At $27,243/yr net price, Delaware Valley University graduates earn $55,838/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,838/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,243 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $108,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,838/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,838/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,575/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,062/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,035/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,349/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,988/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,104 | $20,908 |
| Food Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $25,000 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $32,976 | $25,569 |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,870 | $26,985 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $22,970 | $26,400 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Bachelor | $21,417 | $25,750 |
The Risk Factor
52.2% of students at Delaware Valley University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Delaware Valley University gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky. The school's median earnings ten years out sit below what many private four-year graduates make, and with a net price near $27,000 a year, you're paying a lot for a return that lands in the middle at best. The 52% graduation rate and 66% retention rate are the bigger warning signs here: one in three first-year students doesn't come back, and nearly half don't finish. If you take on debt and leave without a degree, you carry the cost without the earning power.
The agriculture and food focus shapes where the money is. Food Science and Technology is your strongest bet by earnings, followed by Agricultural Business and Management. Business Administration pays less and still carries the same $25,000 median debt load. Animal Sciences and Plant Sciences sit at the bottom for pay, and Animal Sciences graduates leave with slightly more debt than they'll comfortably service on that salary. If you're drawn to animal or plant science for the subject, go in knowing the paycheck is thin.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $11,000 less per year than a family earning over $110,000. That gap makes DelVal far more workable at the bottom of the income scale than the sticker price suggests.
This school fits you if you want food science or ag business and you plan to finish. Look elsewhere if you're eyeing animal or plant sciences and need the degree to pay off debt quickly, or if you're unsure you'll stay past freshman year. The completion odds here mean the safest financial move is to be certain before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware Valley University worth the cost?
Delaware Valley University's return on investment varies significantly by program. Business Administration graduates earn around $66,000 annually while Animal Sciences graduates average only $33,000, making the $27,000 annual cost harder to justify for lower-paying majors.
What are the best paying majors at Delaware Valley University?
Business Administration and Food Science offer the strongest financial returns at Delaware Valley University, with graduates earning $66,000 and $48,000 respectively. Agricultural Business and Animal Sciences programs lead to lower starting salaries that may not justify the tuition cost.
How much debt do Delaware Valley University graduates have?
Delaware Valley University graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable for business majors earning $66,000 but problematic for animal science graduates starting at $33,000. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Delaware Valley University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $27,000 annually, Delaware Valley University's financial aid brings costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment that only pays off well for students in higher-earning programs like business and food science.