Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's residential campus students at its Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., campuses are among those who earn the highest quality of education and affordability in the nation, according to the 2017 Top 50 Best Value Colleges in the U.S. rankings released this week by valuecolleges.com.

Out of 250 colleges and universities evaluated and 50 making the finals, Embry-Riddle was No. 26 nationally and the only one noted in Arizona. It was second highest ranked in Florida, with University of Florida securing No. 1 and Florida State University at No. 30.

According to valuecolleges.com: "Known as the Harvard of the Sky, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the first, and certainly the most respected, aerospace and aeronautics-focused university in the world. … Of course, aeronautics and aerospace-related fields are still Embry-Riddle's greatest strengths, from aerospace engineering to unmanned flight systems, robotics to human factors. But in recent years, Embry-Riddle has developed a healthy reputation for business and management, and a deep relationship with the military has led to the development of some of the most successful intelligence and security programs in the world. Embry-Riddle combines a high ROI with top-tier quality to make for a trusted name and great value."

To determine its rankings, valuecolleges.com ranked over 250 colleges and universities by ROI (according to the Department of Education federal student loan program database, College Scorecard), cost (according to IPEDS) and reputation (according to U.S. News & World Report) and set filters for colleges at or below the national average cost, with a high graduation rate (better than 50 percent) and average graduate salary above the national average.

"This ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff at our campuses in Florida and Arizona," said Embry-Riddle Interim President Dr. Karen A. Holbrook. "It also exemplifies our commitment to providing our students and graduates with an educational experience that prepares them to lead and innovate in the global economy."

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a nonprofit, independent institution offering more than 80 baccalaureate, master's and Ph.D. degree programs. For more, go to www.embryriddle.edu.