Best
Value Colleges in Delaware in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Delaware prepares students to manage organizations, analyze markets, and make financial decisions. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, business law, finance, management, statistics, and entrepreneurship. Delaware colleges offering this degree include the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, and Goldey-Beacom College. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, financial analyst, sales manager, or business administrator. Internships and concentrations can help tailor career paths.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Delaware offers coursework in developmental, social, cognitive, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and counseling. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and understanding human behavior through projects, internships, or laboratory work. Popular options include the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wilmington University. Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research assistant; becoming a licensed psychologist requires further graduate study and supervised experience.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Delaware offers pathways at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wilmington University. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build problem-solving skills through projects and internships with regional employers. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or IT consultants. Programs may also prepare students for graduate study or technology careers in healthcare, finance, and government.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Delaware combines theory with supervised practice in human development, counseling techniques, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, and group work. Students may also learn crisis intervention and research methods. Popular in-state choices include the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware State University, which offer related counselor education pathways. Graduates commonly pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, case managers, or career counselors, depending on degree level, licensure, and experience.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Delaware combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical care, pediatrics, maternal-newborn nursing, and mental health. Popular options include the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical Community College. Graduates who meet licensing requirements commonly work as registered nurses, hospital staff nurses, public-health nurses, or in clinics, long-term care, and specialty units.

Best Colleges in Delaware Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 14,257.5, compared with 29,102.0 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 14,844.5.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 67.67% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 67.67%. Schools receive an average of 16,476 applicants, while those in the top 10% receive an average of 33,685.
• The median number of applicants is 3,060 for men and 5,385 for women.
• The average SAT score is 1,248, and the average ACT score is 29.0.
• The average number of enrolled students is 9,557.33, including averages of 780.0 men and 1,192.33 women.
• The average graduation rate is 43.8%, compared with 71.4% for schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 29.0% for men and 44.0% for women.
• Six institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, five offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• There are six coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total study costs and financial aid alongside admission selectivity, available degree levels, and graduation outcomes. The figures show that the top 10% have higher median costs and applicant numbers but also higher average graduation rates, so consider which factors best match your finances, academic goals, and preferences.

How much does studying at a college in Delaware cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Delaware is $17,501.17. Average tuition and fees are $13,000.50, but the total cost of a complete degree depends on how many years you study, your program, housing choice, and financial aid. Degree costs accumulate over multiple years, so use $17,501.17 as a general cost benchmark, not a guaranteed all-in price; check whether a school quotes costs per year.

• Tuition and fees: $13,000.50 on average.
• Room and board: $14,381.83 on average.
• Books and supplies: $1,494.17 on average.

Compare Delaware options such as the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware State University in Dover, and Wilmington University. Ask each school for a program-specific cost estimate and subtract grants or scholarships. Living at home or choosing affordable housing can reduce expenses. Comparing estimates early helps you plan confidently and pursue a degree close to home in your community with greater confidence, and avoid costly surprises as you plan your finances.

How long does it take to finish college in Delaware?

In Delaware, a bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree often takes two. At the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, or Wilmington University, your timeline depends on your major, course load, and transfer credits. An adviser can clarify your degree map before your first semester begins.

You can sometimes graduate sooner by taking summer courses, studying year-round, transferring eligible credits, or applying prior-learning credit where offered. Accelerated programs may help. Confirm that every course counts toward your requirements, and choose a sustainable workload; finishing efficiently should leave room to learn and enjoy campus life.

Graduation rates offer context: the average rate is 43.8%, compared with 71.4% for the top 10% of schools. The averages are 37.8% for men and 48.6% for women. Completion is not guaranteed, but advising and a schedule that fits your circumstances can help you stay on track toward your degree.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Delaware earn a median alumni salary of about $52,696. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median rises to about $58,125. These figures offer a helpful benchmark, though your own earnings will depend on your degree, experience, and career path.

If you're studying in Delaware, schools such as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical Community College offer different routes into the workforce. Comparing programs in your intended field can help you find a path that fits your goals and earning expectations.

• Median alumni salary: about $52,696
• Median for graduates of top 10% schools: about $58,125

People also ask

What college in Delaware has the lowest tuition?

Delaware Technical Community College is generally the lowest-tuition option for Delaware residents, since its public two-year programs typically cost less than four-year colleges. Your actual bill depends on residency, program, fees, and course load, so check the current rate for your program. It can be an affordable way to start college close to home.

What are Tier 1 schools in Delaware?

"Tier 1" can mean different things. If you mean a Carnegie R1 institution - one with very high research activity - the University of Delaware is Delaware's R1 university. Delaware State University is another public university in the state, but it is classified as R2 rather than R1. If you mean a different ranking system, the list may vary.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Delaware Ranking in 2026-2027

For Delaware residents seeking a degree, the University of Delaware is the largest option in this group, enrolling 23,673 students. This public research university offers a broad campus environment and a 71% acceptance rate. Its 81% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, while total study cost is $39,190 and median alumni salary is $54,209. Students comparing Delaware choices can weigh its stronger completion figure and alumni earnings against the group's highest listed cost before making enrollment decisions.

Delaware State University provides an option for students who want a smaller public university setting in Delaware, with 5,327 enrolled students. Its acceptance rate is 47%, and its graduation rate is 39%. The listed total study cost, $19,014, is below the University of Delaware's, while median alumni salary is $43,278. Prospective students can compare affordability, campus scale, and completion outcomes when considering this institution, whose role as a historically Black university adds a distinctive part of Delaware's higher education landscape.

Goldey-Beacom College is a small Delaware college, enrolling 1,073 students, which may appeal to learners looking for a more compact campus community. It reports an 85% acceptance rate and a 57% graduation rate. Total study cost is $14,790, and median alumni salary is $44,469. For students comparing local degree options, these figures place its listed cost below the two larger universities' costs, while offering a different, smaller-college setting in Delaware for academic and career planning before choosing where to enroll.

Delaware Technical Community College-Terry is a community college option for Delaware students seeking a comparatively low-cost route to higher education. It enrolls 13,337 students, with a 22% graduation rate; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Its total study cost is $5,718, the lowest in this group, and median alumni salary is $51,182. Students can consider its larger enrollment and affordability when exploring local study pathways, while reviewing program details and transfer possibilities directly to identify a route aligned with their goals locally.

Wilmington University offers Delaware students a sizable university environment, with 13,746 enrolled students. Its reported graduation rate is 20%, and acceptance-rate information is unavailable. Total study cost is $12,570, while median alumni salary is $59,743, the highest figure among these five institutions. Those comparing Delaware degree options may find its combination of relatively low listed cost and comparatively high alumni earnings worth investigating. Review specific programs, schedules, and student services to determine whether this university fits your in-state educational plans.