At $15,355/yr net price, Wilmington University graduates earn $53,844/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,844/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,355 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,844/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,844/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,221/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,498/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,306/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,326/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. | Doctoral | $122,038 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,543 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $85,538 | $56,972 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $79,473 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,321 | $15,010 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $68,778 | $29,478 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $68,666 | |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $64,493 | $31,804 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $63,005 |
The Risk Factor
22.6% of students at Wilmington University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Wilmington University delivers solid returns for nursing students but presents significant financial risks for most other majors. The school's 22.6% graduation rate means more than three-quarters of students never finish their degree, making it one of the riskiest bets in higher education.
Your major choice determines everything at Wilmington. Nursing programs consistently produce graduates earning $73,000 to $122,000 annually, justifying the investment even with higher debt loads. Educational administration also pays well at $85,000, though the $57,000 median debt requires careful consideration. Beyond these healthcare and education tracks, career outcomes become much less predictable.
The biggest red flag is the 54% retention rate, meaning nearly half of first-year students leave before sophomore year. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face real odds of paying tuition without earning a credential. This risk multiplies if you struggle academically or lack strong institutional support.
Wilmington works best for working adults in Delaware and surrounding areas who need flexible scheduling for nursing or education degrees. The relatively low net price of $15,355 and modest $20,000 median debt make it accessible, but only if you actually graduate. With just 26% of students receiving aid, expect limited scholarship opportunities.
You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience, need extensive academic support, or plan to study outside healthcare and education. The combination of low graduation rates and weak outcomes in most fields makes this a high-risk choice for students without clear career goals in the school's strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilmington University worth the cost?
Wilmington University's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $73,000-$122,000 annually, making the $15,355 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs may not justify the investment given the school's 23% graduation rate.
What is the return on investment for Wilmington University graduates?
Most Wilmington University graduates earn $53,844 ten years after enrollment, which is modest for the cost. The school's low 23% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degree.
Which Wilmington University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Wilmington University offer strong returns, with graduates earning $73,000-$122,000 depending on specialization. Educational administration graduates also see decent earnings at $85,538 annually.
How much debt do Wilmington University students typically graduate with?
Wilmington University graduates carry a median debt of $20,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but could be problematic for graduates in lower-paying fields. The bigger risk is the high dropout rate leaving students with debt but no degree.