Head-to-Head Comparison
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach vs University of Georgia
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 16
- Georgia Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,936 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, University of Georgia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia'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, 22% more than University of Georgia
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $27,336 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 38% 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); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 University of Georgia. Median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $13,936 vs $41,272.
Pick University of Georgia over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 89% 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 University of Georgia are close on paper, but University of Georgia wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Georgia is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,257 to 1,397.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Georgia 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, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $27,336 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $23,666.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $109,344 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Georgia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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
University of Georgia graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 22% 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 University of Georgia 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. University of Georgia saves about $27,336 a year, yet Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn $15,405 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 University of Georgia 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 University of Georgia's $13,936.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,666, against $18,500 at University of Georgia.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and University of Georgia offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Georgia's enrollment of 32,137 far exceeds Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's 7,860.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia 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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Georgia is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical's top program is Supply Chain Management (41% of enrollment), while Georgia leads with Business Administration (29%).
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 Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach is strongest in Transportation, Engineering, Criminal Justice, while University of Georgia concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Communications, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,131 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 67%.
Should you choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia 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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