Online Schools and Colleges in Delaware
Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
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.
Best Online Colleges in Delaware
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.
University of Delaware
Newark, DE- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At University of Delaware, online learners in many fields can access high-quality online programs. Students located anywhere in the world can take advantage of the public institution's 11 online programs. Distance learners often save money by living in areas with lower costs of living while attending school.
Online enrollees receive support and guidance through the virtual learning environment. By conducting original research while earning their degree, participants can enhance their resume and abilities. Learners often benefit from career services such as mock interviews, job boards, and resume assistance.
In addition to institutional funding, degree-seekers can apply for scholarships and grants from private organizations. To determine whether they qualify for institutional scholarships and fellowships, applicants should contact the financial aid office. To pay for their studies, 88% of enrollees use financial aid, according to the school.
- In-State$12,980
- Out-of-state$34,840
- In-State$17,100
- Out-of-state$17,100
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled23,996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online instructors often hold virtual office hours, during which they provide guidance and additional assistance. Participants can pursue internships to impress employers after graduation. Academic advisors help learners select classes and ensure they are on track to graduate.
Federal scholarships, grants, and loans can help degree-seekers fund their education. To understand their financial aid options, students can contact the institution's financial aid office. Financial aid reduces the overall cost of earning a degree for 63% of the school's enrollees.
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,129
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Delaware State University is a leader in online education. Located in Dover, the school boasts a robust online learning community, supporting 2,288 remote enrollees across nine programs. With flexible enrollment options, online programs often allow learners to begin their studies sooner.
The institution's online learning environment helps students make professional connections and receive academic support. Completing field-specific experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects, can help graduates impress prospective employers. Institutional resources, such as job boards and the alumni network, can help enrollees locate job opportunities after graduation. Mock interviews help students prepare to secure positions in their field after graduation.
The institution's financial aid office is an excellent resource for applicants who need help exploring their funding options. The federal government supports enrollees with financial need through loans, grants, and work-study programs. Of the school's students, 98% qualify for some form of financial aid.
- In-State$7,038
- Out-of-state$16,960
- In-State$5,160
- Out-of-state$11,376
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled5,200
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Delaware?
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
How Much More Do College Grads in Delaware Make?
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.
| Less Than a High School Diploma | Associate Degree, Certification, or Non-Bachelor’s Postsecondary Education | Bachelor’s Degree or Higher |
|---|---|---|
| $26,350 | $44,960 | $88,510 |
Source: Delaware Department of Education
| Less Than a High School Diploma | High School Diploma | Associate Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: BLS
Paying for Online College in Delaware: Tuition and Financial Aid
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.
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $9,999 | $29,356 | $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $15,096 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Delaware
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.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Delaware
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.
Paying for College in Delaware: Scholarships and Financial Aid
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.
Scholarships for Delaware College Students
Grants for Delaware College Students
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Delaware
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.
Regional and National 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.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
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.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
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.
Online College and Adult Education in Delaware
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.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Delaware
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.
Adult Education Programs for Delaware Students
Online College Resources for Delaware Students
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.
