Founded in 1978 as a residential campus expansion of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Embry-Riddle Prescott campus is a premier private aviation and aerospace university located in Prescott, Arizona. Spanning a scenic 539-acre high-desert campus at 5,000 feet elevation near Prescott Municipal Airport, Embry-Riddle Prescott is globally famous for aeronautical science, aerospace engineering, space physics, cybersecurity, and global security. You can examine its founding charter and aviation heritage through the Embry-Riddle Prescott Wikipedia historical entry.
When you study at Embry-Riddle Prescott, you enter a specialized STEM institution where flight simulators, wind tunnels, and planetarium laboratories prepare you for high-demand aerospace careers. Living in Prescott places you inside a historic mile-high city surrounded by Granite Dells formations and pine forests.
Premier Academic Programs
Embry-Riddle Prescott organizes its instruction across specialized academic colleges holding top national reputations:
- College of Aviation: World-renowned leader in aeronautical science, commercial pilot flight training, air traffic management, and safety science.
- College of Engineering: Nationally recognized for aerospace engineering, mechanical systems, software engineering, and space physics. Explore degree paths on the Embry-Riddle Prescott Academic Programs portal.
- College of Security and Intelligence: First college of its kind in the nation, specializing in cyber intelligence, global security, and counter-terrorism.
- College of Arts and Sciences: Delivers foundational instruction in forensic biology, space physics, astronomy, and technical writing.
"Real World Aerospace Education, guiding flight training, space science, and security leadership across the globe."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the Haas Academic Center, the Flight Line, and the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium. School spirit revolves around Ernie the Eagle, the official costumed mascot representing Embry-Riddle Eagles athletic teams in NCAA Division II and NAIA California Pacific Conference sports. You can read about spirit traditions and mascot history on the official Embry-Riddle Prescott Eagles Athletics portal. Participating in national flight competitions, observing night skies, and joining over 90 student clubs creates a close-knit campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Space Physics
Embry-Riddle Prescott operates an active doctoral research framework with specialized aerospace laboratories:
- Robertson Aviation Safety Research Center: World-class research lab investigating accident investigation, flight human factors, and aircraft cabin safety.
- Space Physics Research Laboratory: Specialized facility conducting studies on upper atmospheric dynamics, space weather, and satellite payloads. Learn more via Embry-Riddle Prescott Research Operations.
- Cyber Lab Complex: Advanced threat simulation laboratory where security students analyze live malware defense protocols.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of commercial airline captains, military commanders, astronauts, and aerospace executives, including:
- Daniel H. Wilson: Bestselling author of Robopocalypse and robotics engineer who earned his degree at Embry-Riddle Prescott.
- Alvin Drew: NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force officer who earned degrees in aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle.
- Jamail Larkins: Aerobatic pilot, aviation entrepreneur, and CEO of Ascension Aircraft who graduated from Embry-Riddle.
- John Young: Prominent defense executive and flight test manager in commercial aerospace.
Embry-Riddle Prescott offers merit scholarship coverage and flight training grant opportunities for qualified domestic and international students. Review full admission standards and application steps on the official Embry-Riddle Prescott Admissions portal.