Head-to-Head Comparison
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach vs George Washington University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
George Washington University
Washington, DC
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 16
- George Washington Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $36,586 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, George Washington University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $4,686 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical graduates concentrate in Transportation (41% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). 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 George Washington University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick George Washington University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $36,586 vs $41,272.
Pick George Washington University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 85% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach and George Washington University are close on paper, but George Washington University 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
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,257 to 1,433.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington University 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, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $4,686 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $23,666.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $18,744 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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
George Washington University graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 18% 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 George Washington 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. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates enrollment in Transportation, Engineering, while George Washington University leans toward Social Sciences, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,272 runs well above George Washington University's $36,586.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,666, against $20,449 at George Washington University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington 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) 4 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical's top program is Supply Chain Management (41% of enrollment), while George Washington leads with Sociology (33%).
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
George Washington
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is strongest in Transportation, Engineering, Criminal Justice, while George Washington University concentrates in Social Sciences, Health Professions, Psychology. 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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or George Washington University?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or George Washington University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or George Washington University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or George Washington University?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 67%.
Should you choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or George Washington University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington University 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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