Wilmington University
Wilmington University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Wilmington University Worth It?
At a value score of 18/100, Wilmington University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,844 — 0% above average — while paying $15,644/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 21% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Wilmington University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Wilmington University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #51 of 56 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 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #2 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #3 | University of St Thomas | 53 | $19,359 | $59,224 |
| #4 | York College of Pennsylvania | 51 | $18,556 | $61,012 |
| #5 | Calvin University | 48 | $22,992 | $58,375 |
| #6 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | 48 | $22,066 | $62,105 |
| #51 | Wilmington University | 18 | $15,644 | $53,844 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Wilmington University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Wilmington University
The highest-earning program at Wilmington University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $71,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $29,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Wilmington University earns $71,300, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $29,400. 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 $18,000 in median debt vs. $21,062 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,644/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 | $71,300 | $71,300 | $18,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $50,600 | $50,600 | $19,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $45,500 | $45,500 | $18,834 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,700 | $43,700 | $19,410 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $41,000 | $41,000 | $24,960 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,900 | $40,900 | $22,106 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,700 | $32,700 | $18,916 |
| Behavioral Sciences | $32,400 | $32,400 | $22,912 |
| Psychology, General | $30,200 | $30,200 | $20,834 |
| Education, General | $29,700 | $29,700 | $23,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,400 | $29,400 | $21,062 |
Similar Colleges in DE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New Castle, DE
- Student Body
- 7,906 students
- Graduation Rate
- 21%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,644
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,844
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000