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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky. The median graduate earns about $49,000 ten years out against $26,000 in debt, which is workable but not strong. The bigger problem sits earlier: only 38.7% of students graduate within the standard window, and a quarter don't return after freshman year. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and those odds are real here.
Your major decides everything. Nursing is the clear winner, paying around $72,000, and it carries the debt load ($29,930) that makes sense for that payoff. Everything else drops off sharply. Teacher education and business management land in the mid-$40,000s, accounting near $38,000, and political science under $37,000, all while carrying roughly $25,000 in debt. That means a political science degree costs about as much as nursing but pays half as much. If you're not aiming at nursing or a specific licensed field, the earnings here won't outrun the debt quickly.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. Families earning under $48,000 actually pay less (around $14,300-$14,800) than families in the $48,000-$110,000 range, who pay over $16,000. Cross above $110,000 and the price jumps to about $20,000. If you're a middle-income family, you won't get the deepest discount, so weigh that $16,000 yearly cost against the program you plan to enter.
This school fits you if you're pursuing nursing or another licensed career and you're confident you'll finish. If you're undecided or drawn to the lower-paying majors, the graduation odds and flat earnings make the cost hard to justify. Look closely at cheaper in-state options before committing.
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.