At $8,033/yr net price, Delaware Technical Community College-Terry graduates earn $41,448/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,448/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,033 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,448/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,448/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,270/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,871/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,048/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,987/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,255/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 | $61,051 | $11,576 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,331 | $12,576 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,729 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,794 | $8,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | $13,743 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,565 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,852 | $7,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,409 | $11,875 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $28,212 | $7,218 |
The Risk Factor
19.5% of students at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry 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 Technical Community College-Terry offers strong financial returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program delivers impressive earnings at $61,051 annually with manageable debt of $11,576, making it one of the best community college ROI investments in Delaware.
Healthcare dominates the earnings environment here. Allied health diagnostic programs pay $54,331 yearly, while dental support services reach $49,729. Medical assisting provides solid middle-ground returns at $45,794 with just $8,000 in debt. Even practical nursing, the lowest-paying healthcare option, still generates $38,289 annually.
The major financial risk centers on the 19.5% graduation rate. If you struggle with self-directed learning or need extensive academic support, you face high odds of leaving without credentials while carrying debt. This makes program selection critical since incomplete degrees offer no earning boost.
You should consider this school if you can commit fully to a healthcare program and prefer hands-on career training over academic coursework. The low $8,033 net price makes it accessible for most Delaware residents. Skip this option if you want broad career flexibility or need extensive student support services to succeed.
Financial aid reaches only 38% of students, suggesting many pay the modest sticker price outright. The median debt of $10,500 stays manageable compared to four-year institutions, but only if you actually graduate. Focus on the nursing or allied health programs where job demand in Delaware supports the earning projections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware Technical Community College-Terry worth the cost?
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry offers decent value for nursing programs, with registered nursing graduates earning $61,051 annually. However, the 19.5% graduation rate is concerning and means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry?
Registered nursing tops the list at $61,051 per year, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $54,331. Dental support services graduates earn $49,729, making healthcare programs the clear winners for ROI.
How much debt do Delaware Technical Community College-Terry graduates typically have?
The median debt is $10,500, which is manageable for successful nursing graduates but problematic given the low 19.5% graduation rate. Students who don't complete programs still carry debt without the credentials to pay it off.
Should I attend Delaware Technical Community College-Terry for non-nursing programs?
Non-nursing programs show weaker returns, with allied health assistants earning $45,794 and practical nursing at $38,289. Combined with the low graduation rate, these programs present higher financial risk for the investment.