Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – A Trailblazer in Aviation Higher Education

Things are Happening at the Prescott, Arizona Campus

Military Pilot Training During the World Wars

Aviation higher education in the United States has evolved in a big way since the early 20th century, following a similar path as the growth of the larger aviation industry. Initially, aviation educational programs were limited in scope, often tethered to military pilot training during the World Wars. Post-war, the industry’s expansion spawned the development of specialized academic programs to meet the demand for skilled aviation professionals. Universities and colleges began offering degrees in airport management, aeronautical engineering, and flight technology.

Research Into Industry Innovations

In the latter part of the 20th century, institutions including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University, and the University of North Dakota emerged as leaders in aviation education. Embry-Riddle has been a true trailblazer and pioneer, offering comprehensive programs in aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance, and unmanned aircraft systems. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University continues to forge ahead with research into industry innovations such as electric aircraft, urban air mobility, and increased flight automation.

Shaping the Future of Aviation

Of recent, many universities are integrating advanced technologies like quantum computing, simulation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into their curricula to prepare students for a newly emerging and more complex world of aviation. Embry-Riddle is at the forefront in these efforts, shaping the future of aviation through cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and a commitment to excellence in aviation education.

Advanced Flight Training Exercises

For example, at ERAU’s campus in Prescott, AZ, a new program that is cutting-edge and unique is intended to train students, preparing them to fly complex fighter jets for the United States Air Force. The school will be implementing the use of a new next-level flight simulation center to immerse students in advanced flight training exercises. Military officials have stated on numerous occasions that Embry Riddle is likened to the Harvard of aviation schools, so it’s the perfect partnership. ERAU clearly offers the best flight training program in the civilian world.

Gateway to a Career in Commercial and Military Aviation

Because the Air Force has been burdened with an ongoing pilot shortage in recent years, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is helping to address the shortage by enabling student pilots to earn a private pilot certificate, an instrument rating, as well as other advanced ratings, as a gateway to a career in commercial and military aviation. ERAU is setting the standard globally in terms of using the most modern and state-of-the-art simulation equipment and technologies to train new pilots.

Respected Institution for Aviation and Aerospace Education

Embry-Riddle has been training pilots to military standards for the Air Force since WWII, consistently producing the best in terms of skilled and capable pilots. The highly regarded school has produced extraordinary aviation professionals since its foundation, including maintenance technicians, ATC air traffic controllers, pilots, and aerospace engineers. ERAU is the world’s most respected institution for aviation and aerospace education enrolling approximately 31,000 students at its campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona.

Specialized Aviation Training

In addition, the university manages a growing global network of 130 satellite locations, including military bases, as well as online programs. Founded in 1926, the University curriculum, unlike other universities that offer limited aviation programs, is solely focused on and dedicated to aviation, so students can expect to receive the best in specialized aviation training from the very outset. The school has clearly earned the distinction of being the “gold standard” in aviation higher education.

Deliver Realistic Pilot Fight Training

Note that the ERAU Daytona Beach campus offers the country’s first and only Unmanned Aircraft Lab, a Weather Research and Training Center, and an advanced Aircraft Accident Forensics Lab known as the “Crash Lab.” Students also benefit from modern advanced flight simulators, including FAA Level D CRJ full-motion simulators, which deliver realistic pilot fight training sessions. Few, if any, other Universities in the world provide this level of real-world immersion for aviation-focused students.

Federal and State Support

Recent news regarding the university’s future infrastructure enhancement planning supports flight programs at its Prescott Campus while looking to the future of the university in Yavapai County, Arizona. The school is exploring alternative locations in Yavapai County for an auxiliary airfield. With much anticipated federal and state support, the new location will further promote the success of aspiring flight students by growing capacity and boosting safety while also helping to mitigate flight congestion and aircraft noise in densely populated regions of the county.

To Safety and Operational Efficiency

The projected infrastructure improvement project will solidify community engagement, spark the local economy, while creating more high-paying job opportunities for the residents of Yavapai County as well as the entire state of Arizona. As part of the university’s ongoing dedication to safety and operational efficiency, it has also announced updates regarding several important projects, which are forging the way for newer and more exciting projects, including the auxiliary airfield as mentioned above.

Training Requirements Are Ultimately Set by the FAA

ERAUs recently expanded Robertson Flight Simulation Center is now fully operational, incorporating advanced simulation technology and virtual reality systems, allowing flight training students to work in safe, sustainable, and controlled environments before conducting actual flight training. While training requirements are ultimately set by the FAA, these improvements will reduce the total time students must be in an actual aircraft.

Strategic Academic Flight Education Complex

In addition, the Strategic Academic Flight Education Complex (SAFE) construction is well under way, expanding capacity and safety for Embry-Riddle’s best-in-class flight training program. This state-of-the-art facility is situated on the university’s grounds at the Prescott Regional Airport and will comprise ramp space, an aircraft hangar, office space, student facilities, flight simulators, and general classrooms. The project is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Comfortable Living and Learning Environments

No less exciting, construction has started on a new modern student union and residence hall, both offering comfortable living and learning environments focused on higher education and student well-being. Construction of these projects is anticipated to conclude in the Fall 2026. These new facilities are intended to support the best in academic and student services.

Engage Youth in STEM Opportunities

Other key improvements include an advanced technology wind tunnel and propulsion hanger, athletic facility and related infrastructure modernization, and general campus-wide infrastructure additions and improvements. Embry-Riddle will continue to serve as a catalyst for high-paying jobs and work to engage youth in STEM opportunities, attracting world-class students who are preparing to become the next generation of engineers, scientists, aviators, and explorers,” according to Dr. Witcher, Prescott Chancellor Ken Witcher, Ph.D.

Jobs For Graduates

Embry-Riddle’s strong industry ties within the field of aviation contribute in a very substantial way to its successes and the success of its students. It has a proven track record of maintaining solid connections with domestic and international airlines, the public sector, and major influencers in the aerospace industry. ERAU’s cadres are made up of more than 150,000 aviation professionals in various sectors of the aviation industry around the world. The school affords an easy transition into aviation positions and jobs for its graduates by aligning them with the leaders within the industry. 

Attending the School is Not Cheap

This explains why Embry-Riddle alumni are consistently in top-level leadership roles at some of the largest aviation and aerospace companies and governmental institutions. Attending the school is not cheap, but given the university’s stellar reputation, its graduates are well-positioned to secure top seating in the aviation industry. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the undergraduate tuition is $42,408, with fees, housing, food, and other expenses bringing the total to roughly $65,738 for students living on-campus.