At $7,395/yr net price, Delaware County Community College graduates earn $45,391/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,391/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,395 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,391/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,391/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,143/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,023/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,815/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,337/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,596/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,920 | $16,885 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $46,087 | $5,100 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,919 | $17,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | $11,600 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,488 | $11,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,691 | $12,260 |
The Risk Factor
20.5% of students at Delaware County Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Delaware County Community College offers solid financial returns for select career programs, but your choice of major will determine whether you see strong earnings or struggle financially. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,920 annually, making it one of the best values among Pennsylvania community colleges despite carrying $16,885 in debt.
Criminal justice graduates earn $46,087 with minimal debt at $5,100, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Allied health diagnostic programs also deliver strong returns at $45,919, though debt loads reach $17,500. These three programs justify the investment and position you well in the Philadelphia region's healthcare and public safety job markets.
Health administration and HVAC programs show weaker returns. Health administration graduates earn just $38,289, while HVAC completers make $33,993. Both fall short of what you could earn in these fields at other schools or through direct workforce entry.
The 20.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Most students leave without credentials, making debt without degree completion a real concern. You face better odds if you enter with clear career goals and strong academic preparation.
This school works best if you live locally and can minimize housing costs, plan to transfer credits to a four-year school, or specifically target nursing or criminal justice careers. The low net price of $7,395 keeps financial risk manageable for focused students.
Avoid Delaware County Community College if you need extensive academic support, lack clear career direction, or want programs beyond the top-earning majors. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in many programs makes it a poor choice for unfocused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware County Community College worth the cost?
At $7,395 per year, Delaware County Community College offers solid value for specific career paths, particularly nursing programs that lead to $57,920 average earnings. However, the 20.5% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts overall return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Delaware County Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Delaware County Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $57,920 annually. Criminal justice and allied health programs also perform well at $46,087 and $45,919 respectively, while HVAC technology graduates earn about $33,993.
How much debt do Delaware County Community College graduates have?
Delaware County Community College graduates typically leave with $13,250 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $7,395 helps keep debt levels reasonable for students who complete their programs.
Do Delaware County Community College graduates find good jobs?
Delaware County Community College graduates who complete health programs generally find decent employment, with 10-year average earnings of $45,391. The challenge is that only about 1 in 5 students actually graduate, making program completion the biggest factor in career success.