Embry-Riddle vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach and University of Maryland College Park?

  Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is a specialized university focused primarily on aviation and aerospace education. It offers a highly technical and career-oriented curriculum. University of Maryland College Park (UMD) is a large, public research university with a broad range of academic programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, arts, and humanities. UMD offers a more comprehensive university experience with a greater emphasis on research and a wider array of extracurricular activities.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a career specifically in aviation or aerospace?

  For a direct path into aviation or aerospace, Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is generally the stronger choice. Its curriculum, faculty, and industry connections are heavily focused on these fields, providing specialized training and networking opportunities. While UMD has strong engineering programs, its aerospace focus is broader and less specialized than Embry-Riddle's.

• How do the engineering programs compare between Embry-Riddle and UMD?

  Both universities offer strong engineering programs. UMD's engineering program is generally considered more comprehensive and research-oriented, benefiting from its status as a large research university. Embry-Riddle's engineering programs are more specifically tailored to aerospace and aviation applications, offering a more focused and hands-on approach within those domains.

• What is the campus environment like at each school?

  Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach has a smaller, more focused campus environment with a strong sense of community among students passionate about aviation and aerospace. University of Maryland College Park has a much larger and more diverse campus environment, offering a wider range of social and cultural activities. UMD's campus is more integrated into a larger metropolitan area (Washington, D.C. suburbs), while Embry-Riddle's is located in Daytona Beach, a smaller city known for its beaches and motorsports.

• How do the costs of attending Embry-Riddle and UMD compare?

  Generally, Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach tends to have a higher tuition cost than University of Maryland College Park, especially for in-state students at UMD. However, the overall cost can vary depending on factors like financial aid, scholarships, and living expenses. It's important to compare the net cost (cost after aid) for each school based on your individual circumstances.

• What are the research opportunities like at each university?

  University of Maryland College Park, as a major research university, offers extensive research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach also provides research opportunities, particularly in aviation and aerospace-related fields, but the scope and scale are generally smaller compared to UMD.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a broader academic experience?

  University of Maryland College Park is the better choice for students seeking a broader academic experience. It offers a wider variety of majors, minors, and elective courses across diverse fields, allowing students to explore different interests and potentially change their academic focus. Embry-Riddle's curriculum is more specialized and geared towards specific career paths in aviation and aerospace.

• How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

  Both universities have career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach boasts strong industry connections within the aviation and aerospace sectors, leading to high placement rates in those fields. UMD also has a strong career services program, with connections to a wide range of industries, including government agencies and technology companies in the Washington, D.C. area.

• What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?

  Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach generally has a lower student-to-faculty ratio than University of Maryland College Park. This can lead to smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. UMD, being a larger university, typically has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses.

• How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

  Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, offering a coastal environment with access to beaches and motorsports activities. The location is ideal for students passionate about aviation and enjoying outdoor recreation. University of Maryland College Park is located in College Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. This location provides access to a major metropolitan area with numerous cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and career prospects.