University of Florida vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: which has better ROI?
University of Florida has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $26,164 in 1.1 years versus 2.1 years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, on median earnings of $71,588 vs $84,131 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Florida | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $6,541 | $18,725 |
| Total net cost | $26,164 | $74,900 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $71,588 | $84,131 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $23,666 |
| Payback | 1.1 yrs | 2.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $438,396 | $640,520 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Florida or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
University of Florida, at $6,541 a year after aid versus $18,725 — a gap of $12,184 a year, or $48,736 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Florida or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates report a median $84,131 ten years after entry, $12,543 more than the $71,588 at University of Florida. 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, University of Florida or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide?
University of Florida: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $23,666 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, a difference of $8,666. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
91% of students finish at University of Florida, 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.