Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is regarded as a top aerospace engineering university. The university's primary physical campus is in Daytona, Florida, with about 6,900 students. Embry-Riddle has about 300 students on its campus in Prescott, Arizona. In addition, about 100,000 students participate in Embry-Riddle Worldwide. I visited the main physical campus in Daytona, Florida.
Embry-Riddle Academics
There are typically 27-30 students in a class. The largest class will likely have no more than 60 students, and some classes might just have four students.
There are four colleges at the Daytona campus:
1. Arts & Science
2. Business
3. Engineering
4. Aviation
Majors at the College of Arts and Science include Astronomy and Aerospace Physiology. One of the more interesting majors I learned about on the tour was Human Factors Psychology. This psychology major focuses on things like how to design spaceships, control panels, and various technological devices.
The O’Maley Business College offers a BS in aviation management. With 500 students, this is the smallest college.
The College of Engineering offers Aeronautics, Astronautics, and Propulsion in addition to Aerospace Engineering.
Students interested in the College of Aviation should be aware that there is a shortage of flight instructors so flight instruction is only available to Aeronautics Science majors. Other majors available include Aeronautics, Air Traffic Management, Aerospace & Occupational Safety, Aviation Maintenance, and Meteorology. After seeing flight simulators at multiple universities, I believe Embry-Riddle likely has the most advanced simulators.
Students indicate that there is a strong emphasis on project-based learning. Students also indicate that there is not much emphasis on writing. Students should be disciplined. Procrastinators will not perform well here.
Embry-Riddle Admissions
You will not find Embry-Riddle on the Common App. Embry-Riddle has rolling admissions. The application opens June 15 and could be reviewed by Labor Day. Aeronautics Science fills up quickly (not just here, but at other schools as well), so students should try to apply early.
Embry-Riddle is test-optional. Standardized test scores are required for international students to be considered for scholarships. Test scores are otherwise not required for scholarships, but test scores might help a student qualify for additional scholarship funds. Students with test scores below 1200 should consider not submitting them.
An essay and two letters of recommendation are required. There is no prompt or word count for the essay. Some applicants write about “why this major.” Here is a code for free application: DBPC.
Embry-Riddle accepts AP, IB, CLEP, and AICE credits. It provides a matrix for IB transfer credits.
Embry-Riddle students can often shave a semester off of earning a combined bachelors/graduate degree. Students can typically apply with a 3.0 GPA and 75 credits.
Embry-Riddle Campus Population
About 72 percent of the population is male. Skateboards abound on campus. I saw more skateboards there than on my previous ten college tours combined.
Students generally live off campus during Junior and Senior years. Not surprisingly, most students have cars, and parking is tight. Even Freshman students are allowed to have cars.
Embry-Riddle Affordability
The Cost of Attendance at Embry-Riddle is around $59 K/year. Students who want to fly will pay extra for that, and they will typically need to take flight lessons for about one year after graduating to get a commercial pilot’s license.
94 percent of students receive some form of financial aid. Every student is automatically considered for merit scholarships. The GPA required for a merit scholarship typically starts at 3.8. Merit scholarships typically run $5 - $22 K/year. $14 K/year is the average amount of financial aid provided.
Graduates from Florida high schools can qualify for these scholarships:
· Golden Eagle, $23 - $35 K/year
· Diamond Eagle, $38 K/year
Bright Futures, a state of Florida merit scholarship, shaves $1,900/semester off the cost of tuition. Bright Futures pays out per credit at Florida private colleges, and the payout tends to be less generous than it is at Florida public universities.
Like most universities, Embry-Riddle does not meet full financial need.
Embry-Riddle Careers
Students at Embry-Riddle have a strong career orientation. One student I spoke with was leaving at the end of her Junior year to start a job. She was going to complete her degree through Embry-Riddle Worldwide. Starting salaries of $100 K/year are not unusual.
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