At $15,745/yr net price, Delaware State University graduates earn $49,307/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,307/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,745 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,980 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,307/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,307/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,776/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,338/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,445/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,336/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,170/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. | Bachelor | $72,022 | $29,930 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,260 | $31,272 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,584 | $25,401 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,128 | $25,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $25,000 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $25,872 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $22,503 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $31,936 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,167 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
38.7% of students at Delaware State University 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 State University offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning over $72,000 annually despite carrying nearly $30,000 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment.
Most other programs struggle financially. Business administration graduates earn just $43,000 with $25,500 in debt, while accounting majors face an even tougher situation at $38,000 in earnings. The low 39% graduation rate amplifies these risks since you might accumulate debt without completing your degree.
The school's $15,745 annual net price appears reasonable, but the 72% retention rate signals that many students find the academic environment challenging. If you transfer or drop out, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access better-paying jobs.
Delaware State works best for nursing students who can handle the program's demands and Delaware residents seeking an affordable in-state option. The 43% of students receiving financial aid suggests decent need-based assistance, though merit scholarships appear limited for high achievers.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering business or accounting, where other regional schools offer better earning potential. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings in most programs creates significant financial risk for students who aren't absolutely committed to nursing or teaching careers in Delaware's job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware State University worth the cost?
Delaware State University offers mixed value with a relatively low net price of $15,745 but concerning 10-year earnings of $49,307 and a 38.7% graduation rate. The nursing program provides strong ROI with $72,022 average earnings, while other programs may struggle to justify costs.
What are the best paying majors at Delaware State University?
Nursing leads Delaware State University's earning potential at $72,022 annually, followed by social work at $47,260. Business and education programs earn significantly less at around $43,000-$45,000, making career choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Delaware State University graduates have?
Delaware State University graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates earning $72,000 but problematic for lower-earning majors. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Delaware State University have good job placement after graduation?
Delaware State University's 38.7% graduation rate suggests significant completion challenges that affect job prospects. Nursing graduates typically find stable employment, but the overall low earnings and graduation rates indicate placement struggles in other fields.