Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Babson Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 14
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 7
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Babson College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $40,514 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Babson College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Babson College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 47% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,514, roughly $758 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 17% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick Babson College over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $40,514 vs $41,272.
Pick Babson College over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 93% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but Babson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Babson College is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,257.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Babson College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Babson College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,514, about $758 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Babson College also borrow less: median debt of $20,000, against $23,666.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,032 before any change in aid. Choosing Babson College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 47% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 47% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Babson College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 26% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Babson College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,666, against $20,000 at Babson College.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and Babson College offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Babson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Babson's top program is Business Administration (100% of enrollment), while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).
Babson
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).
The two schools feed different job markets. while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates in Transportation, Engineering, Criminal Justice. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Babson College is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Babson College is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,514 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Babson College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 67%.
Should you choose Babson College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Babson College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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