Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Delaware
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
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 $58k, placing them in the 92th percentile of all business administration, management and operations 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 Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Delaware (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | $58,041 | $77,898 | $24,250 | 0.42 |
| Wilmington University | $44,876 | $56,664 | $26,978 | 0.60 |
| Delaware State University | $44,022 | $53,690 | $26,000 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Delaware
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Delaware schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University New Castle | $12,330 | $44,876 | $26,978 |
| Delaware State University Dover | $10,314 | $44,022 | $26,000 |
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.