Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests manageable financial footing for Delaware State's business economics program, though both figures here are national estimates rather than specific outcomes from DSU graduates. With estimated first-year earnings around $53,200 and debt near $21,100, students would face monthly payments of roughly $240 on a standard 10-year planβabout 5% of gross income, well within conventional affordability thresholds.
The challenge is uncertainty. Delaware has only two schools offering this major, and neither reports actual graduate outcomes, leaving families without concrete evidence of how DSU's program specifically performs. The national benchmark of $53,200 represents the median across 271 programs, meaning outcomes vary considerably depending on factors like curriculum strength, alumni networks, and regional employer connections. For a school serving 43% Pell-eligible students with below-average test scores, success likely hinges on career services quality and internship access rather than academics alone.
The estimated numbers paint a workable picture on paper, but you're essentially betting on DSU matching the national average without data proving they do. Before committing, push the school for concrete placement rates and employer partnerships. If they can't demonstrate strong connections to Delaware's financial sector or provide evidence of recent graduates landing relevant jobs, the gap between estimated and actual outcomes could be substantial.
Where Delaware State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,314 | $53,219* | β | $21,125* | β | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | β | β* | β | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $53,219* | β | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 State University, approximately 43% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.