At $22,872/yr net price, Wilmington College graduates earn $48,491/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,491/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,872 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,491/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,491/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,208 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,772/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,406/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,292/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,801/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,658/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $20,149 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $20,500 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $23,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,284 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $26,697 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,267 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.1% of students at Wilmington College 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
Wilmington College delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $22,872 annual cost. With median 10-year earnings of $48,491 and typical debt loads of $24,208, you face a challenging payback timeline that puts financial stress on most graduates.
Accounting stands as the only program offering solid ROI potential, with graduates earning $52,107 while carrying relatively low debt of $20,149. Business Administration provides moderate returns at $42,123, though the debt load remains concerning. Agricultural Business reflects the school's rural Ohio location but delivers disappointing earnings of just $36,437 against $23,250 in debt.
Communication and Psychology majors face particularly harsh financial realities, with Psychology graduates earning only $32,284 annually. These programs essentially guarantee financial struggle after graduation given the school's cost structure.
The 55% graduation rate creates additional risk - nearly half of students leave without completing their degree while still carrying debt. The 68% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition early but may already be financially committed.
This school works financially only if you qualify for substantial need-based aid that dramatically reduces your actual costs. With just 37% of students receiving aid, most pay near full price for degrees that cannot support the debt load. Agricultural students with strong family farming connections might find value through networking, but the earnings data suggests even this traditional strength area underperforms.
If you need student loans to attend Wilmington College, look elsewhere unless you plan to study Accounting. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earnings outcomes creates a financial trap for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilmington College worth the cost for most students?
With graduates earning $48,491 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $24,208, Wilmington College offers mixed value depending on your major. The accounting program shows strong returns at $52,107, but psychology and communications graduates earn well below the national average.
What are the best paying majors at Wilmington College?
Accounting leads with $52,107 average earnings, followed by business administration at $42,123. Agricultural business, communications, and psychology all show weaker financial returns, with psychology graduates earning just $32,284.
How much debt do Wilmington College graduates typically have?
Median debt is $24,208, which is manageable for accounting and business majors but creates financial strain for lower-earning fields like psychology and communications. The 55% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Wilmington College have good financial aid?
The net price of $22,872 per year suggests modest financial aid given the school's high acceptance rate of 88%. Students should carefully evaluate aid packages against expected earnings in their chosen field.