Head-to-Head Comparison
Bryant University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
- 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.
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 Bryant University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick Bryant University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $41,219 vs $41,272.
Pick Bryant University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 80% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
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
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
- 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
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit
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
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.
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.
Bryant
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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