Top 10 Universities in Delaware

1. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware (UD), located in Newark, is a public research university with a rich history dating back to 1743. UD offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, research, and innovation, UD provides students with opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, and students benefit from close interactions with renowned faculty members and access to internship and research opportunities.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 97th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 24,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as engineering, business, education, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 66%.

Average SAT Score:

1230-1410 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government Association
2. Greek Life
3. Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Joe Biden – 46th President of the United States
2. Chris Christie – Former Governor of New Jersey
3. Ryan Phillippe – Actor
4. Valarie Thomas – NASA scientist and inventor
5. Elena Delle Donne – WNBA player

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
2. Amazon
3. DuPont
4. Bank of America
5. Accenture

2. Delaware State University

Delaware State University (DSU) is a public historically black university located in Dover. Established in 1891, DSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on academic excellence, research, and community engagement. With a student-centered approach to education, DSU provides students with opportunities for leadership development, career preparation, and civic responsibility. The university promotes diversity, inclusivity, and social justice, preparing graduates to address the challenges of a global society.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 23rd in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 5,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as education, social work, business, natural sciences, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 48%.

Average SAT Score:

970-1080 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Student Government Association
7. Greek Life
8. Community Service Organizations

Famous Alumni:

4. Dave Bing – Former Mayor of Detroit and NBA player
5. Sarah McBride – First openly transgender state senator in U.S. history
6. Clifford Brown – Jazz musician
7. Kermit Washington – Former NBA player
8. Anquan Boldin – NFL player and philanthropist

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

6. State of Delaware
7. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
8. Bank of America
9. Amazon
10. Capital One

3. Wilmington University

Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private non-profit university located in New Castle. Founded in 1968, WilmU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the needs of working adults. With flexible scheduling, online courses, and affordable tuition, WilmU provides accessible education opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers or pursue lifelong learning. The university emphasizes practical skills, professional development, and experiential learning, preparing graduates for success in the workforce.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 142nd in Regional Universities North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 20,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, education, nursing, technology, and criminal justice.

Acceptance Rate:

Open admission policy.

Average SAT Score:

Not applicable (Wilmington University does not require SAT scores for admission).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Professional Development Workshops
7. Career Fairs and Networking Events
8. Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

4. Dave Tiberi – Former professional boxer
5. Larry Mendte – News anchor and commentator
6. Joe Masiello – CEO of Navient
7. Kim Zolciak-Biermann – Reality television personality
8. Eugene Young – Former candidate for Mayor of Wilmington

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

6. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
7. Bank of America
8. ChristianaCare
9. Capital One
10. DuPont

4. Goldey-Beacom College

Goldey-Beacom College is a private college located in Pike Creek Valley. Established in 1886, Goldey-Beacom offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on business administration, economics, and related fields. With small class sizes and a personalized approach to education, Goldey-Beacom provides students with opportunities for academic success, career advancement, and professional development.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 100th in Regional Universities North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as business administration, finance, marketing, and management information systems.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 51%.

Average SAT Score:

980-1150 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Business Clubs and Organizations
7. Internship Opportunities
8. Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

4. Jim West – Former Mayor of Spokane, Washington
5. Doreen Gentzler – News anchor
6. Kermit Washington – Former NBA player
7. Tom Carper – U.S. Senator from Delaware
8. David Tiberi – Former professional boxer

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

6. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
7. Bank of America
8. Capital One
9. ChristianaCare
10. DuPont

5. Wesley College

Wesley College is a private liberal arts college located in Dover. Founded in 1873, Wesley College offers undergraduate programs in various fields, including education, nursing, business administration, and the sciences. With a commitment to academic excellence, community service, and leadership development, Wesley College provides students with a well-rounded education and prepares them for success in their chosen careers and beyond.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 57th in Regional Colleges North (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as education, nursing, biology, business administration, and environmental science.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 79%.

