Best Universities in Delaware

By | September 23, 2024

1. University of Delaware (UD)

Overview of University of Delaware

Location: Newark, Delaware
Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware (UD) is the largest and most prestigious university in the state. Known for its research in fields such as engineering, business, and environmental sciences, UD is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution. It is particularly renowned for its College of Engineering and its Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. The university offers a strong research environment and is highly regarded for its international study programs.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #89 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 24,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • Average SAT Score: 1180-1370

Extracurricular Activities

  • Blue Hen Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life
  • Study Abroad Programs
  • Engineering and Business Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Joe Biden – 46th President of the United States
  2. Chris Christie – Former Governor of New Jersey
  3. Elena Delle Donne – WNBA player, Olympic gold medalist
  4. Joe Flacco – NFL quarterback
  5. Valerie Biden Owens – Political strategist and campaign manager

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. DuPont
  2. JPMorgan Chase
  3. AstraZeneca
  4. Amazon
  5. Bank of America

2. Delaware State University (DSU)

Overview of Delaware State University

Location: Dover, Delaware
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University (DSU) is a public historically black university (HBCU). DSU is known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and offers strong programs in fields such as agriculture, nursing, business, and the sciences. DSU has a growing reputation for research, particularly in applied sciences and biotechnology.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #277 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 5,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Average SAT Score: 880-1050

Extracurricular Activities

  • Hornets Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Marching Band
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub

Famous Alumni

  1. Wayne Gilchrest – Former U.S. Congressman
  2. Terrance “Woodie” Dixon – NFL executive
  3. Stephen Smith – Attorney and former Chief Justice of Delaware
  4. Richard “Roc” Nation – Record executive
  5. Dr. Wilma Mishoe – First female president of DSU

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Perdue Farms
  2. Delaware Department of Education
  3. AstraZeneca
  4. JPMorgan Chase
  5. ChristianaCare

3. Wilmington University

Overview of Wilmington University

Location: New Castle, Delaware
Established in 1968, Wilmington University is a private, non-profit institution that offers a flexible education designed for working adults. It is known for its online programs and career-oriented degrees in fields such as business, education, technology, and health care. Wilmington University places a strong emphasis on accessibility, with the majority of students attending part-time while working.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Regional Universities North)
  • Number of Students: Approximately 20,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admissions)
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government
  • Cybersecurity Club
  • Business and Entrepreneurship Clubs
  • Esports Team
  • Community service organizations

Famous Alumni

  1. J.J. McCracken – Artist and educator
  2. Kevin L. Smith – Former Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  3. Deborah Hudson – Delaware state representative
  4. John Viola – Politician and businessman
  5. Derek Williams – Former NFL player

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. ChristianaCare
  2. Amazon
  3. Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
  4. JPMorgan Chase
  5. DuPont

4. Goldey-Beacom College

Overview of Goldey-Beacom College

Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Founded in 1886, Goldey-Beacom College is a private college that focuses on business, psychology, and information technology programs. Known for its affordable tuition and small class sizes, the college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with an emphasis on practical experience and professional development. Goldey-Beacom has strong ties to the local business community.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #133 Regional Universities North
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
  • Degrees Offered: Associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Average SAT Score: 960-1160

Extracurricular Activities

  • Lightning Athletics (NCAA Division II)
  • Business Club
  • Psychology Club
  • Leadership Development Programs
  • Student Government

Famous Alumni

  1. Kenny Holmes – NFL player
  2. John H. Taylor – Former CEO of MBNA
  3. David Singleton – CFO of Wilmington Trust
  4. Karen Pennington – Delaware state representative
  5. Ted Talucci – Vice President of DuPont

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. JPMorgan Chase
  2. PNC Bank
  3. Bank of America
  4. DuPont
  5. Capital One

5. Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD)

Overview of Delaware College of Art and Design

Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Founded in 1997 as a partnership between the Pratt Institute and the Corcoran College of Art and Design, DCAD offers two-year associate degree programs in visual arts disciplines. It is known for its intimate class sizes and hands-on education in disciplines like graphic design, animation, and fine arts. DCAD prepares students for transfer to four-year art programs or professional careers in creative industries.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Specialty Art Schools)
  • Number of Students: Approximately 200
  • Degrees Offered: Associate degrees in art and design
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Art Exhibitions
  • Photography Club
  • Fine Arts Club
  • Animation and Game Design Club
  • Volunteer Projects in the Arts

Famous Alumni

  1. Carlos Villa – Visual artist
  2. Sean Greenberg – Animator at Pixar
  3. Toni Morrison – Illustrator and graphic designer
  4. Lena Kohler – Fashion designer
  5. Mark Hadden – Art director and photographer

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Pixar
  2. Marvel Studios
  3. Hasbro
  4. Wilmington Arts Council
  5. Delaware Contemporary Art Museum

