10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in Delaware

Delaware may be small, but it offers significant opportunities for affordable higher education. The state’s compact size and strategic location along the Northeast corridor provide students with access to excellent colleges and universities that combine high-quality academics with reasonable costs. Whether you choose a public institution, community college, or specialized private school, Delaware makes higher education accessible through its generous state aid programs and scholarship initiatives.

Programs like the SEED Scholarship, which covers tuition for community college students, and the Inspire Scholarship, which supports students at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, make it possible to earn a degree without incurring overwhelming debt. Combined with the state’s low living costs and no sales tax, these benefits make Delaware one of the most affordable study destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Delaware’s location is another major advantage. You’re close to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., giving you easy access to internships, networking events, and full-time job opportunities after graduation. Yet you still enjoy a quieter, more affordable student lifestyle compared to those major metro areas. Delaware’s economy is also strong and diverse, with major employers in finance, healthcare, chemical manufacturing, and corporate law offering a steady demand for graduates in high-paying fields.

Key Takeaways

• Delaware offers competitive tuition rates across public, private, and community colleges
• The SEED and Inspire Scholarships make college tuition-free or heavily reduced for qualifying residents
• The state’s no sales tax and lower living costs reduce total educational expenses
• Proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. opens up strong internship and job opportunities
• Delaware’s strong industries in finance, healthcare, and biotechnology create solid post-graduation prospects

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Delaware

Delaware’s higher education system may be small, but it’s built for access and value. The state’s community colleges, private institutions, and public universities provide affordable options for every type of student, whether you’re starting a career in healthcare, studying business in the corporate hub of Wilmington, or pursuing a law or art degree.

Below are the ten cheapest and most affordable colleges in Delaware, ranked by average in-state tuition from lowest to higher.

Delaware Technical Community College – Stanton/Wilmington

Serving New Castle County, the Stanton/Wilmington campus offers transfer degrees and career programs close to major employers in Wilmington. It’s a practical starting point if you want low costs, small classes, and clear pathways into healthcare, business, and tech.

Main Courses

Healthcare Technology and Nursing with Clinical Partnerships. Engineering technology and IT with hands-on labs. Liberal arts transfer that moves smoothly into UD or DSU.

Pros

• SEED Scholarship can make tuition free for eligible residents
• Strong transfer and employer connections in Wilmington
• Flexible scheduling and modern labs

Cons

• Two-year focus
• Mostly commuter experience
• Limited on-campus housing and athletics

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $5,445 in tuition and standard fees for a typical full-time year.

Delaware Technical Community College – Terry (Dover)

The Terry Campus combines affordability with strong tech and transfer options in the center of the state. Many students complete an associate degree here, then move on to a four-year program with junior standing.

Main Courses

Healthcare technology, business administration, engineering technology, culinary arts, and liberal arts transfer.

Pros

• SEED can cover tuition for qualifying graduates
• Career-focused programs with solid local placement
• Clear transfer pathways to UD and DSU

Cons

• Two-year scope
• Primarily commuter campus
• Fewer traditional campus-life amenities

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $5,445 in tuition and standard fees for a typical full-time year.

Wilmington University

WilmU is a flexible private university popular with transfer and working students. You can study online or on campus, with evening and weekend options across multiple Delaware locations.

Main Courses

Business, education, health professions, criminal justice, information systems, and many online programs.

Pros

• Transfer-friendly and schedule-friendly
• Wide program selection for a private school
• Competitive per-credit pricing

Cons

• Commuter vibe over residential life
• Limited research activity
• Campus experience varies by location

Average Annual In-State Tuition

Roughly $12,870 based on $429 per credit for 30 credits; Dover and Georgetown per-credit rates are lower.

Goldey-Beacom College

GBC, a private business-focused college in Wilmington with small classes and strong employer ties, especially in accounting, finance, and analytics.

Main Courses

Business administration, accounting, finance, management, information technology, plus MBA and analytics graduate tracks.

Pros

• Career-ready business curriculum
• Close faculty attention
• Corporate connections in the Wilmington market

Cons

• Narrower program mix beyond business
• Limited campus housing and activities
• Higher price than public options

Average Annual Tuition

About $17,010 for 30 undergraduate credits.

Strayer University – Delaware

Designed for working adults, Strayer offers online and on-campus options with frequent start dates and evening classes.

Main Courses

Business administration, information systems, accounting, criminal justice, and health services administration; MBA and MPA for advancement.

Pros

• Flexible formats and pacing
• Programs suited to career changers and adult learners
• Rolling admissions

Cons

• For-profit institution
• Limited campus community
• Higher annual cost than publics

Average Annual Tuition

Typical full-time undergrad load comes to about $18,300 at $1,525 per course.

