Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is a private nonprofit university in Prescott, AZ ranked #1184 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 3,218 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 76.6%. Students most often pursue Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 82.2% first-year retention, and 67.8% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $40,287, about $23,289 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -59.4%, roughly 144.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $65,391. That's about $21,703 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates 67.8% of students within six years and keeps 82.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $44,149 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,928 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,480 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $62,798 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.2% of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $39,171 to $42,834 depending on family income. Use Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $37,587/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $42,834/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $65,391
- 10-Year Median Earnings $65,391
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.4%
- Employment Rate 84.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates earn $65,391 median, the -59.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-680
- SAT Math 560-690
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,218
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 82.2%
- Graduation Rate 67.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 76.6%, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 76.6% acceptance rate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1370 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott undergraduates. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space E, Air Transportation, and International Relations and National Security Stud draw the most students.
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space E 25.1%
- Air Transportation 23.1%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 16.1%
- Security Science and Technology 8.7%
- Mechanical Engineering 6.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.0%
See more majors
- Computer Engineering 3.5%
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology 2.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $97,915
- 2. Computer Engineering $94,762
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $93,818
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $85,780
- 5. Air Transportation $83,811
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $81,800
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $78,016
- 8. International Relations and National Security Studies $69,283
- 9. Security Science and Technology $55,259
- 10. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $41,524
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Air Transportation (Master's Degree) $105,418
- 2. Security Science and Technology (Master's Degree) $94,550
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering grads earn $97,915—136% more than Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General ($41,524). Graduate: Air Transportation programs lead with $105,418 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 150 graduates)
- Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree, 138 graduates)
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Security Science and Technology (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (17 programs)â–¼
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Air Transportation
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Security Science and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer Engineering
- International Business
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Physics
- Biology, General
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Data Science
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Air Transportation
- Security Science and Technology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,218
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 72.3%
- Female Students 27.7%
- Caucasian 54.0%
- Asian 6.6%
- Hispanic 15.8%
- Black 2.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's undergraduate population. Women make up 27.7% of the student body, while men represent 72.3%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 72.3% of undergraduates. About 18.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -59.4% ROI. Ranked #1184 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $40,287 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $65,391 median earnings. With 67.8% graduating within six years and 82.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1184 ranking, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $40,287 annually, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 82.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $28,201 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -59.4% ROI and $65,391 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $30,287+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott ranks #1184 of 1942 institutions, with 1400 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.8% six-year graduation rate sits 5.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.2% first-year retention is 5.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -59.4% return on investment is 144.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $65,391 run about 50% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $40,287 is roughly $20,270 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.6% employment rate within three years sits 16.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $40,287 is about $20,270 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.2% trails the national share by 16.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott—a private nonprofit university in Prescott, AZ—at B- overall. It stands at #1184 among 1942 schools Completion earns B+, Support B, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability D+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 82.2% retention and 67.8% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -59.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $40,287 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $62,798.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,511 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $65,391 six years after entry. This is roughly 50% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 84.6% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -59.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
76.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Prescott, AZ 86301-3720
- Website prescott.erau.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$80.0M