Best colleges in Delaware, ranked by ROI
We rank all 6 Delaware institutions we profile by payback years — total net cost divided by earnings above the $48,360 high-school baseline. The state's median net price is $15,197/yr (below the $16,902 national median), and its graduates earn a median $51,576 ten years out (above the $43,549 national median). University of Delaware leads, clearing its cost in 2.9 years. (Scorecard, 2026.)
$15,197
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$51,576
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
8 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
6
Colleges ranked
degreedividend.com
| # | College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delaware | $17,799 | $72,950 | 2.9 yrs |
| 2 | Goldey-Beacom College | $15,554 | $59,892 | 5.4 yrs |
| 3 | Wilmington University | $15,644 | $53,844 | 11.4 yrs |
| 4 | Delaware State University | $13,910 | $49,307 | 58.8 yrs |
| 5 | Delaware Technical Community College-Terry | $11,578 | $41,448 | no payback |
| 6 | Dawn Career Institute LLC | $14,839 | $30,429 | no payback |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · ranking and payback are our math. Payback uses institution-wide earnings; a specific major can rank very differently.
Colleges in Delaware: frequently asked questions
Which college has the best ROI in Delaware?
University of Delaware. It charges $17,799/yr after aid and its graduates earn a median $72,950 ten years out, clearing the cost in about 2.9 years — the fastest payback of the 6 Delaware colleges we track.
How much does college cost in Delaware?
The median net price across Delaware colleges is $15,197/yr after grants and scholarships — below the $16,902 national median. That is the actual price the typical aided student pays, not the published sticker.
What do Delaware college graduates earn?
A median $51,576 ten years after entry (Scorecard), above the $43,549 national median. Earnings vary widely by school and major — see each college's profile for its own figure.
How many Delaware colleges pay for themselves?
4 of the 6 Delaware colleges we track clear their cost on institution-wide earnings above the high-school baseline. The rest need a high-ROI major to pay off — the school average alone does not.