Delaware Technical Community College – Georgetown (Owens Campus)

Serving southern Delaware’s rural and coastal communities, the Owens Campus offers affordable transfer degrees and career programs tied to agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. It is a smart choice if you want low costs, small classes, and pathways into UD or DSU.

Main Courses

Healthcare technology, nursing, and EMS with clinical partners. Agriculture and culinary with strong local ties. Liberal arts transfer mapped to four-year programs.

Pros

• SEED Scholarship can make tuition free for eligible residents
• Affordable, career-ready programs with modern labs
• Strong transfer routes and employer connections

Cons

• Two-year focus and commuter experience
• Limited on-campus housing or athletics
• Fewer specialized programs than a university

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $5,445 in tuition and standard fees for a typical full-time year.

Delaware State University

DSU in Dover is Delaware’s public HBCU with broad offerings in business, agriculture, health, and STEM. You get a residential campus, Division I spirit, and growing research and internship options across the region.

Main Courses

Agriculture and natural resources, business, nursing and health, plus liberal arts and STEM with expanding labs and partnerships.

Pros

• Rich HBCU heritage and supportive campus community
• Competitive in-state pricing for a university
• Internships and research tied to the Mid-Atlantic job market

Cons

• Popular programs can be competitive
• Smaller national profile than major flagships
• Some facilities vary by program

Average Annual In-State Tuition

Tuition $9,594 plus about $1,620 in mandatory fees, or roughly $11,214 per year.

University of Delaware

UD in Newark is the flagship public research university with strong programs in engineering, business, chemical engineering, and the arts and sciences. You get a classic campus, robust research, and access to Philadelphia and Wilmington employers.

Main Courses

Engineering and business with differential resources, health and nursing, environmental sciences, and a wide liberal arts portfolio with internships and study abroad.

Pros

• Strong academics and research opportunities
• Beautiful campus and active student life
• Excellent proximity to major employers

Cons

• Most selective public option in the state
• Highest public tuition on this list
• Larger class sizes in some intro courses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

Tuition is $14,600 for 2024–25; typical mandatory fees total about $2,200, for roughly $16,800 tuition and fees.

Widener University Delaware Law School

Located in Wilmington, Delaware Law is the state’s law school, connecting students to courts, firms, and corporate law in America’s incorporation capital. It is a graduate-only program focused on professional legal education.

Main Courses

Juris Doctor, Master of Jurisprudence, and dual-degree options with extensive clinics, externships, and moot court.

Pros

• Direct access to Delaware’s corporate and legal ecosystem
• Strong experiential learning through clinics and externships
• Network across regional courts and firms

Cons

• Graduate-level only, very narrow academic focus
• Significantly higher cost than undergraduate options
• Limited traditional campus life

Average Annual Tuition

Billed at $1,950 per credit in 2025–26; a full-time JD year of 30–31 credits is about $58,500–$60,450 in tuition before fees.

Dawn Career Institute (Newark)

A private career school focused on fast, hands-on training for allied health and skilled trades. It’s designed for quick entry into the workforce, with day and evening schedules that fit around work and family.

Main Courses

Medical assisting, dental assisting, nursing assistant, practical nursing, phlebotomy, and pharmacy technician, plus HVAC technician training. Programs emphasize labs, simulations, and externships with local employers.

Pros

• Short program lengths and frequent start dates
• Strong employer ties around New Castle County
• Flexible schedules for working adults

Cons

• Certificates and diplomas rather than traditional degrees
• Limited general-education or transfer pathways
• Campus experience is commuter-only

Average Tuition

Program-based pricing varies by credential and length; it is not billed like a four-year college.

Tuition and mandatory fee amounts change regularly and can vary by program, course load, credit amount, and delivery format. The figures listed here reflect the latest numbers available and are intended for comparison only. Before applying, always confirm the current annual in-state tuition and required fees on the university’s official website.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Affordable Delaware Colleges

Getting the best value in Delaware starts with a complete, on-time application and the right paperwork for in-state aid. Use the checklist below to keep things simple and to maximize eligibility for programs like SEED, Inspire, and institutional scholarships.

Complete Application Form Submission

Most Delaware colleges use their own online portals, and some accept the Common App. Plan time for your personal info, short essays or statements, and any program supplements. List activities, work history, and volunteer experience clearly, since many scholarships consider more than grades.

Official High School Transcripts

Ask your high school to send transcripts directly to each college. Aim to meet minimum GPA guidelines for your target major, and check for course prerequisites in areas like math, lab sciences, or world languages if you’re applying to selective programs.

Delaware Residency Status Verification

If you’re seeking in-state rates or state scholarships, be ready to verify residency. Documents commonly include a Delaware driver’s license or ID, voter registration, a lease or utility bill, and state tax filings. Keep copies organized so you can respond quickly to any requests from financial aid offices.

