Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Delaware
Bachelor's Degree
udel.eduAnalysis
University of Delaware's business program launches graduates into strong initial earnings that grow substantially. That $58,041 starting salary beats 92% of business programs nationally and ranks in the 80th percentile among Delaware schools—a meaningful advantage when most students will likely stay in-state after graduation. Four years out, median earnings jump 34% to nearly $78,000, suggesting graduates develop valuable skills that translate to career progression.
The $24,250 debt load sits slightly below the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42—manageable enough that most graduates should handle payments comfortably even in that first year. Compare this to other Delaware options: Wilmington University graduates earn $13,000 less initially, and Delaware State trails by $14,000. For a moderately selective school (65% acceptance rate), these outcomes punch above weight.
The combination of strong starting pay, robust earnings growth, and reasonable debt makes this a solid choice for Delaware families. You're paying a bit more than you might at state alternatives, but the earnings premium—both immediately and over time—justifies the investment. With a robust sample size backing these numbers, this is one of the state's clearest value propositions in business education.
Where University of Delaware Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | $58,041 | $77,898 | +34% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $90,008 | $123,780 | +38% |
| Bismarck State College | $100,668 | $123,359 | +23% |
| Wilmington University | $44,876 | $56,664 | +26% |
| Delaware State University | $44,022 | $53,690 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Delaware
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Delaware (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,080 | $58,041 | $77,898 | $24,250 | 0.42 | |
| $12,330 | $44,876 | $56,664 | $26,978 | 0.60 | |
| $10,314 | $44,022 | $53,690 | $26,000 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 177 graduates with reported earnings and 134 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.