The best universities in Delaware are accredited institutions that are held in high esteem throughout the United States. The First State is known for promoting a diverse educational environment, welcoming students from across the globe. With several reputable schools available, picking the most suitable one can be challenging.
This article features Delaware universities ranked by key indicators of success, including their graduation rate and program offerings. We’ve put together a list of the top seven universities in Delaware overall, as well as lists of the best colleges in Delaware catering to specific niche needs, like those of international students and students looking for online programs.
What Are the Best Universities in Delaware?
The best universities in Delaware are the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical Community College. Other great options include Widener University-Delaware Law School and Wilmington University.
How Many Universities Are in Delaware?
There are seven universities in Delaware, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There recently were eight, but two merged into one institution. All of these degree-granting institutions are accredited and recognized by the US Department of Education. Three out of the seven schools are public institutions, and four are private institutions.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Delaware?
The biggest universities in Delaware are the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical Community College, all with well over 10,000 students enrolled. Other big universities in the state include Widener University-Delaware Law School and Delaware State University.
Largest Delaware Universities by Enrollment
- University of Delaware | 23,613
- Wilmington University | 14,769
- Delaware Technical Community College | 12,955
- Widener University-Delaware Law School | 6,150
- Delaware State University | 4,739
Delaware University Rankings: What Are the Top 7 Universities in Delaware?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delaware | Newark | 82% |
| 2 | Delaware College of Art and Design | Wilmington | 69% |
| 3 | Widener University- Delaware Law School |
Wilmington | 68% |
| 4 | Goldey-Beacom College | Wilmington | 55% |
| 5 | Delaware State University | Dover | 47% |
| 6 | Wilmington University | New Castle | 23% |
| 7 | Delaware Technical Community College | Dover | 20% |
How We Defined Delaware University Rankings
Our ranking of the seven best Delaware universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of seven Delaware universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Delaware, Explained
The list below contains more details about the best colleges and universities in Delaware. It is based on the table above, and the information for each school was obtained directly from the school’s official website or from NCES.
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Delaware University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Delaware generally include a high school diploma or the equivalent, standardized test scores, an above-average GPA, and proof of English proficiency for international students. Each school and program will have its own unique requirements, so be sure that you are able to meet them before applying.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Delaware
- High school diploma or the equivalent
- Standardized test scores
- Above-average GPA
- Proof of English proficiency (for international students)
How to Apply to Delaware Universities
To apply to Delaware universities, visit the official school website and navigate to the program of your choice. Here, you will find a list of all the admission requirements to review. There should also be a portal or online form for submitting your application. If you have any questions, you can send an email to an admissions representative or call the admissions office.
Delaware Universities Admissions Process
- Visit the official website of the school.
- Choose your program and make sure that you meet the admissions requirements.
- Fill out the application form and pay any associated fee.
- Submit the required documents.
- Apply for financial aid.
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Why Study in Delaware?
You should study in Delaware because the state offers affordable education, the schools are diverse and inclusive, and there is tax-free shopping for all. With dunes, beaches, salt marshes, and Cypress forests, Delaware offers a lot of natural beauty, and yet is also close to some of America’s most exciting cities, like New York City.
Affordability
Universities and colleges in Delaware offer reasonable tuition rates and plenty of opportunities for student aid. The state also doesn’t charge sales tax, which can save you a lot of money over the span of the several years you will be a student. Public universities and colleges in Delaware are more affordable than private ones.
Inclusivity
Another factor that makes Delaware a great place for education is the inclusivity of its colleges and universities. Delaware Technical Community College has an open-door admissions policy, and Delaware State University includes inclusivity in its core values.
Natural Beauty
Sometimes you just need to get away, even when you’re busy pursuing your education goals. Delaware is a small state with easily accessible national and state parks, forests, beaches, and islands, offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, and kayaking. Fenwick Island State Park even offers opportunities for surfing.
More Delaware University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Delaware?
The following Delaware university rankings are designed to give you a clearer picture of the schools by using more specific ranking criteria. These lists of the best schools are by graduation rate plus school type, including state, public, private, or online. We’ve also included a list of the best universities in Delaware for international students.
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Top Delaware Universities by Major
Our lists of the best Delaware universities by major will help students who know their preferred program of study make an informed decision about which school to choose. While most schools in the state offer similar program types, there are some outstanding options for computer science, nursing, engineering, business, and criminology.
Tuition Costs for Delaware Universities
The tuition and fees for Delaware universities are about $11,901 per year for in-state students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $31,582 yearly on average. The tuition cost also varies based on the type of school and degree.
Most Affordable Universities in Delaware
- Delaware State University | Tuition: $7,038/Year. In-state, full-time undergraduate students pay $3,519 per semester, while out-of-state students pay about $8,480 per semester, or $16,960 yearly. Online tuition is about $400 per credit hour. The cost may vary depending on your department.
- Wilmington University | Tuition: $250-390/Credit. Full-time undergraduate students pay between $250 and $390 per credit. Graduate students pay between $300 and $550 per credit, while those in doctoral programs pay between $663 and $729 per credit.
- Goldey-Beacom College | Tuition: $435/Credit. Undergraduate students at Goldey-Beacom College pay $435 per credit hour. There is no application fee for enrollment, but you will have to pay other fees after enrollment.
