Affordable Higher Education in Delaware

Delaware, the second-smallest U.S. state, is located along the Atlantic Coastal Plain, bordered by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Despite its size, it has a population of just over 1 million residents and offers a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles.

The northern part of the state, particularly New Castle County, is integrated with the Philadelphia metropolitan area, providing access to city-based internships, jobs, and cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Kent and Sussex counties highlight Delaware’s strong agricultural base and thriving coastal communities.

Delaware’s economy is diverse and resilient, powered by finance, legal services, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. For students, this creates opportunities to study and work across different industries—whether in bustling urban hubs or quieter rural settings.

In this guide

• Tuition and Fee
• Notable initiatives
• Cost of attendance
• Financial aid & sponsorship

Tuition and Fees in Delaware

Delaware is home to a mix of public and private institutions. The state’s public institutions, like the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, are supported by state funding, which typically results in lower tuition for in-state residents.

At the associate level, tuition ranges from $20,160 at the University of Delaware to $26,760 at Delaware State University, with an average of $24,220 across three schools.

Associate degree programs in Delaware

1. University of Delaware

   Newark, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $336 in-state | $839 out-of-state
   Total tuition per credit: $20,160 in-state | $50,340 out-of-state
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 1
   Learn more: Program details

2. Wilmington University

   New Castle, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $429
   Total tuition per credit: $25,740
   Credits: 60
   Number of degree programs: 9
   Learn more: Program details

3. Delaware State University

   Dover, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $446
   Total tuition per credit: $26,760 - $28,544
   Credits: 60-64
   Number of degree programs: 4
   Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

These universities play a major role in research and provide a wide range of academic programs. Private institutions, such as Goldey-Beacom College and Wilmington University, rely on private funding and endowments, often leading to higher tuition. However, they may offer more extensive financial aid and smaller class sizes.

Bachelor’s degree programs are higher in cost, starting at $51,480 at Wilmington University and reaching $55,304 at Delaware State University, averaging $52,500 across two schools.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Delaware

1. Wilmington University

   New Castle, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $429
   Total tuition per credit: $51,480
   Credits: 120
   Number of degree programs: 20
   Learn more: Program details

2. Delaware State University

   Dover, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $446
   Total tuition per credit: $53,520 - $55,304
   Credits: 120-124
   Number of degree programs: 11
   Learn more: Program details

3. Newark, Dover and Georgetown,Delaware

   

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Master’s degree tuition in Delaware begins at $33,000 at Delaware State University, averages $32,299 across three schools, and peaks at $42,408 at the University of Delaware.

Master’s degree programs in Delaware

1. Wilmington University

   New Castle, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $551
   Total tuition per credit: $16,530 - $21,489
   Credits: 30-39
   Number of degree programs: 22
   Learn more: Program details

2. Delaware State University

   Dover, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $455 - $550
   Total tuition per credit: $13,650 - $33,000
   Credits: 30-60
   Number of degree programs: 9
   Learn more: Program details

3. University of Delaware

   Newark, Delaware

   
   Delivery method: Online
   2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,116
   Total tuition per credit: $33,480 - $42,408
   Credits: 30-38
   Number of degree programs: 15
   Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Notable Statewide Initiatives

• SEED Scholarship (Student Excellence Equals Degree): Provides last-dollar tuition coverage for Delaware high school graduates at Del Tech and UD’s Associate in Arts program. Expanded as SEED+, it now includes adult learners.
• Stand By Me Delaware: A state program helping families complete the FAFSA and secure financial aid.
• Delaware Higher Education Office Programs: Manages 23 state programs and 8 private scholarships for residents.

Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition

• Estimated Room & Board: On-campus housing and meal plans are a significant cost, with estimated costs for on-campus living at the University of Delaware reaching $15,974 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Books and Supplies: An estimated $1,250 to $1,500 is typically factored into the COA for books, course materials, and equipment.
• Transportation: Costs for transportation, including intra-state travel, vary but are an important consideration. For a commuter student at the University of Delaware, an estimated $1,944 is allocated for transportation.
• Living Cost Differences: The cost of living can be higher for campuses located in more metropolitan areas like Wilmington compared to more rural settings in the southern part of the state.
• Pell Eligibility: For students from low-income backgrounds, Pell Grants can provide a foundation for covering these costs.

Financial Aid and Sponsorship Opportunities

Delaware provides robust financial aid programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs for students:

• SEED/SEED+ Scholarships – Tuition-free pathways at Del Tech and UD associate programs.
  State-Sponsored Aid – Grants, merit-based scholarships, and service-based financial assistance managed by the Delaware Higher Education Office.
• Institutional Aid – UD, DSU, Wilmu, and other schools offer scholarships and tuition support.
  Loan & Sponsorship Programs – Some state programs offer interest-free loans for students who commit to work in Delaware post-graduation.

For step-by-step assistance with completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA resource. To discover scholarship opportunities in Illinois, be sure to explore this guide: Finding Scholarships.

Conclusion

Delaware may be small, but it offers big opportunities for affordable higher education. With state-supported scholarships like SEED, a mix of public and private universities, and flexible community college pathways, students can pursue quality education while keeping costs manageable.

For families and students, Delaware’s combination of financial aid, statewide initiatives, and diverse institutions makes it a strong choice for higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Frequently Asked Questions