6. Widener University Delaware Law School

Overview of Widener University Delaware Law School

Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Founded in 1971, Delaware Law School is part of Widener University and is the only law school in the state. It is known for its programs in corporate law, health law, and environmental law. With a strong focus on experiential learning, the school provides students with opportunities to participate in legal clinics, externships, and pro bono work.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #147-192 Best Law Schools
  • Number of Students: Approximately 700
  • Degrees Offered: Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM)
  • Acceptance Rate: 58%
  • Average LSAT Score: 150

Extracurricular Activities

  • Delaware Law Review
  • Moot Court Honor Society
  • Environmental Law Society
  • Corporate Law Society
  • Legal Clinic and Externship Programs

Famous Alumni

  1. John Carney – Governor of Delaware
  2. Lisa Blunt Rochester – U.S. Congresswoman
  3. Thomas P. Gordon – Former New Castle County Executive
  4. Stephanie Bolden – Delaware state representative
  5. John Kowalko – Delaware state representative

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Delaware Department of Justice
  2. Richards, Layton & Finger
  3. Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP
  4. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  5. DuPont Legal Department

7. Strayer University – Delaware Campus

Overview of Strayer University – Delaware Campus

Location: Newark, Delaware
Strayer University, a private, for-profit institution, offers flexible degree programs for working adults. The Delaware campus, established in 1996, is part of a larger network of campuses across the U.S. Strayer is known for its online programs and career-oriented degrees in business, information technology, and criminal justice.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (For-Profit Institutions)
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,000 at the Delaware campus
  • Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admissions)
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government
  • Business Networking Groups
  • Information Technology Workshops
  • Virtual Clubs and Communities
  • Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni

  1. Robert L. Johnson – Founder of BET
  2. Jeff Bezos – CEO of Amazon (attended but did not graduate)
  3. Gina Raimondo – U.S. Secretary of Commerce
  4. Robert M. Hynes – Entrepreneur and author
  5. Terri A. Sewell – U.S. Congresswoman

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Amazon
  2. Verizon
  3. Strayer University
  4. Delaware State Government
  5. JPMorgan Chase

8. Wesley College (Now part of DSU)

Overview of Wesley College

Location: Dover, Delaware
Founded in 1873, Wesley College was a private liberal arts college until it merged with Delaware State University in 2021. Wesley was known for its programs in nursing, education, and business administration. Though no longer an independent institution, its legacy continues through DSU’s expanded academic offerings and focus on student success.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: N/A (Merged with DSU)
  • Number of Students: Formerly 1,200
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and graduate programs (now offered through DSU)
  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Average SAT Score: N/A

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government (carried over to DSU)
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs
  • Performing Arts Groups
  • Campus Ministry

Famous Alumni

  1. Tommy Boyd – Former NFL player
  2. Judy Johnson – Civil rights activist and author
  3. Brent Wilkes – College sports administrator
  4. Rashad Jennings – Former NFL running back
  5. Dr. Vernell Allen – Educator and community leader

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. ChristianaCare
  2. Wesley College (prior to merger)
  3. AstraZeneca
  4. Delaware State University
  5. Bayhealth

9. Harris School of Business – Dover Campus

Overview of Harris School of Business

Location: Dover, Delaware
Founded in 1965, the Harris School of Business is a private vocational school that specializes in healthcare, business administration, and computer technology programs. The Dover campus focuses on providing career-focused education in medical assisting, dental assisting, and office management, among other areas.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Vocational Schools)
  • Number of Students: Approximately 500
  • Degrees Offered: Certificate programs in healthcare, business, and technology
  • Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admissions)
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Medical Assisting Club
  • Dental Assisting Club
  • Career Development Workshops
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Student Leadership Council

Famous Alumni

  1. Danielle Martin – Medical office manager
  2. Jared Simmons – IT technician
  3. Carla Diaz – Dental hygienist
  4. Leslie Freeman – Business administrator
  5. Joshua Pearson – Health care administrator

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Bayhealth Medical Center
  2. ChristianaCare
  3. Aspen Dental
  4. Wilmington Hospital
  5. Delaware State Hospital

10. Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech)

Overview of Delaware Technical Community College

Location: Multiple campuses across Delaware (Dover, Wilmington, Georgetown, and Stanton)
Established in 1967, Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech) is the state’s largest community college. It offers a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, with a focus on career preparation in fields such as health care, business, information technology, and education.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Community Colleges)
  • Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
  • Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates
  • Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admissions)
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • Student Government
  • Nursing and Allied Health Clubs
  • Veterans’ Club
  • SkillsUSA

Famous Alumni

  1. Billie Stephens – State representative
  2. Darryl Scott – Former mayor of Dover
  3. Yolanda Jackson – Nursing leader
  4. Sam Holland – IT consultant
  5. Timothy Sheldon – Business leader

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. ChristianaCare
  2. Bayhealth
  3. Delaware Department of Education
  4. Amazon
  5. PNC Bank