Florida State University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: which has better ROI?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,900 in 2.1 years versus 3.4 years at Florida State University, on median earnings of $84,131 vs $61,675 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Florida State University | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,297 | $18,725 |
| Total net cost | $45,188 | $74,900 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,675 | $84,131 |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $23,666 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 2.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $221,112 | $640,520 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Florida State University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
Florida State University, at $11,297 a year after aid versus $18,725 — a gap of $7,428 a year, or $29,712 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 State University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates report a median $84,131 ten years after entry, $22,456 more than the $61,675 at Florida State 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 State University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
Florida State University: its completers carry a median $18,000 in federal loans versus $23,666 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, a difference of $5,666. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
86% of students finish at Florida State University, against 21% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. 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.