Accounting at University of Delaware
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Delaware accounting graduates earn $71,491 in their first year—about $16,500 more than what other Delaware accounting programs produce and far above the $53,694 national median. Among Delaware's five accounting programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, and it outperforms the national benchmark even more decisively, landing in the 95th percentile nationwide. The nearest in-state competitor, Goldey-Beacom College, still trails by $14,000 in first-year earnings.
The financial picture gets stronger over time. Earnings climb 20% to nearly $86,000 by year four, while the $26,177 median debt sits right at national norms. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry roughly four-and-a-half months of salary in debt—a comfortable burden that most can manage even with aggressive repayment plans. With a robust sample size confirming these numbers, there's little reason to doubt the pattern.
For Delaware families weighing in-state options, this program offers the clearest payoff. The earnings premium over other state schools appears immediately and compounds over time, making the University of Delaware the obvious choice if accounting is the goal and staying in-state matters for tuition purposes.
Where University of Delaware Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
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 University of Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Delaware graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting 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
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Delaware (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | $71,491 | $85,962 | $26,177 | 0.37 |
| Goldey-Beacom College | $57,534 | $63,966 | $17,737 | 0.31 |
| Strayer University-Delaware | $52,373 | $56,398 | $54,989 | 1.05 |
| Wilmington University | $47,047 | $60,769 | $22,243 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Delaware
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Delaware schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goldey-Beacom College Wilmington | $13,440 | $57,534 | $17,737 |
| Strayer University-Delaware Wilmington | $13,920 | $52,373 | $54,989 |
| Wilmington University New Castle | $12,330 | $47,047 | $22,243 |
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 University of Delaware, approximately 16% 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 149 graduates with reported earnings and 126 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.