At $16,931/yr net price, University of Delaware graduates earn $72,950/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $38,950/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,931 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,950/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$38,950/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,572 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,354/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,573/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,857/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,508/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,310/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. | Master | $93,342 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,424 | $28,282 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,446 | $79,718 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $70,176 | $25,261 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,698 | $25,954 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $25,182 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,401 | $26,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $64,990 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,632 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
78.8% of students at University of Delaware graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Delaware delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $72,950 against a relatively modest net price of $16,931 annually. Your debt load stays manageable at $24,572, creating favorable economics for most graduates.
Nursing programs offer the clearest path to financial success, with graduates earning up to $93,342 annually. Business administration also pays well at $86,424 with reasonable debt levels. Computer science graduates earn $70,176 with typical debt around $25,261. However, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions carry concerning debt loads of $79,718 against earnings of just $73,446, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio you should carefully consider.
The low financial aid percentage of 15.65% reveals Delaware's strength as an affordable public option rather than a generous aid provider. You benefit most if you qualify for in-state tuition or can cover costs without heavy borrowing. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs that may undermine the ROI advantages.
Delaware works financially if you pursue high-earning majors like nursing or business, can access in-state pricing, or have family resources to minimize borrowing. The school's location near major East Coast job markets supports strong employment prospects after graduation. You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, plan to study lower-earning fields, or would accumulate debt exceeding 1.5 times your expected starting salary.
The combination of reasonable costs, solid earnings outcomes, and strong graduation rates makes Delaware a financially sound choice for most students who match its profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Delaware worth the cost for most students?
University of Delaware offers decent value with a net price of $16,931 and 10-year earnings of $72,950. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable at $24,572 median debt, making it worth the cost for most in-state students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Delaware?
Nursing programs top the earnings at $93,342, followed by business administration at $86,424. Computer science graduates earn around $70,176, while rehabilitation professions average $73,446.
How much debt do University of Delaware graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,572, which is manageable given the average graduate earns $72,950 within 10 years. This debt load represents about one-third of annual earnings for most graduates.
Does University of Delaware have good job placement and graduation rates?
The 78.8% graduation rate is solid but not exceptional. With 10-year earnings averaging nearly $73,000, most graduates find decent employment, though outcomes vary significantly by major.