The cost of college in Delaware — and what it pays back
Across the 6 Delaware institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $15,197/yr, $1,709 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $51,576 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 4 of the 6 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$15,197
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$51,576
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
8.4 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
4/6
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Delaware's 6 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong1
Solid1
Slow1
Weak3
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | $17,799 | $72,950 | 2.9 yrs |
| Goldey-Beacom College | $15,554 | $59,892 | 5.4 yrs |
| Wilmington University | $15,644 | $53,844 | 11.4 yrs |
| Delaware State University | $13,910 | $49,307 | 58.8 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Technical Community College-Terry | $11,578 | $41,448 | no payback |
| Delaware State University | $13,910 | $49,307 | 58.8 yrs |
| Dawn Career Institute LLC | $14,839 | $30,429 | no payback |
| Goldey-Beacom College | $15,554 | $59,892 | 5.4 yrs |
| Wilmington University | $15,644 | $53,844 | 11.4 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Delaware?
The median net price across Delaware colleges is $15,197/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Delaware cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $15,197/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $1,709/yr less.
What do Delaware college graduates earn?
A median $51,576 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Delaware college pays for itself fastest?
University of Delaware — about 2.9 years to clear its $71,196 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-delaware page.