Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 16.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $37,781
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,978
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $116/mo
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 | $56,879 | $14,339 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,456 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,529 | $11,966 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $34,847 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $34,704 | $15,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | $8,616 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,569 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,126 | $8,291 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,408 | $8,750 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,530 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $19,531 | |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Associate | $16,169 |
Outcomes Overview
Delta College graduates face manageable debt with a median of $10,978, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29 compared to typical community college ratios above 0.40. Monthly loan payments of $116 represent only 3.7% of median earnings of $37,781. The 94.6% employment rate reflects strong demand for graduates in mid-Michigan's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Many enter skilled trades, nursing, or technical roles that community colleges excel at preparing students for. The low debt burden matters more than the modest salary figures, since most graduates avoid the heavy borrowing that four-year students face. This represents a strong return on investment for career-focused education.