University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware · Public · 70.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
The University of Delaware scores 86 (Strong Value) on the CampusROI scale. Median 6-year earnings of $48,100 combined with a $17,799 net price produce a 5.6-year payback period and a 0.511 debt-to-earnings ratio — both strong metrics for a public university. The 80.6% completion rate is notably above the national average. Finance leads by graduate volume with 356 graduates earning $66,889 year-one and $101,605 at year four (ROI grade B). Registered Nursing (196 graduates, $81,286 year-one, ROI grade B+) and Chemical Engineering (67 graduates, $80,564 year-one, ROI grade B+) are the top-earning programs. Computer and Information Sciences (137 graduates, $75,310 year-one, growing to $111,520 at year four) and Management Information Systems (99 graduates, $73,332 year-one) round out the high-earning tier. Delaware's strength is engineering, business, and nursing at a net price that keeps debt manageable at $24,572 median. The out-of-state tuition of $41,400 significantly changes the financial picture for non-Delaware residents, though net price at $17,799 suggests strong aid.
University of Delaware scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Delaware
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $10,901 per year — very affordable for a public research university with strong outcomes. Four-year cost around $43,600 against $48,100 in median 6-year earnings and a 5.6-year payback period is a genuinely good financial deal for low-income students who choose Delaware. The Pell grant rate of 16.1% is lower than peer regionals, suggesting Delaware has room to improve access, but those who do receive aid see strong outcomes.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $13,225, and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $17,401. Four-year costs of $53,000-$70,000 are competitive with most mid-Atlantic public institutions. For middle-income families, Delaware's 80.6% completion rate and strong earnings make this among the better bets in the region. The 5.6-year payback period holds up well at middle-income net prices.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $25,580 per year. Four-year cost around $102,000 is in range for a private liberal arts college but well below elite privates. Delaware's $48,100 median earnings and 5.6-year payback provide a reasonable return at full pay, particularly for students in engineering, CS, or nursing. Families in this bracket who want a research university experience in the Mid-Atlantic at a cost well below Penn or Georgetown will find Delaware's case defensible.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing at Delaware is exceptional: 196 graduates, $81,286 year-one, $98,486 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.326 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $26,522 against $81k in immediate earnings is a favorable ratio. Nursing here benefits from a large, established program with strong clinical placement infrastructure. For the net price Delaware charges, the return on nursing is among the best available at any mid-tier public institution in the mid-Atlantic.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences produces 137 graduates with $75,310 year-one earnings climbing to $111,520 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.336 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $25,334 is reasonable against these earnings. The four-year trajectory above $111k reflects strong placement into tech and financial services firms in the Philadelphia-New York corridor. Delaware CS is a legitimate mid-range alternative to higher-cost options with broadly similar employer access.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance is Delaware's highest-volume professional program: 356 graduates, $66,889 year-one, $101,605 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.360 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $24,073 makes the equation work. Delaware's location near Wilmington — a financial services hub — gives finance graduates direct access to major banks, credit card companies, and asset managers. The four-year trajectory to $101k reflects this geographic advantage.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering produces 67 graduates earning $80,564 year-one and $103,910 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.323 (ROI grade B+). Delaware has a historically strong ChemE program tied to industry relationships in the region. Median debt of $26,058 against $80k+ starting salary is a clear positive financial case. Students interested in chemical, pharmaceutical, or materials manufacturing industries will find a well-regarded program here.
Management Information Systems
Management Information Systems shows 99 graduates, $73,332 year-one, $107,062 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.344 (ROI grade B+). The four-year earnings trajectory above $107k is among the strongest in Delaware's business school. MIS combines technical and business skills in a way the labor market rewards consistently; Delaware's proximity to financial and consulting firms makes this program punching above its weight in terms of placement opportunity.
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 |
Delaware admits 70.6% of applicants, but the SAT 590-680 Math and 600-690 Reading ranges indicate a moderately competitive academic bar. ACT 28-32 composite is the equivalent. Students at or below the 25th percentile SAT/ACT marks should plan competitive applications. Some programs (nursing, engineering, business honors) may have selective admission beyond the general university threshold.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Delaware's peer set includes James Madison (strong regional public, similar ROI profile), University of Buffalo, UT-Dallas, and UC Santa Cruz. Delaware (86) scores well above most of these. James Madison is the closest comparable — similar admissions selectivity, similar state support, similar career outcomes. UT-Dallas at a lower cost base and strong STEM focus presents a challenge for pure ROI but lacks Delaware's geographic network advantages in the Northeast financial corridor. Delaware's 80.6% completion rate is a differentiator in this group.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
Delaware admits 70.6% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 590-680 Math and 600-690 Reading; ACT composite 28-32. Enrollment of 19,071 makes this a large public with significant program breadth. The Pell grant rate of 16.1% is below average, indicating a relatively affluent student body. Delaware draws heavily from the Mid-Atlantic corridor. Students in engineering, business, nursing, and STEM tracks will find well-resourced programs here. The campus is genuinely selective relative to most regional publics, and the academic profile skews higher than its 70.6% admit rate implies.
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.
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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.