Business/Commerce at Strayer University-Delaware

Strayer's Delaware business program charges nearly 2.5 times the national median debt for this associate's degree—$32,810 versus $13,437 nationally—which puts it in the bottom 5% nationwide for affordability. That's a significant premium, especially for an associate's degree that typically serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. The graduates do earn well initially at $44,154, placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally, but context matters: Delaware only has two schools reporting data for this program, and Strayer sits at the median for both earnings and debt in-state.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means graduates carry roughly nine months of their first-year salary in student loans—manageable compared to some programs, but uncomfortably high for an associate's degree when many community colleges offer similar business programs at a fraction of the cost. Earnings do grow modestly to $47,516 by year four, but that 8% increase doesn't dramatically change the value equation. With 69% of students receiving Pell grants, this debt load likely hits those who can least afford it hardest.

For families weighing this option, the fundamental question is whether the premium price delivers commensurate value. The strong national earnings ranking suggests some advantage, but if affordability matters—and for most associate's degree seekers, it does—exploring lower-cost alternatives would be prudent.