Delaware State University vs University of Delaware
Delaware State University is moderately selective with a 61.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Delaware (65.1%). Graduates of University of Delaware earn $23,643 more per year at the 10-year mark ($72,950 vs $49,307). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Delaware is more affordable at $13,225 net price vs $15,701. Students at University of Delaware graduate with less debt ($24,572 vs $26,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Delaware State University has a higher yield rate (30.2%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. University of Delaware has a higher median SAT (1290 vs 970).
Dover, DE
Newark, DE
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Delaware is more affordable at $10,901 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $17,326 vs $25,580.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Delaware State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (43%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Delaware State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$72,022
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$45,584
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$43,128
- 4 Accounting and Related Services$38,289
- 5 Political Science and Government$36,848
University of Delaware
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$70,176
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$68,698
- 3 Management Information Systems and Services$67,101
- 4 Chemical Engineering$66,401
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$63,005
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Delaware State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Communication and Media Studies
- 3 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations
University of Delaware
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Marketing
- 5 Communication and Media Studies
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Delaware State University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$16,960
- Est. total cost/year$31,348
- School typePublic
University of Delaware
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$34,160
- Est. total cost/year$49,552
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Delaware State University or University of Delaware?
Delaware State University is more selective with a 61.7% acceptance rate, compared to 65.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Delaware State University or University of Delaware?
University of Delaware graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $72,950 compared to $49,307. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Delaware State University or University of Delaware?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Delaware has a lower net price at $13,225 per year vs $15,701. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Delaware State University vs University of Delaware?
University of Delaware has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 79.7%, compared to 38.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Delaware State University or University of Delaware?
University of Delaware has a larger international student population at 12% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Delaware State University and University of Delaware?
At Delaware State University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $72,022 within two years. At University of Delaware, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $70,176. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.