Best Colleges in Delaware for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Delaware College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Delaware is a geographically small state and it has a relatively small population. However, it still has eight significant colleges and universities. These eight schools include two research institutions, two special-focus schools, and two junior colleges. The five postsecondary schools have a split of three public and two private. All Delaware post-secondary schools have regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Learning.

The below-listed items describe the leading five Delaware postsecondary schools.

  • Wilmington University is a private research university in Wilmington, Delaware.
  • Wesley College is a private four-year institution located in Dover, Delaware.
  • University of Delaware in Newark is the flagship institution for the state of Delaware. It is the largest school in the state with more than 23,000 students.
  • Goldey-Beacom College is a special focus institution located in Pike Valley, Delaware. It focuses on business education and teaching.
  • Delaware State University is the state’s historically black land-grant University.
delaware_map_university

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Delaware?

Business Education is the leading degree on offer, and includes a significantly larger grouping of students that the next nearest category of Health Professions. The business category includes marketing, management, international business, and finance. The business major is a sought-after degree across the US, and it has a high national average salary.

Top Delaware Degree Categories :

The top five degree categories were followed by Engineering, the Natural Sciences, Psychology, Agriculture, and Computer Sciences.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
delaware-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment
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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Delaware

Delaware is a state that has always embraced change. Today the changes involve an older population needing special care, computerization, and innovation.

Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
CEO 370 $155,400
Marketing Specialist 2,030 $51,400
Finance Analyst 3,480 $61,400
Engineering Psychologist 14,220 $98,900
Accountant 4,950 $51,600
Management Analyst 2,600 $67,400

Best Delaware Schools for Business and Management

  • University of Delaware
  • Goldey-Beacom College
  • Delaware State University
  • Wilmington University
  • Wesley College

Top Education Careers and Salaries

  • Math Teachers at the postsecondary level prepare college-level students for careers in math science, research, business, and many related fields.

  • Computer science teachers at the college level provide basic and advanced instruction for computer science students and computer majors.

  • Political Science teachers help develop greater awareness of public policy and the civic government systems in the US and around the world.

  • Teaching Education is the field of developing teaching professionals at all levels of the education system.

  • Librarians help organize and develop information documents and all types of research resources.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Math Teachers 160 $50,600
Computer Science Teachers 120 $60,100
Political Science Teachers 100 $47,500
Education Teaching 3,330 $49,500
Librarians 400 $50,700

Best Delaware Schools for Education

  • University of Delaware
  • Delaware State University
  • Wesley College
  • Wilmington University
  • Delaware Technical and Community College

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

  • Registered Nurses provide patient care, education, diagnosis, treatment, and supervise the work of LPNs, Nurse Assistants, and other staff.

  • Physician Assistants are highly trained medical professionals that can perform many of the functions of a general practitioner. Some PAs have specializations in one or more fields of medicine.

  • Pharmacists are licensed professionals that can dispense medications, provide advice to patients, and educate the public.

  • Psychiatrists are medical experts that specialize in emotional disorders and mental illnesses.

  • Dieticians provide expert advice on health and nutrition.

  • Healthcare administrators ensure that a healthcare facility runs smoothly and efficiently by making sure they have all the necessary resources and policies in place.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Registered Nurse 11,730 $65,400
Physician Assistant 470 $97,800
Pharmacist 800 $115,200
Psychiatrists 120 $211,800
Dieticians 200 $50,600

Best Delaware Schools for Health Professions and Related Careers

  • University of Delaware
  • Delaware State University
  • Wilmington University
  • Goldey-Beacom College

Top Humanities Careers and Salaries

  • Self-Enrichment Education Teachers provide education not related to the pursuit of degrees or attainment but to self-improvement and personal development.

  • Curators manage art organizations and properties including museums, galleries, and collections. They optimize the value of art as unique and authentic works.

  • Art Directors perform important functions in the organization and presentation of many types and forms of art including music, media, and performance art.

  • Producers and Directors develop and carry out media projects including financing, fundraising, and artistic presentation.

