Median Earnings (1yr)
$55,431
81st percentile
Median Debt
$56,517
117% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.02
Elevated
Sample Size
2487
Adequate data

Analysis

Strayer University-Delaware's business program delivers strong earnings that outperform most national competitors, but comes with a significant debt burden that demands careful consideration. With first-year earnings of $55,431, graduates earn more than 81% of business majors nationwide and match the Delaware median. However, the $56,517 median debt load is more than double the national average for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.02—meaning graduates owe roughly what they earn in their first year.

The earnings trajectory shows modest growth to nearly $60,000 by year four, which is respectable but not exceptional given the premium price tag. The program serves a predominantly Pell Grant-eligible population (69%), suggesting it provides access to higher education for lower-income students who achieve solid career outcomes. With only one business program in Delaware, there's limited in-state competition for comparison.

The bottom line: This program produces graduates who earn well above the national average for business majors, but the debt load is substantial. If your child can secure significant financial aid or has family resources to reduce borrowing, the strong earnings potential makes this worthwhile. However, if they'll need to borrow the full amount, the debt burden could overshadow the earnings advantage for several years after graduation.

Where Strayer University-Delaware Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

Strayer University-DelawareOther business/commerce programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Strayer University-Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally

Strayer University-Delaware graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Delaware

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Delaware

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Strayer University-Delaware$55,431$59,763$56,5171.02
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

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 Strayer University-Delaware, approximately 69% 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 2487 graduates with reported earnings and 3815 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.