About Delaware Valley University
Delaware Valley University has grown from its agricultural roots into a full institution serving 1,644 students in suburban Doylestown. The school earned its "Aggies" nickname through decades of leadership in agriculture and life sciences programs. Students can choose from strong business and science offerings alongside the traditional farm-focused curricula. The 95.43% acceptance rate welcomes students with average SAT scores around 1104.
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value. Students pay an average net price of $27,243 after aid, well below the $43,300 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $55,838 ten years after graduation, which helps explain the manageable $25,000 median debt load. The 96.9% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 52.20% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their degrees.
Women make up 61.68% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. With 24 varsity sports and 466 total athletes, nearly one in four students competes in Division III athletics. The 66.06% retention rate suggests some students transfer elsewhere after their first year.
The financial picture tells a mixed story about value. Students pay an average net price of $27,243 after aid, well below the $43,300 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $55,838 ten years after graduation, which helps explain the manageable $25,000 median debt load. The 96.9% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 52.20% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their degrees.
Women make up 61.68% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes. With 24 varsity sports and 466 total athletes, nearly one in four students competes in Division III athletics. The 66.06% retention rate suggests some students transfer elsewhere after their first year.
Academics & Faculty
Delaware Valley University built its reputation on agriculture and life sciences programs that trace back to its 1896 founding as a farming college. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally in hands-on programs like animal science, agribusiness, and veterinary technology. However, the 53% four-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish on time despite small classes. The school has expanded beyond its agricultural roots into business and liberal arts, but agriculture remains its strongest draw. Students get direct access to working farms and research facilities that larger universities cannot offer. The Aggies nickname reflects the school's continuing commitment to agricultural education and practical learning experiences.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.2%
- Retention Rate
- 66.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,838
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,104 |
| Food Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $32,976 |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,870 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $22,970 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Bachelor | $21,417 |
Campus Life
Delaware Valley University sits in suburban Doylestown, about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia. The 571-acre campus houses 1,150 students, meaning roughly 70% of the student body lives on campus in a close-knit community. You'll need a winter coat for Pennsylvania's cold months, but spring and fall offer perfect weather for outdoor activities.
The school's agricultural roots show everywhere on campus. Students work hands-on with the campus farm, greenhouses, and livestock facilities as part of their coursework. With 24 varsity sports and 466 total athletes, about 28% of students compete in Division III athletics. The Aggies nickname reflects the school's farm heritage. Weekend activities center around campus events, athletic games, and trips to nearby Philadelphia for city experiences. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. With women comprising 62% of enrollment, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students often study together in small groups, especially in the demanding science and agriculture programs that Delaware Valley is known for.
The school's agricultural roots show everywhere on campus. Students work hands-on with the campus farm, greenhouses, and livestock facilities as part of their coursework. With 24 varsity sports and 466 total athletes, about 28% of students compete in Division III athletics. The Aggies nickname reflects the school's farm heritage. Weekend activities center around campus events, athletic games, and trips to nearby Philadelphia for city experiences. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. With women comprising 62% of enrollment, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students often study together in small groups, especially in the demanding science and agriculture programs that Delaware Valley is known for.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,150 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1896
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–38°F
- July Avg
- 65°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.7"
Student Demographics
Delaware Valley draws students passionate about hands-on learning in agriculture and life sciences. The student body tilts female at 62%, reflecting strong programs in veterinary science and animal care that traditionally attract more women. About half the students come from Pennsylvania, showing the university's solid regional reputation among families who value practical education. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable career training. Students here typically choose Delaware Valley for its direct pipeline to agricultural careers rather than prestige, creating a down-to-earth campus culture focused on real-world skills.
- Men
- 38.3%
- Women
- 61.7%
- White
- 71.8%
- Black
- 8.5%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 51.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.2%
Location
Delaware Valley University sits in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Philadelphia. The campus occupies 571 acres in Bucks County's suburban landscape. Doylestown serves as the county seat and maintains a historic downtown with colonial architecture and local shops. The area blends suburban convenience with agricultural heritage, fitting for a university known as the Aggies. Students can reach Philadelphia's internships and cultural attractions in under an hour by car or train. The region offers both small-town charm and access to major metropolitan opportunities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Delaware Valley University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901-2697
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,838
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,756
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Delaware Valley University?
Delaware Valley University accepts 95.43% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The average SAT score is 1104, reflecting the school's open-door approach to education in agriculture and life sciences.
How much does Delaware Valley University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $27,243 after aid, lower than the $43,300 sticker price. Students graduate with a median debt of $25,000 and monthly loan payments of $265.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Delaware Valley University?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 among the 1,644 enrolled students. This small university specializes in agriculture, life sciences, and business programs with hands-on learning opportunities.
How much do Delaware Valley University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $55,838 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.9%, reflecting strong job placement in agriculture and related fields.
Where is Delaware Valley University located?
The campus sits in Doylestown, PA, a large suburban setting outside Philadelphia. With housing capacity for 1,150 students, about 52% of students come from Pennsylvania.
Does Delaware Valley University offer athletic scholarships?
The Aggies compete in NCAA Division III and offer $0 in athletic scholarships. However, 466 students participate in 24 varsity sports through the Middle Atlantic Conferences.
