Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private nonprofit university in New Castle, DE ranked #1607 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, and enrolling about 7,906 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 61.2% first-year retention, and 19.8% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $15,644, about $1,354 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.7%, roughly 106.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,635. That's about $5,947 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Wilmington University has annual tuition of $12,630, average net price of $15,644, and a national rank of #1607 (Grade C+), with a 19.8% six-year graduation rate, about 7,906 undergraduates, and median earnings of $49,635 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Wilmington University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wilmington University graduates 19.8% of students within six years and keeps 61.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Wilmington University'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 | $12,630 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,644 |
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 26.1% of Wilmington University 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 $15,500 to $19,644 depending on family income. Use Wilmington University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,635
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,635
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,308
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 42.7%
- Employment Rate 85.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wilmington University 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.
Wilmington University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wilmington University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wilmington University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Wilmington University graduates earn $49,635 median, the -20.7% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,906
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 61.2%
- Graduation Rate 19.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Wilmington University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wilmington University 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 Not reported, Wilmington University is selective. 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.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wilmington University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Social Sciences, General, and Computer/Information Technology Administration and draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 26.4%
- Social Sciences, General 9.3%
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 8.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.2%
- Human Resources Management and Services 6.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.7%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 5.4%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 5.3%
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. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $98,225
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $94,212
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $78,495
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $67,939
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $63,650
- 6. Human Resources Management and Services $60,071
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $55,991
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $55,083
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $51,376
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $49,275
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $122,324
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $102,901
- 3. Bioethics/Medical Ethics (Master's Degree) $102,149
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $101,575
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $90,351
- 6. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $85,322
- 7. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $84,829
- 8. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $83,087
- 9. Geography and Cartography (Master's Degree) $80,562
- 10. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $77,862
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management grads earn $98,225—99% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($49,275). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $122,324 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wilmington University. 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree, 67 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 25 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 (6 programs)â–¼
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Legal Support Services
- Computer Programming
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Biotechnology
- Biology, General
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,906
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.4%
- Female Students 61.6%
- Caucasian 45.6%
- Asian 3.0%
- Hispanic 15.7%
- Black 24.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wilmington University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wilmington University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wilmington University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Wilmington University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Wilmington University has a diverse student body, with 45.6% identifying as White. Women make up 61.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wilmington University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Wilmington University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wilmington University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -20.7% ROI. Ranked #1607 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $15,644 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $49,635 median earnings. With 19.8% graduating within six years and 61.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Wilmington University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1607 ranking, Wilmington University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $15,644 annually, Wilmington University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 61.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $10,951 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -20.7% ROI and $49,635 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $5,644+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Wilmington University ranks #1607 of 6101 institutions, with 361 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 19.8% six-year graduation rate sits 42.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.2% first-year retention is 15.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.7% return on investment is 106.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,635 run about 14% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,644 is roughly $1,753 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.9% employment rate within three years sits 17.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 26.1% trails the national share by 13.0 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
Wilmington University is a private nonprofit university based in New Castle, DE and earns a C+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #1607 nationally Completion earns C-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 61.2% of first-year students return, and roughly 19.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -20.7% 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. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $15,644 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,644.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $4,000 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,308 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.1% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,635 at the median. That sits about 14% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 85.9%.
Plan around an ROI of about -20.7% 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
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
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 Wilmington University 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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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Wilmington University cost?
At Wilmington University, listed tuition and fees are $12,630 per year, and the average net price after aid is $15,644. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Wilmington University's ranking?
Wilmington University ranks #1607 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Wilmington University's graduation rate?
At Wilmington University, the six-year graduation rate is 19.8%, and first-year retention is 61.2%.
What are Wilmington University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Wilmington University report median earnings of $49,635 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Wilmington University's student population?
Wilmington University enrolls about 7,906 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address New Castle, DE 19720
- Website www.wilmu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$164.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.6%