Review Summary
- Reputation: Founded 1926, world's largest aviation university, 10,000+ students, globally recognized aviation education leader
- Facilities: Two residential campuses, 154 aircraft fleet, state-of-the-art simulators, on-airport locations, modern labs and facilities
- Location: Daytona Beach Florida and Prescott Arizona campuses, plus Worldwide online programs, over 130 learning locations
- Programs: Bachelor degrees in Aeronautical Science, Aerospace Engineering, 100+ aviation-focused programs, R-ATP qualification
- Overall Rating: 4.6/5 - Exceptional education quality, strong reputation, very high cost, specialized focus
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Overview
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is the world's largest and most prestigious university specializing in aviation and aerospace education. Founded in 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the university has grown from a small flying school to a comprehensive university system with two residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, plus a worldwide campus network serving over 31,000 students globally. ERAU is the gold standard for aviation education, combining rigorous academic programs with professional flight training.
The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs focused on aviation, aerospace, engineering, business, and related fields. The Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science is the largest professional pilot degree program in the world, graduating more than 1,500 professional pilots annually. ERAU's programs are accredited by ABET for engineering, AABI for aviation, and approved by the FAA for R-ATP (Restricted Airline Transport Pilot) eligibility, allowing graduates to become airline first officers with just 1,000 hours instead of the standard 1,500.
Embry-Riddle consistently ranks among the top universities in the nation for aerospace engineering, online programs, and innovation. US News ranks ERAU Daytona Beach #4 Regional Universities South and #1 Most Innovative. ERAU Prescott ranks #1 Regional Colleges West. The university's alumni network includes astronauts, airline CEOs, military pilots, aerospace engineers, and aviation industry leaders worldwide. While tuition is significantly higher than flight schools, ERAU provides comprehensive four-year university education combining aviation expertise with broader academic foundation.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science
Professional Pilot Degree Program
Program Details
Best For: Students seeking comprehensive aviation education with university degree, professional network, and R-ATP advantage. Includes internships, research opportunities, and preparation for airline career leadership positions. Campus life experience with aviation focus.
Aerospace Engineering Programs
ABET Accredited Engineering
Engineering Programs
Aviation Business & Management
Business Degrees with Aviation Focus
Business Programs
Worldwide & Online Programs
Flexible Distance Learning
Online Options
Complete Cost Analysis
Annual Costs (2025-2026 Academic Year)
Four-Year Total Cost
Three-Year Completion Option
Many students complete in 3-3.5 years by attending summer sessions
Financial Aid Available
94% of students receive financial aid: Automatic merit scholarship consideration upon acceptance (no separate application needed). Federal aid available through FAFSA. Aviation-specific scholarships from AOPA, NBAA, WAI, and others. ROTC programs offering full tuition. Work-study opportunities. Average net price for federal loan recipients approximately $37,300-$37,975 per year.
Investment Perspective: While significantly more expensive than standalone flight schools, ERAU provides comprehensive Bachelor degree, R-ATP eligibility (saving 500 hours time building), strong alumni network, and enhanced career opportunities beyond just flying. Median salary six years after graduation $65,391. Many airlines prefer degree-holding pilots for career progression.
Facilities and Fleet
Daytona Beach Campus Facilities
- 185-acre campus adjacent to Daytona Beach International Airport
- Modern academic buildings with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs
- Advanced research centers including wind tunnels and propulsion labs
- Largest university telescope in Florida for aerospace research
- Eight residence halls plus dining facilities
- Student recreation center, athletic facilities, swimming pool
Prescott Campus Facilities
- 539-acre campus in Bradshaw Mountains near Prescott Airport
- Advanced aviation weather center and meteorology suite
- 8.5-acre aircraft accident investigation lab (largest outside NTSB)
- Supersonic and subsonic wind tunnel facilities
- Robertson Safety Institute for aviation safety research
- Modern housing, dining, and recreational facilities
Combined Aircraft Fleet (154 Aircraft Total)
Daytona Beach Fleet:
- 88 Cessna 172 Skyhawks with Garmin G1000 NXi
- 14 Diamond DA42-VI Twin Stars
- Total 102 aircraft for primary and multi training
Prescott Fleet:
- 80 total aircraft including Cessna and Diamond
- Modern glass cockpit avionics standard
- State-of-the-art dispatch and ramp operations
Simulators & Devices:
- Frasca Level 6 Flight Training Devices
- CRJ-200 Full Flight Simulator
- Redbird Crosswind trainers
Fleet Management: University maintains one of youngest and most modern collegiate fleets in the world. Regular fleet replacement every 7 years ensures students train on latest avionics. All aircraft meet FAA Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) requirements for commercial and instructor ratings. Professional maintenance programs exceed airline standards.
