Goldey-Beacom College logo

Goldey-Beacom College

Wilmington, DE Private ยท Suburban www.gbc.edu
Accept Rate
76.53%
Grad Rate
63%
Enrollment
634
Tuition
$13,440
Median Salary
$59,892
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Goldey-Beacom College offers a tight-knit, business-focused environment where small class sizes ensure you're known by name, not just a number. The suburban campus feels like a supportive community with a serious approach to professional development. It's a place where ambition meets accessibility, fostering a hands-on, career-ready atmosphere.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

76.53%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Given the 76.53% acceptance rate, your application should be solid but not necessarily perfect; focus on a strong personal statement that highlights your interest in their top majors like Business or Criminal Justice. Since the college values a personal touch, consider reaching out to the admissions office directly to ask specific questions, as this demonstrates genuine interest. Ensure your application highlights any relevant work or volunteer experience, as the college's practical focus means they value real-world readiness alongside academics.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college is a powerhouse in business and professional studies, with its School of Business holding prestigious AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. Teaching is the core mission, with accessible professors who prioritize student learning over research. Students benefit from practical, career-oriented curricula that integrate real-world applications and internships.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
57.4%
Psychology
9.5%
Criminal Justice
8.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.7%
Legal Studies
4.7%
Health Professions
3.5%
English & Literature
1.8%
Public Administration
1.8%
Communications
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63%
Graduation Rate
76.8%
Retention Rate
634
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$13,440
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,957
After financial aid
Total Cost
$24,633
Cost of attendance/year
38.9%
Receive Pell Grants
38.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Wilmington

Wilmington offers a blend of city and suburban life, with students frequenting the nearby Brandywine Creek State Park for hiking and outdoor activities. The city's Riverfront provides restaurants, a casino, and minor league baseball games, while the close proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore opens up endless options for concerts, museums, and day trips. On campus, student life is fueled by various clubs and athletic events, particularly the college's vibrant basketball culture.

Local Rent Check

$1,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Wilmington
Explore Wilmington

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$53,760
$0Est. 4 Years: $53,760

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,892):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The college is located in a quiet, suburban area known for its safety and community feel. While the campus itself is secure, students should practice standard urban awareness when exploring nearby Wilmington or Philadelphia, which are easily accessible.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ AACSB-accredited School of Business, a gold standard for business education.
  • โœ“ Extremely affordable flat-rate tuition that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ Highly personalized attention with small class sizes and accessible professors.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on career readiness and practical, hands-on learning.

Cons

  • โœ— Limited campus life compared to larger universities, with a quieter suburban setting.
  • โœ— Smaller overall enrollment can mean fewer course offerings and clubs than a major state school.
  • โœ— The 63.0% graduation rate is below the national average, which may indicate challenges for some students.

Notable Alumni

Matt McCoy
Former NFL defensive end who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.
Charles S. Fisher
Former President and CEO of the Delaware Electric Cooperative.
Mark L. Bunting
Senior Vice President at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a recognized leader in finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Goldey-Beacom College is primarily known for its highly respected School of Business, which holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation. It also has strong programs in fields like Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies, offering a practical, career-focused education in a small, personalized setting.

No, Goldey-Beacom College is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 76.53%. This means the admissions process is accessible to a broad range of students with solid academic records. While not overly competitive, a well-rounded application that shows genuine interest in the college's programs will still be advantageous.

Campus life at GBC is intimate and community-oriented, driven by its small enrollment of just 634 students. Students are highly engaged in athletics, especially basketball, and a variety of student-led clubs. The suburban location offers a quiet environment, with students often exploring nearby parks and the Wilmington Riverfront for entertainment.

Yes, for many students, Goldey-Beacom College offers excellent value. The flat-rate tuition of $13,440 is significantly lower than many private institutions, and the 10-year median earnings of $59,892 suggest graduates are well-compensated. The combination of affordable access to an AACSB-accredited business degree and strong career outcomes makes it a financially sound investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Delaware Electric Cooperative ChristianaCare Bank of America Walmart
Smart Start Score
64

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 691
  • In-State Tuition $13,440
  • Zip Code 19808

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 50.8% โ™€ 49.2%

The Money Talk

With an out-of-state tuition of $13,440 that is the same for in-state students, GBC presents a compelling financial value, especially compared to larger universities. The average net price of $16,957 is manageable, and the 10-year median earnings of nearly $60,000 suggest a strong return on investment for a private college of its size. The high percentage of students receiving Pell Grants (38.9%) also indicates robust financial aid availability for those who need it.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $13,440
Housing (12 mo) $17,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $38,052
With avg financial aid:
$16,957/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.