University of Delaware vs Wilmington University: which has better ROI?
University of Delaware has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,196 in 2.9 years versus 11.4 years at Wilmington University, on median earnings of $72,950 vs $53,844 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Delaware | Wilmington University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,799 | $15,644 |
| Total net cost | $71,196 | $62,576 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $72,950 | $53,844 |
| Median debt | $24,572 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 11.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $420,604 | $47,104 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Delaware or Wilmington University?
Wilmington University, at $15,644 a year after aid versus $17,799 — a gap of $2,155 a year, or $8,620 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Delaware or Wilmington University graduates earn more?
University of Delaware graduates report a median $72,950 ten years after entry, $19,106 more than the $53,844 at Wilmington University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Delaware or Wilmington University?
Wilmington University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $24,572 at University of Delaware, a difference of $4,572. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
81% of students finish at University of Delaware, against 20% at Wilmington University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.