Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Welcoming campus environment
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Embry-Riddle Prescott is uniquely shaped by the shared passion for aviation and aerospace that draws students to this specialized institution. The campus community consists of future pilots, engineers, scientists, and aviation professionals who form bonds through common interests and collaborative learning experiences. Student organizations include flying clubs, engineering societies, professional aviation associations, and special interest groups that provide leadership opportunities and networking connections. The campus features the Golden Eagles flight team that competes in regional and national aviation competitions, showcasing student piloting skills against top programs from across the country. Intramural and recreational sports programs allow students to maintain physical fitness and enjoy friendly competition in activities ranging from traditional team sports to outdoor adventures in the beautiful Arizona landscape. The university's location in Prescott provides access to hiking, mountain biking, camping, and other outdoor recreational opportunities in the surrounding national forest lands. Campus facilities include modern residence halls, dining options, fitness centers, and student gathering spaces that support a vibrant residential community. Aviation-themed events and traditions celebrate the unique culture of Embry-Riddle, including air shows, visiting aircraft displays, and career events featuring industry leaders. Student support services including academic advising, career counseling, and health services ensure students have resources to succeed both academically and personally.

Location & Surroundings

Prescott, Arizona provides an exceptional setting for Embry-Riddle's western campus, offering an ideal combination of climate, geography, and community environment for aviation education. Located approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix at an elevation of 5,400 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott enjoys a four-season climate with mild temperatures, low humidity, and over 300 days of clear skies annually that create perfect conditions for flight training year-round. The city of approximately 45,000 residents maintains a charming downtown area with historic buildings, local restaurants, shops, and a vibrant arts community that provides a welcoming atmosphere for university students. Prescott's designation as a "natural air-conditioning" destination refers to its pleasant summer temperatures that avoid the extreme desert heat of lower Arizona elevations. The surrounding Prescott National Forest offers abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities that complement the academic experience. The region's rich Western heritage is preserved in museums, historic sites, and cultural events including the famous Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo. The Love Field airport adjacent to campus serves as the base for the university's flight operations, providing immediate access to training aircraft and facilities. Phoenix and its international airport are accessible within approximately two hours by car, connecting Prescott to major transportation networks.

Costs & Career Outcomes

As a specialized private institution, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott represents a significant educational investment that prepares graduates for high-paying careers in aviation, aerospace, and related industries. Tuition and fees are competitive with other premier aviation and engineering institutions, and the university provides transparent cost breakdowns including additional expenses for flight training programs where students accumulate required flight hours. Flight training costs vary based on the student's progression and hours required to achieve various certifications. The university offers substantial financial aid packages including merit scholarships, need-based grants, federal financial aid, and aviation-specific scholarships from industry partners and professional organizations. Many students offset costs through cooperative education programs and internships that provide income while building professional experience. Living costs in Prescott are moderate by Arizona standards, with reasonable options for both on-campus and off-campus housing. Career outcomes for Embry-Riddle graduates are outstanding, with the university boasting one of the highest job placement rates in aviation education. Graduates are recruited by major airlines, aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, government agencies including NASA and the FAA, and military branches. Pilot graduates often begin careers at regional airlines before advancing to major carriers, while engineering graduates join teams designing next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. The university's alumni network spans the global aviation industry, providing mentorship and networking opportunities that support career advancement. Starting salaries for graduates are competitive, with pilots and engineers often achieving six-figure incomes as their careers progress.

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