  • Writers and Authors create literary and informational text in many forms including digital communications.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Self-Enrichment Teachers 360 $31,100
Curators 60 $50,900
Art Directors 60 $68,300
Producers and Directors 50 $72,200
Writers and Authors 50 $51,200

Best Delaware Schools for Humanities Studies

  • University of Delaware
  • Delaware State University
  • Wesley College
  • Wilmington University
  • Delaware Technical Community College

Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries

  • Environmental Health Scientists and Specialists research the impact of environmental factors on human health.

  • Economists study the relationship between monetary and other value systems and social systems.

  • Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists provide diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders.

  • Urban and Regional Planners research patterns of development and recommend approaches to maximize benefits and minimize adverse impacts.

  • Social Scientists and Related Workers perform research and deliver services that can address social problems and promote life security

  • Addiction Counselors help patients with substance abuse issues.

    Psychologist

    Counselor

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Env. Health Specialists 340 $44,500
Economists 19,000 $76,400
School Psychologists 560 $62,400
Urban Planners 200 $57,700
Social Scientists 2,630 $74,400

Best Delaware Schools for Social Science

  • Wilmington University
  • Wesley College
  • University of Delaware
  • Goldey-Beacom College
  • Delaware State University

Additional Careers in Delaware:

Want to See All the Delaware Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Delaware

Occupations Growth Percentage Salary No. Jobs by 2024
Business Analyst 22% $94,720 4,000
Electrician 18.3% $56,300 2,590
Software Developer 17.8% $100,290 3,040
Registered Nurse 16.6% $70,820 12,210
Loan Processor 16% $38,840 1,160

Best Associate Degrees in Delaware

Best Associate Degrees in Delaware
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An associate degree can provide you with a firm foot in the door for an entry-level position or function as a stepping stone on your way to a four-year degree. Delaware schools offer many associate degree programs including liberal arts, fraud analysis, management training, nutritionist, and copy editing. Here, you can check out some of the top-rated colleges in the state and find a program that fits your needs.

Delaware Technical Community College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
13,660		 Graduation Rate
18%		 Net Price
$7,879		 Grads Salary
$31,000

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Delaware

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Delaware
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Having a bachelor's degree sets you up well for future success. It’s a critical advantage that has become very important in the competitive job market today. Some of the most lucrative programs available in Delaware are sports management, entrepreneurship and technological innovation, and finance. You can find and learn more about these programs to help you find the right school for you. Check these great colleges that offer bachelor’s in Delaware.

University of Delaware
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
23,808		 Graduation Rate
82%		 Net Price
$19,747 		Grads Salary
$74,600
Delaware State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,768		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$14,464 		Grads Salary
$62,200
Goldey-Beacom College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,327		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$19,048 		Grads Salary
$67,400
Wilmington University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,769		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$14,761 		Grads Salary
$67,000
Wesley College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,151		 Graduation Rate
32%		 Net Price
$25,549 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Strayer University-Delaware
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
745		 Graduation Rate
25%		 Net Price
NA		 Grads Salary
NA

Best Master's Degrees in Delaware

Best Master's Degrees in Delaware
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An advanced degree can help you edge out the competition in the Delaware job market. You might be considering continuing your education with an MBA degree in strategic communication, bio-regenerative sciences, hospitality business management, public administration, or cyber security. These degrees and more are available in colleges across the state. Check out our list of the best colleges offering advanced degrees below in order to find the right program for you.

