21 Lesser-Known Schools That Quietly Produce Top Earners

20. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach, FL & Prescott, AZ

Known as the world’s premier aviation and aerospace university, Embry-Riddle prepares students for elite careers in piloting, aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, and aviation safety. Its graduates frequently move into high-paying roles with NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and commercial airlines. The curriculum combines intense technical training with leadership development, and the university’s industry connections open doors to prestigious internships and job placements. For students drawn to the skies—or space—Embry-Riddle offers unparalleled ROI. Median early-career salary: $82,900.