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Delaware State University

#251 in US ranking Dover, DE
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Delaware State University award
Delaware State University award

Cost

Cost / year
$33,669
Tuition & fees
$11,213
Avg. aid
$13,619
Receiving aid
92%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
47%
SAT range
800–1020
ACT range
20–24

Outcomes

Graduation rate
39%
Median salary
$43,278
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Delaware State University?

Delaware State University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is distinct from any separate accreditation or approval that may apply to a particular degree program.

This distinction matters most in fields such as nursing and teacher preparation, where program approval, professional accreditation, and state licensing rules can affect a graduate's next steps. Applicants should check the status and licensing implications of their specific program, especially if they intend to work outside Delaware. Institutional accreditation also matters for participation in federal student aid programs, but it does not guarantee that another college will accept a transferred course or that a licensing board will approve a degree.

What are the admission requirements at Delaware State University?

First-year applicants generally need to submit an application and a secondary-school transcript showing completion of high school or an accepted equivalent. Delaware State University reviews academic records and GPA; it does not have an open-admission policy.

Admissions reporting for 2024-25 lists SAT and ACT scores as considered but not required, while class rank and recommendations are neither required nor recommended. Applicants should follow the policy shown for their intended entry term, since testing rules can change. English-language proficiency documentation may be required for applicants whose circumstances call for it, and a major may impose additional conditions after general admission.

The reported first-year acceptance rate was about 47%: 3,934 applicants were admitted from 8,445 applicants. That figure describes a past admissions cycle, not an individual's chance of admission. Students should check the university's current application instructions for deadlines, transcript submission methods, and any requirements tied to their applicant category.

What are the application fees and waivers at Delaware State University?

The reported undergraduate application fee is $35. Applicants should confirm the charge displayed in their application before submitting it, since fees can differ by applicant type or application method and may change between admission cycles.

A student who cannot afford the fee should ask admissions about an available waiver and the documentation or application procedure it requires before paying or submitting. An application-fee waiver is separate from financial aid for tuition and separate from any later enrollment or housing deposit.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Delaware State University?

Delaware State University reports Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC participation opportunities on campus. Interested students should confirm the current unit arrangement, course locations, and registration process with the appropriate ROTC program before building those courses into a schedule.

ROTC participation, scholarship eligibility, and a military service obligation are related but separate questions. Scholarship awards have their own application and qualification rules, and students considering a commission should review the service commitment associated with the specific branch and pathway.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Delaware State University?

Delaware State University generally accepts transfer credit from other accredited institutions, but admission as a transfer student does not mean that every previous course will satisfy a degree requirement. Transfer applicants should expect to submit official transcripts from each college they attended.

The university reports transfer entry opportunities across fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Applicants should verify the deadline and availability for their intended program and term, as well as whether a high school record is needed in their circumstances. Before enrolling, request an official evaluation that shows both the credits accepted and how they apply to the chosen major. That distinction is particularly important for sequential programs with prerequisites, clinical requirements, or limited course availability.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Delaware State University?

Students interested in study abroad should begin with Delaware State University's international education advising to identify currently approved programs. Options may differ in duration and format, including short-term experiences and longer study at a partner or other approved provider.

Approval matters because a program's availability does not by itself establish how its courses will count toward a Delaware State degree. Before paying a deposit, students should obtain academic approval for proposed classes and ask how tuition, housing, travel, scholarships, and existing financial aid would work for that specific program. Students in tightly sequenced majors should also check whether time abroad would affect required courses or placements.

Delaware State University Admissions Factors

SAT range
800–1020
4001600
ACT range
20–24
136
Acceptance rate
47%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
47%
Delaware
71%
US
78%

34% of admitted students enrolled (1,325 of 3,934)

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 12-17
ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Delaware State University Admissions

Applicants
Total: 8,445
Admission
Total: 3,934
Enrolled
Total: 1,325
Women
Men

How to Apply to Delaware State University

Regular application deadline

October 1

Application fee

$35

Early Decision

No

Early Action

No

Delaware State University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 644
Out-of-state: 607
International: 10

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 1,325
Transfer: 189

Delaware State University Admission Requirements

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

2%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

26%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Neither required nor recommended

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Considered but not required

Recommendations

Neither required nor recommended

Formal demonstration of competencies

Neither required nor recommended

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Neither required nor recommended

Preferential admissions consideration text

state residents

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit on campus

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Delaware State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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