Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Air Transportation

A 62% admission rate makes Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 8,786 students in Daytona Beach, FL.

Program Analysis

At $66,957 per year, Aviation graduates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide significantly outpace the $42,988 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 37.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Aviation career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $18,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #3 ranking among 10 Aviation programs places Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 26% earnings increase from $66,957 to $84,472 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Aviation reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
59
Score
61
High End
Earnings $66,957/yr (56% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (67% shielded)
Job Market Large (60,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$882K
6.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
37.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$23,330
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,472
26% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Aviation graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers $226,600 +3.9% 65%
Air traffic controllers $144,580 +1.2% 66%
Commercial pilots $122,670 +5.1% 76%
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
$226,600
+3.9% growth 65% AI-proof
Air traffic controllers
$144,580
+1.2% growth 66% AI-proof
Commercial pilots
$122,670
+5.1% growth 76% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Aviation Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Aviation — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide and 9 other schools.

Read the full Aviation career guide →

Compare & Explore

Aviation Overview

Aviation at Other Schools

Other Majors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Aviation graduates.
How affordable is Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
At $18,750 in median debt, Aviation graduates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Aviation through an apprenticeship instead of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Aviation occupations, such as Air Traffic Controller (Military Only) and Air Transport Pilot. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Aviation graduates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide find jobs?
Job availability for Aviation is strong — 60,400 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates specifically, local market conditions in FL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →