Online Schools and Colleges in Delaware

Delaware’s colleges and universities are bucking national trends and reporting record enrollment numbers, especially for non-traditional adult learners and international students. These are primary demographics for online learning, and more colleges in the state are opting-in to online education options, including hybrid programs and fully-online degrees and certificates. To learn more about what earning a degree online in Delaware looks like and find answers to frequently asked questions on paying for college, transfer credits and college preparation, continue reading below.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Delaware among the top states in the country in terms of key higher education metrics, such as the cost of in-state tuition and fees and the number of residents who hold college degrees. The First State has the country’s highest graduation rates for students at four-year schools.

According to Digital Learning Compass, enrollment in online programs increased 82.4% in Delaware between 2012 and 2015, much higher than the 11% nationwide growth in online enrollment. This guide includes information about online schools and colleges in Delaware, including accreditation information and lists of available scholarships.

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) maintains an online list of accredited schools in the state. Click on the name of the school to learn which majors and degrees the institution offers. You can also click the icon below for details about higher education institutions in Delaware.Search All Accredited Schools in Delaware

DDOE organizes Delaware’s labor market into low-skill, middle-skill, and high-skill jobs. The first table shows how salaries in Delaware tend to increase in direct proportion to a worker’s educational attainment. Nationwide data also reflects this trend, as indicated by the second table. This data illustrates that a college degree is worth the investment of time and money.

Source: Delaware Department of Education

Source: BLS

According to College Board, the national cost of in-state tuition and fees at public four-year schools increased 2.2% from 2009 to 2020. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition for four-year public universities in Delaware costs slightly more than the national average. Above-average tuition rates combined with likely cost increases in the coming years mean that many students turn to scholarships and loans to fund their education.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Although most online students save money on room and board, many schools charge fees specific to online learners. Below are some common costs related to online education.

To be eligible for in-state tuition, financially independent college applicants must show proof of residency in the state for a period of at least 12 months prior to enrollment. Most schools consider applicants who are not financially independent to share the residency status of their parent or legal guardian. In Delaware, military members and their dependents who are participating in an approved veteran benefit program also receive in-state status.

Some schools charge all online students in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency. Students should contact each prospective school to learn about specific residency requirements.

Students in online schools and colleges in Delaware can apply for many of the same scholarships and grants as on-campus learners. The funding options below can help you earn a college education while minimizing your student debt.

Accreditation indicates that a school has passed a rigid inspection process by a third party. Attending an accredited institution ensures that employers and other schools will recognize your degree. Accreditation is a voluntary process that demonstrates the value of a school’s programs.

Additionally, most state and federal scholarships and grants are only available to learners attending accredited institutions. The sections below describe the various types of accreditation, along with methods for determining whether your prospective school holds accreditation.

The Commission for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) oversee both regional and national accrediting agencies. Public and private degree-granting nonprofit schools typically receive regional accreditation. National accreditation generally applies to career and technical institutions and for-profit schools.

CHEA and ED also oversee subject-specific accrediting bodies, which evaluate programs and departments. For example, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits undergraduate and graduate business and accounting programs. Specialized accreditation demonstrates that a program prepares learners to succeed in the field.

Accredited schools typically indicate that their accreditation status on their official website. You can also search the CHEA directory, which lists all accredited institutions in Delaware and throughout the country.

Through flexible scheduling options, online schools and colleges in Delaware help busy students fulfill their education goals. Online education is often ideal for learners with personal responsibilities or full-time jobs.

More than 40 million Americans exhibit low literacy skills, yet publicly funded adult education programs can only provide services for two million Americans each year.

In a 2013 assessment of adult literacy and numeracy skills that included a total of 24 countries, the U.S. ranked 16th in literacy and 21st in numeracy skills.

Nationwide, the 2016 average annual expenditure per adult student was only $1,021.

Sources: ED, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau

Delaware provides a variety of resources to help online students learn about scholarships and grants, career options, and college preparedness. The state also provides information for parents and educators.