University of Delaware
University of Delaware is a public university in Newark, DE ranked #120 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 18,812 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 65.1%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer and Information Sciences.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 90.1% first-year retention, and 78.8% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $16,931, about $67 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -1310.9%, roughly 1396.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $58,846. That's about $15,158 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Delaware Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Delaware graduates 78.8% of students within six years and keeps 90.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Delaware's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,080 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,838 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,347 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.7% of University of Delaware students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,354 to $25,310 depending on family income. Use University of Delaware's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,508/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,310/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $58,846
- 10-Year Median Earnings $58,846
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.0%
- Employment Rate 82.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Delaware graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Delaware vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Delaware's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Delaware's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Delaware graduates earn $58,846 median, the -13.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 610-680
- SAT Math 590-680
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 18,812
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 90.1%
- Graduation Rate 78.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of Delaware
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Delaware requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 65.1%, University of Delaware is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 65.1% acceptance rate, University of Delaware is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200 and 1360 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Delaware undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Marketing, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 6.1%
- Marketing 4.8%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.3%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.1%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 4.0%
- Biology, General 3.7%
See more majors
- Economics 3.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $115,483
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $111,532
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $107,566
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $106,304
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services $99,240
- 6. Marketing $97,490
- 7. Chemical Engineering $94,396
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $93,619
- 9. Mathematics $92,170
- 10. Mechanical Engineering $91,595
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $123,993
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $123,409
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $115,726
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $115,146
- 5. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $103,167
- 6. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $95,648
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $88,095
- 8. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $86,905
- 9. Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $69,250
- 10. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $67,619
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $115,483—26% more than Mechanical Engineering ($91,595). Graduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs lead with $123,993 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Delaware. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 289 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 250 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 229 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 201 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 187 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (91 programs)▼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Human Services, General
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Apparel and Textiles
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Cognitive Science
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Agriculture, General
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- International Business
- Computer Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Music
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Animal Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Plant Sciences
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Nutrition Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Biotechnology
- Landscape Architecture
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Materials Sciences
- International/Global Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Construction Engineering
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
Online Master's Degrees (81 programs)▼
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Statistics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biology, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Health
- Music
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Materials Sciences
- Design and Applied Arts
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Plant Sciences
- Mathematics
- History
- Area Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
- Homeland Security
- Geography and Cartography
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Physics
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Education, General
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Food Science and Technology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Computational Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Ocean Engineering
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Operations Research
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Biochemical Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (50 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Economics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Materials Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Physics
- Education, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Plant Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- History
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Geography and Cartography
- Criminology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Animal Sciences
- Public Administration
- Ocean Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Homeland Security
- Engineering, Other
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Behavioral Sciences
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 18,812
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 40.1%
- Female Students 59.9%
- Caucasian 67.4%
- Asian 5.5%
- Hispanic 9.9%
- Black 6.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Delaware's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Delaware's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Delaware support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Delaware, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Delaware support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Delaware, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Delaware serves as an affordable institution for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #120 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,931 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $58,846 median earnings. The 78.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a institution. While 90.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
Institution Value: University of Delaware's Strengths
Ranked #120 with a A- grade, University of Delaware prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Institutions like University of Delaware excel at providing affordable education ($16,931 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Delaware's 90.1% retention and 78.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical institution performance. Career outcomes ($58,846 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Delaware and $16,931 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 78.8% six-year graduation rate sits 16.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.1% first-year retention is 13.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -13.1% return on investment is 98.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,846 run about 35% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,931 is roughly $3,202 lower than the national median of $20,133.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.2% employment rate within three years sits 14.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 15.7% trails the national share by 23.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Delaware, a public university in Newark, DE, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #120 nationally Category results include Completion (B+), Support (A), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (D+).
About 90.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 78.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -13.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,931 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,347.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,416 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $58,846 six years after entry. That sits about 35% above the national median.
Roughly 82.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -13.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
65.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Delaware admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Newark, DE 19716
- Website www.udel.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$1.78B