Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Delaware

The $13,833 first-year earnings from University of Delaware's associate's program in liberal arts should immediately raise red flags—that's barely above poverty wages and ranks in just the 10th percentile among Delaware programs. Even within a field known for modest early earnings, this program dramatically underperforms: the typical Delaware graduate in this field earns $20,716, while this program delivers 33% less. More troubling, nearby Delaware Technical Community College's comparable program produces nearly double the first-year earnings at $27,598, with likely lower tuition costs at a community college.

The striking 188% earnings jump to $39,851 by year four suggests graduates may be using this associate's degree as a stepping stone—perhaps transferring to complete bachelor's degrees or gaining certifications that unlock better opportunities. While this trajectory shows promise, families should question whether starting at University of Delaware makes sense. The $6,500 debt is manageable, but why accumulate any debt for a credential that initially pays poverty wages when better-performing alternatives exist in-state? That first year of sub-$14,000 earnings represents real financial hardship, even if temporary.

Unless this program serves as a guaranteed pathway to transfer into a strong University of Delaware bachelor's program with favorable credit acceptance, families should seriously consider starting at Delaware Tech instead. The data suggests this associate's degree isn't delivering value on its own merits—it's what comes after that matters.