University of Delaware combines accessible admission with strong post-graduation earnings outcomes. As a Selective Achiever institution, the university delivers $72,950 median earnings while maintaining 65.1% admission rates, supporting career advancement for graduates across business, health, and technical fields.
With well above average outcomes, driven by strong long-term earnings relative to educational costs
Around the national average, with moderate costs and debt levels
Also well above average, reflecting the university's ability to support economic advancement despite moderate access levels
Also well above average, reflecting the university's ability to support economic advancement despite moderate access levels
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Delaware produces graduates earning a median of $72,950 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 88th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. However, graduates earn $9,610 below expectations relative to similar student backgrounds, placing the institution in the 16th percentile for earnings beyond expectations.
This suggests that while absolute earnings remain strong, the university serves students who might be expected to earn more based on their academic preparation and demographics. Earnings span from $50,480 at the 25th percentile to $101,260 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines.
Students seeking strong regional outcomes at a well-established public university with moderate selectivity. University of Delaware serves students who value business, nursing, and technical programs with solid post-graduation earnings alongside manageable admission standards compared to highly selective institutions.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the University Of Delaware hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-delaware/analysis.
Strong regional outcomes with moderate selectivity
University of Delaware ranks #250 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 84.7th percentile. Located in Newark, Delaware, this large public research university maintains moderate selectivity with a 65.1% admission rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 15.7% Pell-eligible students and 17.1% first-generation students, placing it below typical access measures for public institutions. University of Delaware operates as a Selective Achiever institution, serving fewer low-income students while maintaining solid economic outcomes.
Test scores rank exceptionally high at the 97th percentile nationally, with SAT ranges from 1200-1360 and ACT ranges from 27-31. The 90.1% retention rate demonstrates strong student engagement and academic preparation.
University of Delaware admits 65.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category (50-75% admission rate), making it more accessible than highly selective institutions while maintaining academic standards above open-enrollment schools.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates University of Delaware is somewhat more selective than typical public research universities of similar size and mission. With a 90.1% retention rate and 78.8% six-year graduation rate, the university successfully enrolls students prepared for academic success.
For most qualified applicants with competitive academic credentials, admission to University of Delaware represents a realistic possibility rather than a reach outcome. Students should approach University of Delaware as a solid match or safety school rather than a reach, allowing them to focus on demonstrating fit with specific academic programs.
The moderate selectivity creates opportunities for strong students to gain admission while building balanced college lists that include both more and less selective alternatives.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Delaware's published cost of attendance reaches $29,347 annually, including $16,080 in-state tuition, $39,720 out-of-state tuition, $14,838 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $16,931 after financial aid, representing $12,416 in average financial aid savings.
This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $15,590, indicating University of Delaware costs moderately more than similar public research universities. The gap between sticker price and actual cost demonstrates significant financial aid distribution, though not as generous as institutions with larger endowments.
Out-of-state students face substantially higher costs given Delaware's small population and limited state subsidy for non-residents. In-state students benefit from reasonable tuition rates competitive with regional public universities, though room and board costs reflect the Mid-Atlantic region's higher living expenses.
The $1,341 premium over peer institutions suggests families should budget accordingly while recognizing stronger graduate earnings help offset higher educational costs.
University of Delaware graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early careers. Median earnings rise from $58,846 six years after enrollment to $69,215 at eight years and $72,950 at ten years, representing 24% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 3,920 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Low-income graduates earn $56,200, ranking in the top 25% nationally for outcomes among lower-income students.
The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 75th percentile earning $101,260 compared to $50,480 at the 25th percentile—a 2:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 27.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
University of Delaware compares favorably to peer institutions, with graduates earning $12,407 more than the peer median of $60,543.
Artificial Intelligence.
108 graduates
Information Resources Management.
87 graduates
International Business.
39 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
70 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
125 graduates
University of Delaware offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Exercise Science and Kinesiology stands out with a #1 national ranking, graduating 201 students with median earnings of $69,499 and a perfect 100 value score.
Criminology also ranks #1 nationally, producing 132 graduates earning $60,214. Digital Marketing ranks #25 nationally with 229 graduates earning $72,845, while Information Resources Management ranks #7 nationally with 87 graduates earning $96,013.
Banking and Financial Support Services represents the largest high-earning program with 289 graduates earning $83,952 annually. Business Administration and Management graduates 141 students with $77,898 median earnings and ranks #40 nationally.
These programs demonstrate University of Delaware's strength in business, health sciences, and applied fields with strong labor market demand.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Towson University Higher acceptance rate (17.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 50 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MD | 83% | $64,390 | Compare |
La Salle University Higher acceptance rate (21.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 40 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 86% | $67,416 | Compare |
Loyola University Maryland Higher acceptance rate (11.2 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 52 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MD | 76% | $82,652 | Compare |
George Mason University Higher acceptance rate (23.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | VA | 89% | $76,343 | Compare |
Iona University Higher acceptance rate (26 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NY | 91% | $73,595 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of North Georgia Similar quality tier in Southeast (#244 ranked) | GA | 72% | $50,135 | #244 | Compare |
Cleveland State University Similar quality tier (#243 ranked) | OH | 95% | $52,131 | #243 | Compare |
Ferris State University Similar quality tier (#241 ranked) | MI | 81% | $54,735 | #241 | Compare |
Metropolitan State University Of Denver Similar quality tier (#239 ranked) | CO | 99% | $52,093 | #239 | Compare |
University Of West Georgia Similar quality tier in Southeast (#257 ranked) | GA | 49% | $49,587 | #257 | Compare |