Best Online Colleges in Delaware

The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in Delaware. Start planning your future at BestColleges.
Jennifer Lee
By
Updated October 4, 2024
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While there are only ten four-year colleges in Delaware—only three of which offer online programs—the state has authorized certain out-of-state colleges to grant degrees to Delaware residents. Due to sagging enrollment rates among college-age residents, the state recently launched the Getting to Zero initiative. The program encourages students to apply to post-secondary schools, and aspires to reduce the number of high school graduates who don’t apply to college to zero.

Top Online Colleges in Delaware

  1. Wilmington University – New Castle, DE
  2. Delaware State University – Dover, DE
  3. University of Delaware – Newark, DE

Delaware has also added online and distance learning opportunities into its overall educational system. Three of Delaware’s top colleges—the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Widener University—have recently introduced online degree programs. Additionally, in 1999 the Delaware Center for Distance Adult Learning was formed to help residents obtain their high school diploma or GED online.

Online colleges in Delaware have provided vital resources to residents who are interested in college, but discouraged by rising public tuitions. Between 2006 and 2011, in-state tuition rose by 41.8 percent while state appropriations fell alongside at a rate of 8.6%. Taken together, these factors have spurred interest in online education, where costs are generally lower.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Colleges in Delaware

#1

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE4 yearCampus + Online

$11,970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,216

Retention Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

14,020

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,970

New Castle, DE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,970

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

88%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,216

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,216

Retention Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

14,020

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Delaware State University

Dover, DE4 yearCampus + Online

$7,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,960

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

55%

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,376

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

5,826

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,960

Dover, DE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,960

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

77%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,376

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

5,826

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

University of Delaware

Newark, DE4 yearCampus + Online

$14,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,680

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

23,568

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,680

Newark, DE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,040

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,680

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

23,568

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Click here to see the best campus colleges in Delaware.

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