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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach vs Bethune-Cookman University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Daytona Beach FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Daytona Beach FL

The verdict

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $165,088 in 4.6 years versus not at all at Bethune-Cookman University, on median earnings of $84,131 vs $38,518 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachBethune-Cookman University
Net price / yr$41,272$12,030
Total net cost$165,088$48,120
Median earnings, 10 yrs$84,131$38,518
Median debt$23,666$31,000
Payback4.6 yrs
20-year net return$550,332-$244,960

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach vs Bethune-Cookman University: frequently asked questions

Is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Bethune-Cookman University a better value?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. It clears its $165,088 net cost in about 4.6 years versus no clear payback at Bethune-Cookman University, on median earnings of $84,131 vs $38,518 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Bethune-Cookman University?
Bethune-Cookman University: $12,030/yr net price after aid versus $41,272/yr at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach — a difference of $29,242 a year, or about $116,968 over four years.
Do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Bethune-Cookman University graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn a median $84,131 ten years after entry, versus $38,518 at Bethune-Cookman University — a $45,613 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.