Most Affordable Colleges in Delaware 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN DELAWARE
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Delaware. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Most Affordable Colleges in Delaware 2024

Sort by:
  1. University of Delaware
  2. Delaware State University
  3. Wilmington University
  1. University of Delaware
  2. Delaware State University
  3. Wilmington 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
  3. Wilmington University 12 to 1
  1. University of Delaware $13,370
  2. Wilmington University $12,030
  3. Delaware State University $7,038
  1. University of Delaware $17,622
  2. Wilmington University $9,216
  3. Delaware State University $5,160
  1. Wilmington University
  2. Delaware State University
  3. University of Delaware
  1. Wilmington University
  2. Delaware State University
  3. University of Delaware
  1. Delaware State University 55%
  2. University of Delaware 74%
  1. Wilmington University 12 to 1
  2. University of Delaware 15 to 1
  3. Delaware State University 16 to 1
  1. Delaware State University $7,038
  2. Wilmington University $12,030
  3. University of Delaware $13,370
  1. Delaware State University $5,160
  2. Wilmington University $9,216
  3. 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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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

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There are 3 colleges and universities in Delaware with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Delaware is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Delaware 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  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 Best Public Colleges in Delaware 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
  3. #3

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Delaware 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $12,330
    Starting Salary: $46,600
    What is Wilmington University known for?

    Wilmington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wilmington University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Animation And 3d
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Digital Filmmaking
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Web Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Professional Aeronautics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • 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 Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Dynamics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting And Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer And Network Security
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Law, Policy, And Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Elementary Education K-6
    • Middle Level Education Grades 6-8
    • Skilled And Technical Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Journalism
    • Public Relations And Strategic Communication
    • Visual Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Behavioral Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Delaware’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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  1. Delaware State University
  2. Wilmington University
  3. University of Delaware
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