Delaware Valley University
Delaware Valley University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Delaware Valley University at a Glance
Delaware Valley University (DelVal) is a private university in Doylestown Township and New Britain in Pennsylvania, with a Doylestown postal address. Founded in 1896, it enrolls approximately 2,178 students on its suburban, 570-acre campus. DelVal offers more than 28 undergraduate majors, 12 master's programs, a doctoral program, and adult education courses.
1896
130 years old
$31M
$30.9 million (2020)
1,777
Identity
Is Delaware Valley University Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Delaware Valley University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,838 — 4% above average — while paying $28,278/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Delaware Valley University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Delaware Valley University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #77 of 113 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | La Salle University | 50 | $19,409 | $67,416 |
| #77 | Delaware Valley University | 27 | $28,278 | $55,838 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Delaware Valley University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 11 in PA.
Best Programs at Delaware Valley University
The highest-earning program at Delaware Valley University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $34,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at $21,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Delaware Valley University earns $34,400, while a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduate earns $21,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,250 in median debt vs. $26,480 for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,278/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,400 | $34,400 | $25,250 |
| Animal Sciences | $31,000 | $31,000 | $25,985 |
| Biology, General | $27,000 | $27,000 | $24,848 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | $23,600 | $23,600 | $27,000 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | $21,100 | $21,100 | $26,480 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Doylestown, PA
- Student Body
- 1,628 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,278
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,838
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000