Analysis
Wilmington University's Behavioral Sciences program outperforms 95% of similar programs nationwide—a standout achievement that translates to graduates earning about $3,500 more than the typical behavioral sciences graduate elsewhere. While state-level comparisons are limited (this is Delaware's only bachelor's program in this field), the real story is how this program stacks up against the national landscape. Starting salaries of $38,937 beat even the 75th percentile nationally, and earnings climb to $43,432 by year four, showing steady career progression rather than stagnation.
The debt picture is equally reassuring. At $27,667, borrowing sits right at the national median for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71—well within manageable territory. With 12% earnings growth over four years, graduates are moving in the right direction financially. The moderate sample size means these outcomes reflect actual student experiences, not a statistical fluke.
For parents evaluating this program, the math works. Your child would enter a field where Wilmington graduates demonstrably outperform their peers nationwide, with borrowing that doesn't compromise their financial future. This is what you want from a bachelor's degree: competitive starting pay that improves over time, paired with debt that's proportional to those earnings.
Where Wilmington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all behavioral sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wilmington University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University | $38,937 | $43,432 | +12% |
| Concordia University-Irvine | $31,899 | $49,240 | +54% |
| George Fox University | $34,613 | $47,713 | +38% |
| University of Kansas | $36,206 | $42,992 | +19% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $33,439 | $39,560 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Behavioral Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,330 | $38,937 | $43,432 | $27,667 | 0.71 | |
| $68,380 | $38,391 | — | $19,000 | 0.49 | |
| $9,552 | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| — | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| — | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| — | $38,087 | $37,783 | $49,770 | 1.31 | |
| National Median | — | $35,410 | — | $26,944 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with behavioral sciences graduates
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Life Scientists, All Other
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
Social Science Research Assistants
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
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 Wilmington University, approximately 26% 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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 117 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.