Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,277
66th percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$14,797
35% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Delaware County Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Delaware County Community College$29,277$36,554+25%
Community College of Philadelphia$32,697$40,152+23%
Eastern University$28,442$38,899+37%
Bucks County Community College$24,235$37,248+54%
Community College of Allegheny County$25,898$36,292+40%

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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Delaware County Community CollegeMedia$6,660$29,277$36,554$14,7970.51
Community College of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$4,632$32,697$40,152$14,0000.43
Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg$7,373$30,455$31,482$16,6430.55
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana$11,380$28,901$19,2500.67
Eastern UniversitySaint Davids$37,420$28,442$38,899$25,1870.89
Butler County Community CollegeButler$5,610$28,138$6,9320.25
National Median$27,248$10,9500.40

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

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.