Analysis
University of Delaware's Human Services program starts slowly but demonstrates impressive earnings momentum. While first-year graduates earn just $32,812—well below the national median of $36,630 and landing in the 13th percentile nationally—earnings jump 56% to reach $51,146 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the rough start, particularly since the debt load of $24,413 is notably lower than the national median of $31,573 for this field.
The state context offers modest reassurance: among Delaware's two Human Services programs, this one performs at the median for both earnings and debt (60th percentile). However, that's a limited comparison set. More concerning is the initial earnings gap—graduates start nearly $4,000 below what their peers at other programs earn nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable, but only because the debt is relatively contained.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child can weather those challenging first few years. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing and advancing in the field, but the entry-level reality is stark. If financial support during the early career phase isn't feasible, programs that offer stronger starting salaries—even with slightly higher debt—might provide a more stable path. This is a program that rewards patience, but requires it too.
Where University of Delaware Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services 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 | $32,812 | $51,146 | +56% |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| Fitchburg State University | $45,641 | $48,365 | +6% |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $42,839 | $48,162 | +12% |
| Metropolitan State University | $45,751 | $48,069 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Human Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of DelawareNewark | $16,080 | $32,812 | $51,146 | $24,413 | 0.74 |
 Goodwin UniversityEast Hartford | $21,198 | $51,659 | — | $35,166 | 0.68 |
 Simpson CollegeIndianola | $46,212 | $46,184 | — | — | — |
 Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $45,799 | $37,367 | $26,000 | 0.57 |
| Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $45,799 | $37,367 | $26,000 | 0.57 |
 Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul | $9,780 | $45,751 | $48,069 | $31,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | — | $36,630 | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
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 86 graduates with reported earnings and 108 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.