Head-to-Head Comparison
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach vs Michigan State University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 17
- Michigan State Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Michigan State University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,680 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Michigan State University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Michigan State 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than Michigan State University
- More selective: Admits 65% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Michigan State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,680, roughly $21,592 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 81% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,250, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical graduates concentrate in Transportation (41% of degrees); Michigan State in Business & Marketing (15%). 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach over Michigan State University. Median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment vs $67,253.
Pick Michigan State University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $19,680 vs $41,272.
Pick Michigan State University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 81% 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 Michigan State University are close on paper, but Michigan State 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 Michigan State University takes 85%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,257 to 1,269.
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, Michigan State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,680, about $21,592 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Michigan State University also borrow less: median debt of $23,250, against $23,666.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $86,368 before any change in aid. Choosing Michigan State University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates report median earnings of $84,131, compared with $67,253 at Michigan State University. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.35x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% 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
Michigan State University graduates a larger share of its students, 81% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% 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 Michigan State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Michigan State University saves about $21,592 a year, yet Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn $16,878 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates enrollment in Transportation, Engineering, while Michigan State University leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Communications. 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 Michigan State University's $19,680.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and Michigan State University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Michigan State University's enrollment of 40,922 far exceeds Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's 7,860.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Michigan State 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.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.
After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.
When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.
Rankings They Appear On
Michigan State University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Michigan ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical's top program is Supply Chain Management (41% of enrollment), while Michigan State leads with Business Administration (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Michigan State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is strongest in Transportation, Criminal Justice, while Michigan State University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Communications. 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 Michigan State University?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 85% at Michigan State University.
Which is more affordable, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,680 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Michigan State University graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment, versus $67,253 at Michigan State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 67%.
Should you choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or Michigan State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Michigan State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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