- University of Delaware | Tuition: $6,685/Semester. The tuition is calculated per semester, with in-state students paying about $6,685 per semester. Out-of-state tuition is much higher, at $17,945 per semester for undergraduate programs.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Delaware
The common financial aid options for the best universities in Delaware include federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and professional incentive programs. The terms of each program vary, and you can apply for more than one type.
Financial Aid for Delaware Universities: A Summary
- Federal Financial Aid. Citizens and residents of the United States can apply for federal financial aid for free. Federal loans will have to be repaid, usually including interest, while grants typically will not. The US government offers aid in various different categories, giving students a greater chance of receiving aid.
- Scholarships. There are federal and private organizations that offer scholarships to students who cannot afford a college education but have demonstrated certain skills, interests, and aptitudes. A scholarship may cover the cost of the entire program or part of it, and it doesn’t require repayment.
- Grants. Provided to help cover students’ education costs, grants typically don’t have to be paid back. They are available from the state and federal government, as well as from the school itself and private and nonprofit organizations.
- Professional Incentive Programs. Some companies and schools offer professional incentive programs for their employees. These programs cover some or all of the cost of tuition so that professionals can advance in their careers.
Delaware University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Delaware Universities?
- Anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Students with an outstanding GPA or outstanding performance in their preferred field, for those opting for performance-based aid
- Students with a household income that isn’t enough to pay for their education, for those opting for need-based aid
- Delaware residents qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid
Private Delaware Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Goldey-Beacom College. This private school offers students various financial aid options and helps them apply for aid. The most popular ones are the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, Federal Work-Study Program, Federal Direct Loan Program, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans. The school also offers state-sponsored programs and tuition vouchers.
- Wilmington University. Like other schools in the state, Wilmington offers federal and state financial aid options. The federal options are grants, loans, and work-study programs. You need to be fully enrolled and create an FSA account and maintain it for the entire program.
- Delaware College of Art and Design. DCAD states that up to 90 percent of all enrolled students receive one form of financial aid or another. The options available are federal and private loans, institutional and private scholarships, federal and state grants, college work-study, and veterans administration benefits.
Universities in Delaware That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of Delaware. This is the largest degree-granting institution in Delaware, and it offers a wide range of financial aid to its students. Out-of-state students qualify for all the same financial aid programs as in-state students do, except for the reduced in-state tuition rate.
- Delaware State University. Like in-state students, out-of-state students at Delaware State University may qualify for DSU’s Presidential Scholarship, full-tuition scholarships, partial tuition scholarships, GAP scholarship, and visual and performing arts scholarships as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Widener University-Delaware Law School. This law school offers academic scholarships to exceptional students in need of assistance, whether they are in-state students or not.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Delaware State Universities
- Create an official student account on the Delaware Department of Education’s Higher Education Office website.
- Choose scholarships, grants, or loans and select your degree level.
- Complete and submit your application.
- For federal aid, complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid when you apply to your school.
- Search your school’s website for their own financial aid options.
Demographics of Universities in Delaware
The demographics of universities in Delaware indicate that just over half of all students, or 58.4 percent, are white. While this might seem like a high percentage, it reflects a higher degree of diversity in Delaware than in many other states. Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and mixed-race students make up the rest of the student population.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Delaware
- White: 58.4%
- Black: 22.6%
- Hispanic: 10.5%
- Two or More Races: 4.1%
- Asian: 4.0%
- American Indian: 0.4%
- Pacific Islander: 0.1%
Delaware Employment Outlook for University Students
The employment outlook for university students in Delaware is promising. The state has maintained a relatively stable economy over the last few years. Employment opportunities have risen consistently since 2021, while unemployment levels have decreased.
To get the highest-paying job opportunities in Delaware, consider living in a metropolitan area like Dover or Wilmington. These cities have a slightly higher cost of living than other parts of Delaware, but they also have the highest-paying jobs and more promising job opportunities.
5 In-Demand Delaware Jobs
The top five in-demand Delaware job titles include general and operations managers, computer systems analysts, software developers, medical and health services managers, and registered nurses.
Is a University in Delaware Right for You?
A Delaware university is right for anyone who wants to study in an inclusive state with high education standards. While there aren’t many schools in the state, the ones there are accredited, degree-granting institutions that are dedicated to providing affordable education to all.
Beyond the schools, living in Delaware is an experience you are bound to enjoy. There are good job opportunities in the state, and you can enjoy tax-free shopping. The state’s natural beauty and proximity to some of America’s great cities also make Delaware an ideal option for higher education.
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Best Universities in Delaware FAQ
As the state’s flagship university, the University of Delaware is also the largest school by enrollment in Delaware. It is included among the nation’s universities with the highest level of research activity, and its programs in finance and marketing are especially popular.
No, the University of Delaware is not an Ivy League university. However, it is commonly called a “public Ivy,” like Pennsylvania State University and other prestigious public schools.
Yes, the University of Delaware is LGBTQ-friendly as it welcomes people with different sexual orientations and does not discriminate against them.
Although the University of Delaware doesn’t provide a specific minimum GPA requirement, it does state on its website that the average first-year student admitted to the school has a weighted GPA ranging from 3.69 to 4.22. You will also need to complete a standardized test before you can be admitted.
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