Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,277
66th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$14,797
35% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
72
Adequate data

Analysis

Delaware County Community College's Liberal Arts program outperforms most Pennsylvania community colleges by a comfortable margin—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with year-one earnings of $29,277. That's roughly $3,400 more than the typical PA liberal arts associate's degree, suggesting students here are connecting with better-paying jobs or employers than at most comparable programs. The 25% earnings growth to $36,554 by year four indicates graduates are building skills that translate into raises or better positions over time.

The debt picture strengthens the case: at $14,797, borrowers here carry more than the PA median but substantially less than most programs nationally (18th percentile). That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe about half their first-year salary—manageable territory, especially as earnings climb. For a program serving 40% Pell-eligible students, these outcomes suggest effective support for working-class students entering the workforce.

The real comparison point is other Pennsylvania community colleges. Delaware County outearns nearby Bucks County and Montgomery County programs while staying competitive with Harrisburg Area's stronger numbers. For a parent weighing in-state options, this program delivers solid early earnings without saddling graduates with outsized debt—a practical foundation whether your child continues to a bachelor's degree or enters the workforce directly.

Where Delaware County Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally

Delaware County Community CollegeOther liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Delaware County Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Delaware County Community College graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (48 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Delaware County Community College$29,277$36,554$14,7970.51
Community College of Philadelphia$32,697$40,152$14,0000.43
Harrisburg Area Community College$30,455$31,482$16,6430.55
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus$28,901—$19,2500.67
Eastern University$28,442$38,899$25,1870.89
Butler County Community College$28,138—$6,9320.25
National Median$27,248—$10,9500.40

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
$4,632$32,697$14,000
Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg
$7,373$30,455$16,643
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana
$11,380$28,901$19,250
Eastern University
Saint Davids
$37,420$28,442$25,187
Butler County Community College
Butler
$5,610$28,138$6,932

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Delaware County Community College, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 72 graduates with reported earnings and 146 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.