Best Public Colleges in Delaware 2024

Badge for BEST IN DELAWARE PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Delaware provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in Delaware

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  1. University of Delaware
  2. Delaware State University
  1. University of Delaware
  2. Delaware State University
  1. University of Delaware 74%
  2. Delaware State University 55%
  1. Delaware State University 16 to 1
  2. University of Delaware 15 to 1
  1. University of Delaware $13,370
  2. Delaware State University $7,038
  1. University of Delaware $17,622
  2. Delaware State University $5,160
  1. Delaware State University
  2. University of Delaware
  1. Delaware State University
  2. University of Delaware
  1. Delaware State University 55%
  2. University of Delaware 74%
  1. University of Delaware 15 to 1
  2. Delaware State University 16 to 1
  1. Delaware State University $7,038
  2. University of Delaware $13,370
  1. Delaware State University $5,160
  2. University of Delaware $17,622

Colleges and Universities in Delaware

Delaware is home to six higher learning institutions offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for both traditional and online students. Despite its small size, there are plenty of excellent options among the brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Delaware.

With two public schools and four private schools, Delaware excels in awarding degrees in fields such as mathematics, political science, criminal justice, and publishing. Prospective students can also choose from between affordable traditional courses and online degree programs at either the Delaware State University or the University of Delaware.

In-state students will pay roughly $8,000 for a year at Delaware State University and about $14,000 for tuition at the University of Delaware. Out of state students will pay more.

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The student body size of these schools is, however, vastly different. Just a little over 4,000 students attend Delaware State University. By contrast, more than 22,000 on-campus and online students are currently taking courses at the University of Delaware.

Among private colleges in Delaware, Wilmington University has the highest student population among private colleges at just under 10,000 students. Wilmington University is also the most affordable private college in Delaware at $11,000.

Students who attend Delaware College of Art and Design can specialize their associate degree in animation, fine arts, graphic design, illustration, or photography. Residents who earn degrees in the medical or mental health fields have the opportunity to get state-sponsored financial aid through Delaware’s State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Applicants must agree to work in underserved areas of Delaware for two or three years and can receive up to $105,000.

Though it is the second smallest state in the nation, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, earning it the nickname, The First State. With the Delaware River running through it, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and forests throughout, Delaware college students will find beauty everywhere.

Just above the nation’s average annual college tuition cost at $12,274, Delaware provides prospective students with an array of highly respected traditional and online degree programs. Discover more about Delaware’s colleges and universities.


What are Delaware’s Colleges & Universities?

Delaware’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Delaware's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 2 public universities in Delaware. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Delaware, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Delaware 2023

  1. #1

    University of Delaware

    Newark , DE
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Delaware

    Cost of Degree: $16,080
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $64,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Delaware known for?

    University of Delaware’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Delaware’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Delaware State University

    Dover , DE
    #12 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #1 Best Small Colleges in Delaware 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    945/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Delaware State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,314
    Expenses: $19,922
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Delaware State University known for?

    Delaware State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Delaware State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Delaware’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Delaware
  2. Delaware State University

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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