Embry-Riddle Best in Arizona, Second in Florida, 26th in U.S. for Highest Level of Quality, Affordability
Student Success, Retention Rates, Student-To-Faculty Ratios and Academic Reputation Cited by ValueColleges.com for University’s Ranking
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s residential campus students at its Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., campuses are among those who earn the highest quality of education and affordability in the nation, according to the 2017 Top 50 Best Value Colleges in the U.S. rankings released this week by valuecolleges.com.
Out of 250 colleges and universities evaluated and 50 making the finals – including Stanford, Vanderbilt, Purdue and Princeton – Embry-Riddle was No. 26 nationally and was the only institution of higher learning noted in Arizona. It was second highest ranked in Florida, with University of Florida securing No. 1 and Florida State University at No. 30.
In its explanation of why Embry-Riddle did so well in the ranking, valuecolleges.com said: “Known as the Harvard of the Sky, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the first, and certainly the most respected, aerospace and aeronautics-focused university in the world. While Embry-Riddle may have its origin in a small school for pilots and mechanics, they have parlayed their excellence in applied science, engineering, and computing – all rooted in those early mechanics courses – into a globally-recognized system of campuses that have produced astronauts, CEOs and military officers.
“Of course, aeronautics and aerospace-related fields are still Embry-Riddle’s greatest strengths, from aerospace engineering to unmanned flight systems, robotics to human factors. But in recent years, Embry-Riddle has developed a healthy reputation for business and management, and a deep relationship with the military has led to the development of some of the most successful intelligence and security programs in the world. Embry-Riddle combines a high ROI with top-tier quality to make for a trusted name and great value.”
To determine its rankings, valuecolleges.com used College Scorecard, the database of information gathered from the Department of Education federal student loan program. It set filters for colleges at or below the national average cost, with a high graduation rate (better than 50 percent) and average graduate salary above the national average. From that initial list fitting the criteria, the website ranked over 250 colleges and universities by:
- ROI (according to Scorecard data)
- Cost (according to IPEDS)
- Reputation (according to U.S. News & World Report)
“This ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff at our campuses in Florida and Arizona,” said Embry-Riddle Interim President Dr. Karen A. Holbrook. “It also exemplifies our commitment to providing our students and graduates with an educational experience that prepares them to lead and innovate in the global economy.”