • 185-acre main campus
- • ~7,500 undergraduates
- • Near Orlando & Kennedy Space Center
- • University-owned aircraft ramp
- • Largest Air Force ROTC program
Prescott, AZ
- • Ernest A. Love Field airport
- • 539-acre mountain campus
- • ~3,000 undergraduates
- • Near Grand Canyon & Sedona
- • Rotary wing program available
- • #1 Regional College West
Costs & Financial Aid
| Cost Category | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $44,000-46,000 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,000-22,000 |
| Flight Training (Years 1-2) | $23,000-33,000/year |
| Flight Training (Year 3) | $10,000-15,000 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $65,000-70,000/year |
Flight training is "pay-as-you-go" and charged separately from tuition. Total 4-year investment for a flight degree can reach $200,000-270,000 including all costs.
Financial Aid Available
66% of undergraduates receive grants or scholarships averaging $22,700. All students are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships. Military benefits (GI Bill) are accepted, and the university is ranked #1-3 for veterans across campuses.
Admissions
Embry-Riddle has a competitive but accessible admissions process. Approximately 18% of incoming flight students arrive with their Private Pilot Certificate already completed—a recommended but not required advantage.
Graduate Outcomes
With a 94.5% placement rate, Embry-Riddle graduates find careers across the aviation industry. Alumni average $90,900 salary within four years of graduation. Top employers include major airlines, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, NASA, and the U.S. Military.
Official Website: erau.edu
Daytona Beach: 1 Aerospace Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Prescott: 3700 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301
Admissions: 800-862-2416
Information accurate as of January 2026. Contact Embry-Riddle for current tuition and program details.