Delaware State University
Delaware State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Delaware State University at a Glance
Delaware State University is a privately governed, state-assisted historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware. DSU also has two satellite campuses: one in Wilmington and one in Georgetown. The university encompasses four colleges and a diverse population of undergraduate and advanced-degree students. Delaware State University is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".
1891
135 years old
$43M
$43 million (2021)
6,623
600
706 acres
Identity
Is Delaware State University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Delaware State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,307 — 8% below average — while paying $13,910/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 53% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Delaware State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Delaware State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #58 of 107 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #58 | Delaware State University | 34 | $13,910 | $49,307 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Delaware State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Delaware State University
The highest-earning program at Delaware State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $66,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $22,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Delaware State University earns $66,900, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $22,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $29,000 in median debt vs. $26,249 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,910/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,900 | $66,900 | $29,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,300 | $39,300 | $29,000 |
| Public Health | $32,800 | $32,800 | $31,000 |
| Criminology | $31,300 | $31,300 | $29,250 |
| Social Work | $30,300 | $30,300 | $31,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,700 | $28,700 | $26,675 |
| Agriculture, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $29,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $26,500 | $26,500 | $31,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $24,200 | $24,200 | $31,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $22,900 | $22,900 | $26,249 |
Similar Colleges in DE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Dover, DE
- Student Body
- 4,398 students
- Admission Rate
- 47%
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,910
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,307
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000