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Wilmington University vs Delaware State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New Castle DE · vs · Public, Dover DE

The verdict

Wilmington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,576 in 11.4 years versus 58.8 years at Delaware State University, on median earnings of $53,844 vs $49,307 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWilmington UniversityDelaware State University
Net price / yr$15,644$13,910
Total net cost$62,576$55,640
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,844$49,307
Median debt$20,000$26,000
Payback11.4 yrs58.8 yrs
20-year net return$47,104-$36,700

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Wilmington University or Delaware State University?

Delaware State University, at $13,910 a year after aid versus $15,644 — a gap of $1,734 a year, or $6,936 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Wilmington University or Delaware State University graduates earn more?

Wilmington University graduates report a median $53,844 ten years after entry, $4,537 more than the $49,307 at Delaware State 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, Wilmington University or Delaware State University?

Wilmington University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Delaware State University, a difference of $6,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

39% of students finish at Delaware State University, 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.

Wilmington University vs Delaware State University: frequently asked questions

Is Wilmington University or Delaware State University a better value?
Wilmington University. It clears its $62,576 net cost in about 11.4 years versus 58.8 years at Delaware State University, on median earnings of $53,844 vs $49,307 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Wilmington University or Delaware State University?
Delaware State University: $13,910/yr net price after aid versus $15,644/yr at Wilmington University — a difference of $1,734 a year, or about $6,936 over four years.
Do Wilmington University or Delaware State University graduates earn more?
Wilmington University graduates earn a median $53,844 ten years after entry, versus $49,307 at Delaware State University — a $4,537 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.