SAT or ACT Scores

Many Delaware colleges are test-optional; however, strong scores can still be beneficial for merit awards or admission to competitive majors. If your scores reflect your ability, submit them; if not, lean on grades, course rigor, recommendations, and your essay. Always check each program’s current policy.

FAFSA Financial Aid Application

Complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens and meet each school’s priority deadline. This is how you access federal grants and work-study, and it helps determine eligibility for state aid like SEED and Inspire, along with need-based institutional scholarships. Keep tax documents, W-2s, and household info handy to avoid delays.

How Do Delaware College Costs Compare to National Averages

Delaware generally lands near the national average for public university tuition and remains competitive within the Northeast corridor. Community college costs are often lower than nearby states once you factor in the SEED Scholarship, and the overall cost of attendance can be reasonable thanks to the state’s lack of sales tax and access to local internships that help you earn while you study.

Compared with major metro areas, Delaware’s housing and day-to-day expenses are typically lower, which helps keep total costs in check. Add in transfer pathways from Delaware Tech to four-year universities and a healthy menu of merit and need-based aid, and your net price can come down significantly. When you build your shortlist, use each school’s net price calculator to compare real, after-aid costs rather than sticker prices.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Affordable Delaware Colleges

International students usually pay out-of-state tuition at public institutions and the standard published rate at private schools. Delaware’s totals are competitive for the Mid-Atlantic, especially when you consider lower living costs than nearby cities and strong internship access in finance, healthcare, biotech, and corporate services.

Beyond tuition, plan for required health insurance, SEVIS and visa fees, and standard living expenses. Many Delaware colleges offer merit awards open to international applicants, and some provide on-campus jobs or graduate assistantships. If you share a shortlist, you can compare line-by-line budgets for tuition, mandatory fees, housing, insurance, and anticipated scholarship ranges to see which Delaware option delivers the best overall value.

How Does University of the People Compare with the Most Affordable Colleges in Delaware

University of the People (UoPeople) offers a tuition-free, fully online model that makes earning a degree far more affordable than any traditional option in Delaware. You only pay small assessment fees of $160 per undergraduate course and a one-time $60 application fee, bringing the total cost of a full bachelor’s degree to under $6,500. By comparison, Delaware’s most affordable public colleges, such as Delaware Technical Community College, charge around $5,400 per year in tuition and fees, meaning a four-year degree could easily exceed $20,000 before books or living expenses.

For students who prioritize affordability, flexibility, and global access, UoPeople provides exceptional long-term value. You can study entirely online, balance coursework around your schedule, and earn an accredited American degree without taking on student debt.

Delaware’s colleges, meanwhile, offer traditional advantages such as campus learning, lab access, and direct pathways into local industries, including healthcare, business, and finance. But if your goal is to complete a high-quality degree at a fraction of the cost and with maximum flexibility, UoPeople clearly stands out as the more affordable and accessible option for today’s students.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

Delaware proves that quality higher education doesn’t have to come at a high price. Whether you’re starting your academic journey at a community college through the SEED Scholarship, earning a professional degree at Wilmington University, or pursuing a public university education at DSU or UD, you have access to excellent programs within a few hours of major job markets.

Start by comparing net costs across your top choices and exploring programs that align with your goals in Delaware’s key growth sectors, such as healthcare, business, and technology. Submit your FAFSA early, research SEED and Inspire eligibility, and talk with admissions counselors about transfer or dual-enrollment pathways. By planning ahead, you can take full advantage of Delaware’s affordability, tax-friendly living, and close connections to career opportunities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

FAQs

What are the cheapest colleges in Delaware for students?

Delaware Technical Community College’s campuses are the most affordable, with in-state tuition around $5,400 per year, and many students qualify for free tuition through the SEED Scholarship.

Which Delaware colleges offer the lowest tuition and fees?

Delaware Tech tops the list, followed by Wilmington University, which offers private, low-cost programs and flexible online learning options.

Are there tuition-free college options available in Delaware?

Yes. The SEED Scholarship can cover full tuition at Delaware Technical Community College for qualifying high school graduates, and the Inspire Scholarship offers partial tuition coverage at Delaware State University.

Which Delaware colleges offer the most affordable degree programs?

Community and public options, such as Delaware Tech and DSU, offer the best combination of low cost and strong degree pathways, particularly in fields like nursing, business, and engineering technology.

Which Delaware colleges have the lowest student debt rates?

Graduates from Delaware Tech and Wilmington University generally report lower student debt, thanks to affordable tuition and flexible payment structures.

How do transfer credits impact Delaware college education costs?

Transferring credits from Delaware Technical Community College or other accredited institutions to DSU or UD can significantly lower costs by reducing the time to degree completion and avoiding repeated coursework.