Florida Atlantic University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach: which has better ROI?
Florida Atlantic University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $35,008 in 4.2 years versus 4.6 years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, on median earnings of $56,746 vs $84,131 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Florida Atlantic University | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,752 | $41,272 |
| Total net cost | $35,008 | $165,088 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,746 | $84,131 |
| Median debt | $17,236 | $23,666 |
| Payback | 4.2 yrs | 4.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $132,712 | $550,332 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Florida Atlantic University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Florida Atlantic University, at $8,752 a year after aid versus $41,272 — a gap of $32,520 a year, or $130,080 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Florida Atlantic University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates report a median $84,131 ten years after entry, $27,385 more than the $56,746 at Florida Atlantic University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Florida Atlantic University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Florida Atlantic University: its completers carry a median $17,236 in federal loans versus $23,666 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, a difference of $6,430. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, against 63% at Florida Atlantic University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.