Florida Tech vs Embry-Riddle

Florida Institute of Technology and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, both esteemed institutions in Florida, offer distinct educational experiences. Florida Tech boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process, while Embry-Riddle welcomes a larger proportion of its applicants. In terms of academic focus, Florida Tech excels in engineering and computer science, while Embry-Riddle specializes in aviation and aerospace studies. Their student bodies reflect these differences, with Florida Tech attracting more international students and Embry-Riddle enrolling a higher percentage of male students. While Florida Tech has a slightly higher graduation rate, both universities ensure that their students are well-prepared for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach	Florida Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	Daytona Beach, Florida	Melbourne, Florida
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	80.0%	82.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	72.3%	65.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	$50
SAT range	1140 - 1330	1140 - 1340
ACT range	23 - 29	24 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	54.0%	68.0%
Students submitting ACT score	27.0%	30.0%
Total number of applicants	9,255	10,650
Total number of admissions given out	6,691	7,016
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,862	756
Yield rate	27.8%	10.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$57,754	$61,442
Average net price	$35,923	$32,314
Tuition	$37,512	$42,346
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,380 Meal plan: $4,974	Room/dormitory: $7,416 Meal plan: $5,980
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	95.0% Average amount $20,273	92.0% Average amount $25,807
Students receiving federal student loan	51.0% Average amount $5,508	48.0% Average amount $5,481
Students taking out private loans	19.0% Average amount $28,129	11.0% Average amount $24,026

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,916 Men 73.6% Women 26.4%	3,491 Men 69.4% Women 30.6%
Graduate students	677 Men 71.3% Women 28.7%	4,339 Men 35.7% Women 64.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	67.9%	54.8%
International students	11.8%	19.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	3,389	2,017
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Texas New York Pennsylvania New Jersey	Florida New York New Jersey Maryland Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Transportation and Logistics Engineering Business Psychology Military Technologies	Engineering Psychology Business Transportation and Logistics Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.2%	66.3%
Dropout rate	34.8%	32.8%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,654 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $88,105 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $84,606 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,896 Year 2: $77,039 Year 3: $84,059 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,540 Year 2: $65,080 Year 3: $77,320 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,961 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $72,560 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,674 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $68,673 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,141 Year 2: $59,314 Year 3: $65,858 Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,995 Year 2: $48,833 Year 3: $61,969 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,234 Year 2: $41,937 Year 3: $59,418 Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,792 Year 2: $40,667 Year 3: $55,183	Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,395 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $85,054 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,500 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $83,998 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $75,787 Year 3: $81,479 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,475 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $80,057 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,264 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $79,253 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,064 Year 3: $77,183 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,682 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,785 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,184 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,804 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,992 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,267 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,647 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $71,506

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach?

Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach both excel in STEM fields, but they have distinct focuses. Embry-Riddle is primarily focused on aviation and aerospace, offering a wider range of specialized aviation programs and a strong industry connection in that sector. Florida Tech, while also strong in aerospace engineering, has a broader range of engineering, science, and technology programs, including ocean engineering, computer science, and biomedical engineering. Consider your specific academic interests when choosing between the two.
Which school is better for aerospace engineering?

Both Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach have excellent aerospace engineering programs. Embry-Riddle's program is highly regarded and deeply integrated with the aviation industry, offering unique opportunities for flight training and hands-on experience with aircraft. Florida Tech's aerospace engineering program is also strong, with a focus on research and a broader engineering foundation. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests within aerospace engineering. If you want to be a pilot or work directly with aircraft, Embry-Riddle might be a better fit. If you are interested in research and a broader engineering education, Florida Tech could be a better choice.
How do the campuses and locations compare?

Florida Tech is located in Melbourne, Florida, a mid-sized city on the Space Coast, offering a mix of beach access and technological industry. The campus is relatively compact and easily navigable. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, famous for its beaches and motorsports. The campus is larger and more spread out than Florida Tech's. Both locations offer access to outdoor activities and are within driving distance of major Florida attractions.
What is the difference in tuition and cost of attendance?

Generally, Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach tends to have a slightly higher tuition and overall cost of attendance compared to Florida Tech. However, costs can vary depending on your specific program, financial aid package, and living arrangements. It's essential to visit both schools' websites and use their net price calculators to get an accurate estimate of your individual cost.
Which school has better career opportunities after graduation?

Both universities have strong career placement rates for their graduates. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach has an exceptional network within the aviation and aerospace industries, leading to strong placement in those fields. Florida Tech also has excellent career opportunities, particularly in aerospace, engineering, and technology sectors, benefiting from its location on the Space Coast and its strong industry partnerships. Your specific career goals will influence which school offers better opportunities for you.
How do the student life and campus culture differ?

Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach has a strong aviation-focused culture, with many students sharing a passion for flying and aerospace. Student life revolves around aviation clubs, flight teams, and related activities. Florida Tech has a more diverse student body and a broader range of extracurricular activities, reflecting its wider academic offerings. Both schools offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and sports, but the overall atmosphere differs based on their respective focuses.
What are the admission requirements for Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle?

Both Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach have selective admission processes. They typically require a strong academic record, including challenging high school coursework in math and science, competitive SAT/ACT scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and strong letters of recommendation. Embry-Riddle may place a greater emphasis on aviation-related experience or interests in the application process. Check each school's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.
Which school is better for international students?

Both Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach have a significant international student population and offer support services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural programs. Both are experienced in handling the unique needs of international students. The 'better' choice depends on the specific program of interest and the support services offered within that department.
Do both schools offer flight training?

Yes, both Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach offer flight training. However, Embry-Riddle is particularly renowned for its flight training programs and has extensive flight training facilities and resources. Florida Tech also offers flight training as part of its aviation programs, but it may not be as extensive as Embry-Riddle's.
Which school has a stronger focus on research?

Both Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach are involved in research, but Florida Tech generally has a stronger emphasis on research across a broader range of STEM fields. Florida Tech is classified as a high research activity university. Embry-Riddle's research is primarily focused on aviation and aerospace-related topics.

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