Analysis
First-year earnings around $38,500 and debt near $25,000—numbers that track closely with national patterns for bachelor's-level health professions—suggest a manageable starting point, though the relatively modest salary requires context. These estimates come from peer programs nationally since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds for healthcare fields, where many graduates continue to advanced degrees or certifications that boost earning potential beyond that first year.
The challenge is that "health professions" covers enormous ground—from exercise science to health information management to pre-professional tracks—and these different paths have vastly different financial trajectories. Some lead directly to stable healthcare careers with steady salary growth; others serve primarily as stepping stones to graduate programs where the real credential value materializes. Without knowing which specific track your child is pursuing, it's difficult to assess whether these early earnings represent a temporary launching point or a more permanent ceiling.
What matters most here is understanding exactly what credential this bachelor's degree provides and whether it leads to immediate licensure or employment, or if it's designed as preparation for further education. If your child plans to work directly after graduation, investigate job placement rates and specific roles that recent graduates have secured. If graduate school is the plan, factor in additional costs and time before those earnings increase meaningfully.
Where University of Delaware Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,080 | $38,492* | — | $24,990* | — | |
| $6,638 | $72,628* | $68,341 | $19,018* | 0.26 | |
| $15,672 | $70,890* | $58,053 | $37,613* | 0.53 | |
| $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 | |
| $7,317 | $56,924* | $64,596 | $24,990* | 0.44 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793* | $57,659 | $29,750* | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.