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Head-to-Head Comparison

Bryant University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Bryant Wins
18
Tied
11
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
16

Direct Answer

For overall financial value, Bryant University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $41,219 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Bryant University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Bryant University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $90,008 at ten years.

45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS

When to Pick Each School

Bryant

  • Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
  • Lower cost: Average net price of $41,219, roughly $53 a year less
  • Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

  • Less debt: Median debt of $23,666, the lower of the two

The Actual Decision

What are you really choosing between?

Bryant graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (82% of degrees); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.

If you want… Choose
Business & entrepreneurship Bryant
Skilled trades & technical Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
Engineering Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
Pre-med & health Bryant
Lab & physical sciences Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

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?

Maximizing post-grad earnings → Bryant University

Pick Bryant University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.

Keeping costs down → Bryant University

Pick Bryant University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $41,219 vs $41,272.

Graduation certainty → Bryant University

Pick Bryant University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 80% completion rate vs 67%.

Key Metrics at a Glance

Graduation Rate

80%
Bryant
vs
67%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

Earnings (10yr)

$90,008
Bryant
vs
$84,131
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

Avg Net Price

$41,219
Bryant
vs
$41,272
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

Median Debt

$26,849
Bryant
vs
$23,666
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

The Analysis

Verdict

Bryant University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but Bryant University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.

Getting in

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is the harder admit. It takes 65% of applicants, while Bryant University takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,265 to 1,257.

So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach 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, Bryant University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $41,219, about $53 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach also borrow less: median debt of $23,666, against $26,849.

So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $212 before any change in aid. Choosing Bryant University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.

What graduates earn

Ten years after enrollment, Bryant University graduates report median earnings of $90,008, compared with $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.3x.

So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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

Bryant University graduates a larger share of its students, 80% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.

So what: A completion gap of 13% 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 Bryant University 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.

Counterintuitive Insights

!

Their academic identities diverge. Bryant University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach leans toward Transportation, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Bryant Not for everyone
  • Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Not for everyone
  • Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and Bryant University offers the stronger options.
  • Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Bryant University's 3,194.

Full Data Breakdown

Overview
5 metrics
Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southeast
3,194
Enrollment
7,860
No
HBCU
No
Admissions
4 metrics
65%
Acceptance Rate
65%
1265
SAT Average
1257
28
ACT Midpoint
26
1190-1330
SAT Range
1160-1360
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set)
1 metrics
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Cost & Financial Aid
9 metrics
$52,677
In-State Tuition
$44,249
$52,677
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,249
$41,219
Average Net Price
$41,272
$32,698
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$36,238
$34,055
Net Price ($30-48K)
$35,628
$36,130
Net Price ($48-75K)
$36,769
$44,846
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,035
13%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
52%
Federal Loan Rate
29%
Academics
5 metrics
80%
Graduation Rate
67%
87%
Retention Rate
88%
56%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$14,681
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$10,966
16%
First-Gen Students
36%
Student Body
6 metrics
40%
Female
18%
73%
White
56%
9%
Hispanic
16%
4%
Black
4%
4%
Asian
5%
0.46
Diversity Index
0.64
Outcomes
6 metrics
$66,488
Earnings (6yr)
$65,391
$88,274
Earnings (8yr)
$76,224
$90,008
Earnings (10yr)
$84,131
$26,849
Median Debt
$23,666
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
91%
Earning Above HS Grad
79%
Social Mobility (Chetty)
4 metrics
1.60%
Mobility Rate
53.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3.0%
From Bottom 20%
$158,826
Parent Median Income (today's $)
Social Capital
3 metrics
1.85
Economic Connectedness
1.55
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.02
3.2%
Volunteering Rate
4.8%
Online Education (IPEDS)
2 metrics
4.7%
% Exclusively Online
0.7%
4.7%
% Any Online
22.8%

The Overviews

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit

65% accept 80% grad $90,008 earnings $41,219 net

With an enrollment of around 3,200 students and an acceptance rate of 65%, Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a great fit for those interested in business and marketing, as well as fields like mathematics, social sciences, and communications. The school’s focus on practical skills and real-world applications prepares students well for their future careers. Students here can expect to be engaged in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and innovation.

After graduation, the financial outlook for Bryant alumni is strong, with a median earning of $90,008 ten years after completing their degree. This figure is significant as it indicates that many graduates find solid career opportunities. Additionally, the affordability of Bryant is notable, as its net price after financial aid is $41,219, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. This means that students who invest in their education at Bryant can expect a good return on that investment.

When considering the practical aspects of attending Bryant, it’s important to look at the financial implications. The median debt for graduates stands at $26,849, which is reasonable given the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the supportive community and resources available. With a graduation rate of 80%, it’s clear that many find their place and succeed in reaching their educational goals.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit

65% accept 67% grad $84,131 earnings $41,272 net

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

Bryant University is featured on the Best Master's Programs in Rhode Island ranking.

Explore all rankings →

Top Degree Programs

Bryant's top program is Business Administration (82% of enrollment), while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).

Career Pathways

Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Bryant) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).

The two schools feed different job markets. Bryant University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Biology & Biomedical, 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 Bryant University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 65% at Bryant University.

Which is more affordable, Bryant University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?

Bryant University is more affordable, with an average net price of $41,219 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.

Do Bryant University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?

Bryant University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.

Which has a better graduation rate, Bryant University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?

Bryant University has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 67%.

Should you choose Bryant University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?

It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bryant University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.

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