Campus Locations
Campus Information
Daytona Beach, Florida
Coastal location with 230+ days sunshine annually, year-round mild weather, 10 minutes from beach. Home to 7,200 undergrads, 800 graduate students from 100+ countries. Located at international airport.
Prescott, Arizona
2,000 students in scenic mountain community at 5,000+ feet elevation. Excellent flying weather, outdoor recreation. 2 hours to Grand Canyon, Phoenix, or Las Vegas. Close-knit community atmosphere.
Worldwide Campus
130+ learning locations globally, including military bases, international sites. Asia campus in Singapore with state-of-the-art facilities. Online and hybrid programs available.
Housing Options
Eight residence halls at Daytona, multiple options at Prescott. Freshman typically live on-campus (required at some programs). Upper-class students often choose off-campus apartments.
Campus Life
Aviation-focused clubs (Flight Team, Women in Aviation, 99s), ROTC programs, sports, recreation. Strong sense of community among aviation students. Networking opportunities.
Airport Access
Both campuses located at airports with immediate ramp access. No commute to flight training. Professional airport environment prepares students for airline operations.
Embry-Riddle's two residential campuses offer distinct experiences while maintaining consistent academic quality. Daytona Beach provides beach lifestyle with tropical weather and larger student body, while Prescott offers mountain setting with tighter community and outdoor recreation. Both campuses have identical degree program quality and FAA approvals. Students choose based on preferred climate and campus size.
The university's global presence through Worldwide campus enables working professionals and military members to earn ERAU degrees through distance learning. Singapore campus serves Asian market with full facilities. All programs maintain ERAU's reputation for excellence regardless of location or format.
Key Advantages
R-ATP Eligibility (500 Hour Reduction)
Graduates with qualifying Bachelor degrees can become airline first officers at 1,000 hours instead of standard 1,500 hours. Saves 12-18 months of time building and approximately $20,000-$30,000 in costs. Massive competitive advantage for airline career timeline.
World's Premier Aviation University
Globally recognized name that opens doors worldwide. Alumni include astronauts, airline CEOs, military leaders, industry executives. ERAU degree carries significant weight in aviation industry. Ranked #1 and #4 by US News in respective categories.
Comprehensive University Education
Four-year Bachelor degree provides broader education than standalone flight training. Develops critical thinking, leadership, management skills. Better prepared for airline management and career advancement. Traditional college experience with aviation specialization.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
World-class research facilities, modern fleet, advanced simulators, professional training environment. Resources comparable to airline training operations. Access to cutting-edge technology and equipment. Investment in facilities exceeds most flight schools significantly.
Powerful Alumni Network
100,000+ alumni globally in every sector of aviation and aerospace. Strong networking opportunities through alumni association. Career connections at major airlines, aerospace companies, government agencies. Riddle graduates help other Riddle graduates throughout career.
Excellent Career Outcomes
95% of graduates employed or pursuing advanced degrees within one year. Strong airline recruitment on campus. Median salary six years after graduation $65,391. Career services support throughout studies and after graduation. High job placement rate.
Important Considerations
Extremely High Cost
Total four-year cost $200,000-$250,000+ is 2-3 times cost of standalone flight school options. Most students graduate with $150,000+ in debt. Starting regional airline salary $50,000-$75,000 makes loan repayment challenging. Debt burden significantly impacts quality of life for years. Consider whether degree justifies additional $100,000+ cost versus flight school.
Limited Flight Training Capacity
Student reviews cite scheduling backlogs and difficulty getting flight slots. School over-accepts students relative to aircraft and instructor capacity. Weather delays compound scheduling issues. Flight training may take longer than projected. Some students report frustration with flight program logistics and delays.
