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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a real payoff if you pick the right program. At $7,395 a year and median debt of $13,250, your total borrowing stays under what many students take on for a single year at a four-year school. The catch is the graduation rate: only about one in five students finishes, so the return depends heavily on you actually completing.
Nursing is the clear winner here. The associate nursing program pays roughly $57,920 ten years out, well above the school's $45,391 median and enough to clear its $16,885 debt load quickly. Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs land near $45,900 but carry similar debt around $17,500, so the math is tighter there. The criminal justice certificate is worth a look for cost reasons: about $46,000 in earnings against just $5,100 in debt. Health and medical administrative services and the HVAC certificate sit lower, in the $34,000 to $38,000 range, so weigh those against local trade wages before committing.
The main financial risk is dropping out with debt and no credential. Since the payoff programs are all health-focused and require finishing clinical sequences, half-completing nursing leaves you with loans and no license. Pick a program you can realistically finish.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay about $6,143. over $110k, closer to $12,596. If your family earns under $48k, this is one of the cheapest paths into nursing or allied health in the Media area.
This school fits you if you want a healthcare or trade credential without heavy debt and can commit to finishing. If you want a bachelor's-level career or aren't sure of your program, the low completion rate makes it a gamble worth reconsidering.
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.