Average SAT Score:

990-1110 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Campus Ministry Programs
7. Service Learning Projects
8. Athletic Teams

Famous Alumni:

4. Valerie Bertinelli – Actress
5. Mike Castle – Former U.S. Congressman from Delaware
6. Alex Pires – Attorney and entrepreneur
7. Mike Castle – Former Governor of Delaware
8. Dave Tiberi – Former professional boxer

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

6. State of Delaware
7. Dover Air Force Base
8. Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment
9. Bayhealth Medical Center
10. Capital One

6. Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD)

Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) is a private art and design college located in Wilmington. Established in 1997, DCAD offers associate degrees in fine arts, animation, graphic design, and interior design. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning, DCAD provides students with a dynamic and supportive environment where they can explore their artistic talents and develop the skills needed for success in the creative industries.

U.S. News Ranking:

DCAD is not ranked by U.S. News.

Number of Students:

Approximately 200 students.

Degrees Offered:

Associate degrees in fine arts, animation, graphic design, and interior design.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 65%.

Average SAT Score:

Not applicable (DCAD does not require SAT scores for admission).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Art Exhibitions and Galleries
7. Student Art Clubs and Organizations
8. Community Arts Projects

Famous Alumni:

4. N/A

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

6. N/A

7. Widener University Delaware Law School

Widener University Delaware Law School, located in Wilmington, is a private law school affiliated with Widener University. Established in 1971, Delaware Law School offers Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs with a focus on preparing students for successful legal careers. With a rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and opportunities for practical experience, Delaware Law School provides students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to excel in the legal profession.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 147th in Best Law Schools (2023).

Number of Students:

Approximately 600 students.

Degrees Offered:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 67%.

Average LSAT Score:

150-156 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Legal Clinics and Externships
7. Moot Court Competitions
8. Student Bar Association Activities

Famous Alumni:

4. Joe Biden – 46th President of the United States
5. Thomas Carper – U.S. Senator from Delaware
6. Jack Markell – Former Governor of Delaware
7. Thomas MacArthur – Former U.S. Congressman from New Jersey
8. John Carney – Governor of Delaware

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

4. Law Firms in Delaware
5. Delaware State Government
6. Corporate Legal Departments
7. Federal Government Agencies
8. Public Interest Organizations

8. Delaware State University – College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST)

The College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) at Delaware State University (DSU) is dedicated to providing high-quality education and research opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, and related fields. Established in 1891, CAST offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in agriculture, environmental science, food science, and more. With state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on learning experiences, CAST equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges in agriculture and sustainability.

U.S. News Ranking:

CAST at DSU is not ranked separately by U.S. News.

Number of Students:

Varies by program; approximately 300 students in total.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture, environmental science, food science, and related fields.

Acceptance Rate:

Varies by program.

Average SAT Score:

Not applicable (SAT scores may not be required for admission to some programs).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Agricultural Clubs and Organizations
7. Research Opportunities
8. Community Outreach Programs

Famous Alumni:

4. N/A

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

4. Agricultural and Environmental Companies
5. Government Agencies (e.g., USDA, EPA)
6. Food and Beverage Companies
7. Research Institutions
8. Nonprofit Organizations

9. Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC)

Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) is a public community college system with campuses across Delaware. Founded in 1967, DTCC offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, engineering, business, and information technology. With affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities, DTCC provides students with accessible pathways to higher education and career success.

U.S. News Ranking:

DTCC is not ranked by U.S. News.

Number of Students:

Approximately 13,000 credit students and 28,000 non-credit students.

Degrees Offered:

Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, business, and information technology.

Acceptance Rate:

Open admission policy.

Average SAT Score:

Not applicable (SAT scores may not be required for admission).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Student Clubs and Organizations
7. Career Development Workshops
8. Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

4. N/A

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

4. Healthcare Facilities
5. Technology Companies
6. Manufacturing Companies
7. Government Agencies
8. Educational Institutions

10. Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD)

Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) is a private art and design college located in Wilmington. Established in 1997, DCAD offers associate degrees in fine arts, animation, graphic design, and interior design. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning, DCAD provides students with a dynamic and supportive environment where they can explore their artistic talents and develop the skills needed for success in the creative industries.

U.S. News Ranking:

DCAD is not ranked by U.S. News.

Number of Students:

Approximately 200 students.

Degrees Offered:

Associate degrees in fine arts, animation, graphic design, and interior design.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 65%.

Average SAT Score:

Not applicable (DCAD does not require SAT scores for admission).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

6. Art Exhibitions and Galleries
7. Student Art Clubs and Organizations
8. Community Arts Projects