University of Delaware
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
23,808		 Graduation Rate
82%		 Net Price
$19,747 		Grads Salary
$74,600
Delaware State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,768		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$14,464 		Grads Salary
$62,200
Goldey-Beacom College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,327		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$19,048 		Grads Salary
$67,400
Wilmington University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
14,769		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$14,761 		Grads Salary
$67,000
Wesley College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,151		 Graduation Rate
32%		 Net Price
$25,549 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Strayer University-Delaware
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
745		 Graduation Rate
25%		 Net Price
NA		 Grads Salary
NA

Cost of Delaware College Education & Salaries

The costs of college include tuition, room and board, fees, and books. Private schools charge a flat rate for students without regard to their place of residence. Public schools offer reduced tuition costs to in-state residences whose taxes and other contributions support these schools continuously. The costs of on-campus or off-campus housing, meals, and incidental expenses tend to be about the same for in-state or out-of-state students. Tuition is typically the largest item of expense. Like most states, Delaware schools offer substantial advantages for in-state applicants. While the living costs, books, and food expenses are similar, the tuition costs are much lower at Delaware schools for in-state students than for out-of-state students.

The Academic Common Market

Delaware is part of a 15-state agreement called the ACM or Academic Common Market. The ACM program allows Delaware students to get in-state rates at participating out-of-state schools. The ACM rate applies when Delaware students seek a course of study or degree program that is not available at Delaware schools. Delaware students can attend participating out-of-state schools at the Delaware in-state tuition rate.

The ACM program widens the range of majors and degrees for Delaware students while maintaining the cost-saving advantages of Delaware in-state tuition. The participating out-of-state schools are public schools, and students from each participating state have similar privileges to enjoy their in-state rates while attending an out-of-state school.

College Cost Analysis - Delaware vs. National

Delaware is close to the national average in costs and may be above average in its combination of high-quality education, costs, and proximity to several major employment centers. The state ranks well in college costs at a small percentage above the national average and Delaware graduates can have easy access to employment in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and southern New Jersey. Students in Delaware are also very close to the national average in federal grants received, which means they have a good chance of receiving help, but still need to be on the lookout for scholarships.

Average Delaware Tuition and Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $10,607

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State – $29,500

National Average – $30,405

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Nation-wide - 67% of students get grants or scholarships
Delaware - 53% of students get grants or scholarships

Financial Aid Delaware Nationally
Received Federal Grants 35% 37.7%
Average Financial Aid per Recipient $10,565 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Delaware

Scholarships are an excellent path to reducing the costs of college education while enjoying the benefits of higher education on income, career, and personal enrichment. Like grants, scholarships are sources of funds for educational expenses that students do not need to repay. Scholarships and grants often have specific beneficiaries (e.g., children of injured veterans) and detailed requirements like the presentation of an essay or in-person interviews.

Some grants and scholarships require attendance at a particular school while others may be good for any school in Delaware. There are types of scholarships and grants that promote one field of study or a grouping like the STEM majors. There are grants, scholarships, and stipends that ask for some future commitment to service such as teaching in the state for a given number of years after receiving a teacher’s scholarship. Nearly every grant or scholarship will require attendance at an accredited college or university.

Ten Best Scholarships for Delaware

The best scholarships are those that work for a student. This list describes some leading Delaware grant and scholarship programs. Successful students must be eager to research and find applicable grants and scholarships. When assessing scholarships, students should look for programs that focus on groups that may include them. These factors include financial need, race and ethnic origin, gender, age, marital status, and geography.

SCIP

Scholarship Incentive Program

Deadline: April 15 (FAFSA), July 1 (Transcripts)
Amount: Up to $2,200 (Undergraduate), $1,000 (Graduate)
https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/996
Eligible students must be US citizens and legal residents of Delaware. They must demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students must enroll in a regionally accredited school, college, or university. Eligible out-of-state enrollments must demonstrate that it is a degree program from a regionally accredited institution that is not available at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, or Delaware Technical Community College. Students may receive the SIP grant for no more than five years of combined undergraduate and graduate study.

FSMHAS_logo

FSMHAS

First State Manufactured Housing Association Scholarship

Deadline: March 4
Amount: $1,000 annually
http://www.firststatemha.org/industry/scholarship.html
Eligible students must be legal residents of Delaware and be either a high school senior or high school graduate. They must file the FAFSA and they must have lived in a manufactured home for more than one year before application. Students may attend any accredited two- or four-year college, trade, or other type of school. Eligible students may attend part-time or full-time but must carry at least seven semester hours. The program selects award winners based on their academic record, financial need, and professional and personal recommendations. Students with 12 or more semester credit hours can submit college transcripts to support their applications.

