Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable borrowing for this quantitative field, though the picture is cloudier than it first appears. Based on peer programs nationally, this bachelor's degree in Management Sciences tracks with a $62,000 first-year salary and roughly $23,000 in debt—numbers that would typically make for a reasonable investment. However, University of Delaware graduates in this same program earn a reported $73,420, meaningfully higher than what similar programs nationally would predict for Delaware State.
That $11,000 gap matters when you're evaluating a career-focused quantitative degree. Management Sciences programs prepare students for analytics and operations roles where employers often care about institutional reputation and alumni networks. Delaware State serves a different student population than UD—43% receive Pell grants versus UD's more affluent base—but the earnings difference suggests either different career pathways or varying employer recognition. The debt load appears comparable between the two schools, so the question becomes whether Delaware State's program connects students to the higher-paying roles that justify this credential.
For families weighing this option, the core challenge is uncertainty. The estimated figures tell us what similar programs produce nationally, not what Delaware State specifically delivers. If your student has admission options at both Delaware schools and career goals align with quantitative analysis or operations management, the UD outcome data provides more concrete evidence of return on investment.
Where Delaware State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Delaware
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Delaware (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,314 | $62,069* | — | $22,789* | — | |
| $16,080 | $73,420* | — | $25,572* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.