At $31,763/yr net price, Delaware College of Art and Design graduates earn $35,036/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,036/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,763 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $127,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,036/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,036/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 122.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,453/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,877/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,016/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,463/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,624/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $15,922 | |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $12,221 |
The Risk Factor
41.0% of students at Delaware College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Delaware College of Art and Design delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. Your median earnings ten years after graduation will be $35,036, which barely covers living expenses and leaves little room for loan repayment on top of a $31,763 annual price tag.
The earnings data for specific programs reveals troubling patterns. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn just $15,922 annually, while Graphic Communications majors make $12,221. These figures fall well below livable wages in most markets, creating serious financial strain for graduates carrying debt from this expensive program.
You face significant completion risk here, with only 41% of students graduating. This low completion rate combined with high costs creates a dangerous scenario where you could accumulate debt without earning a credential. The relatively low median debt of $12,000 suggests many students either drop out before borrowing heavily or transfer elsewhere.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support that eliminates borrowing needs, plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing your associate degree, or view this as expensive portfolio development rather than career training. The 40% of students receiving aid may find better value, but even with assistance, the return on investment remains weak.
You should look elsewhere if you need your degree to generate immediate earning power or cannot afford to treat this as an expensive stepping stone. Community colleges offer similar art programs at fraction of this cost, while four-year art schools provide better long-term earning potential for similar investment levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware College of Art and Design worth the cost?
With graduates earning $35,036 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $31,763 per year, the financial return is challenging. The low 41% graduation rate adds significant risk to your investment.
What is the job market like for Delaware College of Art and Design graduates?
Design and Applied Arts graduates earn around $15,922 annually, while Graphic Communications graduates earn $12,221. These starting salaries make it difficult to justify the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Delaware College of Art and Design students graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $12,000, which is better than many art schools. However, the low earning potential still makes debt repayment challenging for most graduates.
What are the graduation rates at Delaware College of Art and Design?
Only 41% of students graduate, meaning most who enroll don't finish their degree. This dramatically increases the financial risk since you could end up with debt but no credential.