HHMS_logo

HHMS

Herman M. Holloway, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 4
Amount: Full tuition at Delaware State University
https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/1046
The Herman Holloway awards honor the first African-American state senator in the history of the state of Delaware. Eligible students must be residents of Delaware, US citizens, and legal US residents. High school seniors must have a 3.0 GPA and a combined score of 1000 on the SAT or an equivalent score on the ACT. Holloway Scholarship students must enroll for full-time study at Delaware State University. The award requires a full and timely FAFSA application.

The scholarship award pays for tuition, fees, room, board, and books at Delaware State University. Students may only get one award per school year and can renew the award for up to three further years for a total of four years of full tuition coverage. Students must register at the student account access site. The award criteria emphasize extracurricular activities in school and in the local community.

BBBMS

B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 4
Amount: Full tuition, room and board, fees, and books at The University of Delaware
https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/1044
Eligible students must be Delaware residents, high school seniors, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have a combined score of 1290 on the SAT or an equivalent score on the ACT. Students must enroll full-time at The University of Delaware. They will be directed to the Student Account Access site to enroll, sign up, and apply for funds. The selection emphasizes extracurricular activities and community involvement. The application information encourages active students to list all their civic engagements such as charities and local groups and institutions in Delaware. The award covers nearly every cost category for college attendance, and students can renew for up to four years. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to renew their award.

CHMS

Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 4
Amount: Full Tuition at Designated Colleges and Universities
https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/1045
The Charles Hebner Scholarship honors a former Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives. The scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, required fees, and books for one year at The University of Delaware or Delaware State University. Eligible students may receive one award per school year and renew their awards for a further term, up to a total of four years. Students must select an accepted major course of study in the humanities or social sciences. The eligible majors include most liberal arts fields, but the program preference focuses on Political Science majors.

CMTIP

Christa McAuliffe Teacher Incentive Program

Deadline: June 3
Amount: Full tuition, fees, and some expenses for up to four years
https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/1053
The Christa McAuliffe Teacher Incentive Program is a loan and loan forgiveness program with the impact of a full-tuition scholarship and an agreed job placement for a four-year term. The State of Delaware seeks to increase the number of teachers in public schools overall and particularly areas of geographic and subject need. The program grants priority to future teachers that can fill areas of need such as special education, business education, English, and Bilingual instruction.

The state offers a loan that covers tuition, fees, and other direct educational expenses. The loan amount can be renewed up to four years. The student can repay the loan by working in the public-school system for up to four years. The application requires enrollment with the Student Access Account.

DF_logo-1

DF

Delaware Futures

Deadline: March 8
Amount: Full or Partial Tuition at Participating Colleges and Universities
http://www.delawarefutures.org/
The Delaware futures helps high school students prepare for college admissions and success. The program recruits promising students from low-resource families. The students receive mentoring, career counseling, and educational advice. They use peer-support systems to encourage and teach the students the paths to successful college preparation, testing, and admissions.

The students go on to college at a very high rate (88%) and receive full or partial tuition scholarships. The partner colleges in Delaware are listed below.

  • Wilmington University
  • Wesley College
  • University of Delaware
  • Goldley-Beacom College
  • Delaware State University

LIVDS

Luther and Ida Van Dross Scholarship

Deadline: April 5
Amount: Up to $6,000 (Up to 20 Awards)
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/54655-The-Philadelphia-Foundation
Delaware students are in the regions centered by Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Southern New Jersey. Scholarships based in the Philadelphia region include Delaware students. The Luther and Ida Vandross Scholarship is Philadelphia based foundation and Delaware students enrolled at a historically black College or University may apply for the Vandross scholarship. Eligible students must be in the third, fourth, or fifth year of attendance in a program leading to an undergraduate degree. Students must present proof of need and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. Residents of the Northeast may receive preference.

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