University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware · Public · 70.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
University of Delaware
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,810/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $41,400/yr |
| Average net price | $17,799/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $71,196 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,950 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $48,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,572 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $261 |
| Estimated payback period | 5.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 80.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,071 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,901 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,099 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,225 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,401 |
| $110,001+ | $25,580 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Delaware with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $101,605 | B |
| Marketing | $88,383 | C+ |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $63,614 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $98,486 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $70,414 | C |
| Biology | $74,535 | C |
| Teacher Education | $56,301 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $89,105 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $76,478 | D |
| Political Science and Government | $63,553 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Delaware is $16,810/year ($41,400/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,799/year, or roughly $71,196 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,901/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,580/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,572 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $261 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $72,950 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.51 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 83.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 82.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 86.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 70.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 590-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-690 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-32 |
| Enrollment | 19,071 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 16.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,649 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware (this school) | 86 | $17,799 | $72,950 |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | 85 | $17,890 | $68,396 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 84 | $18,267 | $68,227 |
| James Madison University | 84 | $23,322 | $69,954 |
| University at Buffalo | 83 | $20,995 | $70,814 |
| Delaware State University | 33 | $13,910 | $49,307 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Delaware delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $17,799 per year ($71,196 over four years), graduates earn a median of $72,950 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 5.6 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 80.5% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $24,572 against $72,950 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.