Accounting at Strayer University-Delaware

Strayer University-Delaware's accounting program saddles graduates with debt levels that are alarmingly out of sync with the state market. While first-year earnings of $52,373 nearly match the national median, graduates carry $54,989 in debt—more than double what accounting students typically leave with in Delaware and nationally ($25,000). This puts the program in the bottom 5% nationally for debt burden, a red flag for any family evaluating value. Among Delaware's five accounting programs, this ranks near the bottom at the 40th percentile for earnings while carrying the heaviest debt load.

The comparison to University of Delaware is stark: their accounting graduates earn $71,491—36% more—while likely paying far less in debt. Even Goldey-Beacom College delivers notably better outcomes. The 8% earnings growth to $56,398 by year four helps, but it doesn't change the fundamental math: graduates here are spending a full year's salary just to get a credential that places them below average in their home state.

With 69% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that can least afford a poor return on investment. For families comparing Delaware accounting programs, the data points clearly elsewhere—either to University of Delaware for superior earnings or to in-state alternatives that won't require such a substantial debt burden to launch an accounting career.