Specialized Focus Limits Options
Highly specialized aviation focus means limited exposure to other fields. If you discover aviation isn't for you, degree options narrow. Unlike comprehensive universities offering wide variety of majors. Social scene limited compared to larger traditional universities. Campus culture very aviation-focused, may not appeal to all.
Four-Year Timeline vs Faster Options
Four-year program significantly slower than accelerated flight schools (9-12 months). Opportunity cost of three additional years of training versus earning income. ATP Flight School graduates can be at airlines in 2.5 years while ERAU students still in school. Consider personal timeline and urgency to start earning.
Comparison with Other Options
| School | Type | Cost | Duration | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle | University | $200-250k | 4 years | Bachelor + R-ATP |
| ATP Flight School | Flight School | $110-155k | 9-12 months | None |
| UND Aerospace | University | $120-160k | 4 years | Bachelor + R-ATP |
| Western Michigan | University | $100-140k | 4 years | Bachelor + R-ATP |
| Local Part 61 | Flight School | $60-80k | 18-36 months | None |
Embry-Riddle is most expensive option but provides unique combination of world-class aviation education, comprehensive degree, R-ATP advantage, and unmatched industry reputation. State university aviation programs offer similar R-ATP benefits at lower cost but without ERAU's specialized focus and resources. Flight schools provide fastest, cheapest path to airlines but no degree or R-ATP. Choice depends on priorities: speed, cost, or comprehensive education.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
"Embry-Riddle was my dream school since childhood and exceeded expectations. Phenomenal education, amazing professors with real industry experience, and incredible facilities. The R-ATP benefit got me to airlines 18 months faster than friends at other schools. Yes it's expensive, but network and education quality worth every penny. Flying for major airline now."
– Sarah M., Aeronautical Science 2023 (Currently at United Airlines)
"Education quality at ERAU is truly world-class. Professors, facilities, and opportunities exceptional. Campus community tight-knit and everyone shares aviation passion. However, cost is astronomical and debt burden is real. Flight scheduling can be frustrating with backlogs. Overall positive experience but carefully consider financial impact before committing."
– James R., Aerospace Engineering 2024
"Reputation of school is great and career prospects good, but day-to-day experience had issues. Flight program overbooked causing significant delays. Some professors excellent, others not so much. Campus food mediocre. Parking nightmare. Very expensive for value received. If doing again, might choose state school aviation program to save $80k."
– Current Aeronautical Science Student (2025)
"Biggest regret of my life. In massive debt ($180k) with limited career prospects. Degree overpriced for what you receive. Should have gone to ATP or state school and saved $100k. ERAU name recognition not worth the premium cost. Now struggling with loan payments on regional airline salary. Think very carefully before taking on this debt."
– Anonymous Alumnus (2022)
Overall Student Rating: 4.6/5 based on aggregate reviews from Rate My Professors, Niche, and other platforms. Ratings show strong satisfaction with education quality and reputation, but significant concerns about cost and value proposition. Students who secure good scholarships or have family funding typically very satisfied. Students with large loans express more regrets. Consider financial situation carefully.
Final Verdict: Is Embry-Riddle Right for You?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is unquestionably the premier aviation university in the world, offering unmatched education quality, facilities, reputation, and career opportunities. The R-ATP eligibility alone saves 500 hours (12-18 months and $20,000-$30,000), partially offsetting higher costs. Strong alumni network, comprehensive education, and industry recognition provide long-term career advantages beyond just pilot training. For students seeking traditional university experience with aviation specialization, ERAU is gold standard.
However, the cost is extraordinarily high at $200,000-$250,000 total, creating massive debt burden for most students. Starting regional airline salaries $50,000-$75,000 make repayment challenging for years. Flight training scheduling issues and campus capacity constraints frustrate some students. The four-year timeline is significantly slower than accelerated flight schools offering airline pathways in 2-3 years for half the cost.
Best suited for: Students with significant financial resources or excellent scholarships, those valuing comprehensive university education over speed, candidates seeking aerospace engineering or non-flying aviation careers, individuals wanting traditional college experience with aviation focus, and those prioritizing long-term career advancement in aviation leadership. Consider alternatives if: Cost-sensitive without substantial scholarships, seeking fastest route to airlines, prefer focused flight training over broad education, uncomfortable with large debt burden, or want traditional comprehensive university with multiple career options. Embry-Riddle is exceptional but only right fit for specific student profiles.