University of Miami vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach: which has better ROI?
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 5.5 years at University of Miami, on median earnings of $84,131 vs $75,328 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Miami | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,244 | $41,272 |
| Total net cost | $148,976 | $165,088 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,328 | $84,131 |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $23,666 |
| Payback | 5.5 yrs | 4.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $390,384 | $550,332 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Miami or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
University of Miami, at $37,244 a year after aid versus $41,272 — a gap of $4,028 a year, or $16,112 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 Miami 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, $8,803 more than the $75,328 at University of Miami. 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 Miami or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
University of Miami: its completers carry a median $17,500 in federal loans versus $23,666 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, a difference of $6,166. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at University of Miami, against 67% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 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.