Head-to-head · 2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Northern Arizona University
Compare average net price ($40,287 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott; $14,158 at Northern Arizona University), ROI score (5.22 vs 9.60), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($84,131 vs $54,384), and admissions selectivity (76.6% acceptance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott; 89.6% at Northern Arizona University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 5.22 | 9.60 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $40,287 | $14,158 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $161,148 | $56,632 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $44,149 | $13,009 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $44,149 | $29,881 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $84,131 ✓ | $54,384 |
| Acceptance rate | 76.6% | 89.6% |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% ✓ | 61.3% |
| Retention rate | 82.2% ✓ | 75.5% |
| Median debt | $23,666 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,218 | 22,903 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1250 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $39,171 | $9,709 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $37,924 | $10,398 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $37,346 | $13,330 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $37,587 | $18,050 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $42,834 | $20,686 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| Security Science and Technology | 12.4% | 0.1% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 12.1% | 0.2% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 6.9% | 1.6% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 3.2% | 4.3% |
| Biology, General | 0.4% | 6% |
| Computer Engineering | 4.3% | 0.1% |
| Design and Applied Arts | 1.3% | 1.4% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | 2.3% | 0.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern Arizona University reports the lower average net price by $26,129 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $104,516 difference over four years ($56,632 vs $161,148).
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott reports $29,747 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($84,131 vs $54,384). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 82.2% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott and 75.5% at Northern Arizona University. Median federal debt among completers is $23,666 vs $19,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Northern Arizona University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Arizona University is cheaper — average net price $14,158 per year vs $40,287 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott. The annual difference of $26,129 adds up to about $104,516 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $84,131 vs $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The gap in the federal data is $29,747. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is more selective at 76.6% acceptance vs 89.6% at Northern Arizona University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.