Attending College in Delaware: What You Need to Know (Including Delaware Scholarships)

Updated on May 20th, 2024

Attending college in Delaware is a dream for many college-bound students. But it also means they have a big decision ahead. Delaware is home to many fantastic schools. Each one brings something unique to the table, making it hard to figure out which of the top colleges in Delaware is the best fit.

Plus, figuring out how to pay to attend one of the best universities in Delaware also takes some thought. A strong plan becomes a necessity, ensuring that your student can live comfortably while at school.

If you’re student plans on attending college in Delaware, scholarships can make their education affordable. If you and your student want to learn about Delaware scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

Luckily, by gathering up the right information, your student will have an easier time. If attending college in Delaware is your student’s goal, here is what you need to know.

Contents

1 About Delaware
2 Colleges and Universities in Delaware
- 2.1 College Towns in Delaware
- 2.2 Major Delaware Colleges and Universities
3 Delaware Financial Aid
- 3.1 Delaware College Grants
- 3.2 Delaware Scholarships
4 Living and Getting Around in Delaware
5 Making Money in Delaware

About Delaware

Delaware isn’t just a state; it became the first state when it ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. While that gives Delaware a unique position, many other aspects of the state’s history are intriguing, too. Plus, the state is known for breathtaking landscapes, spectacular waterways, and a lovely culture.

When it comes to the climate in Delaware, it’s mainly considered subtropical. Humidity tends to be a bit higher. Couple that with higher summer temperatures, particularly in the coastal areas, and many are surprised by how warm Delaware can get.

While temperatures near 90°F aren’t uncommon during the summer months, during the winter, some areas can dip below 0°F, especially in the northern parts of the state. Snowfall is also common, usually totaling in the 14 to 18-inch range.

Colleges and Universities in Delaware

Delaware is much smaller than many other states. As a result, there are only 19 Delaware colleges and universities. If your student wants to attend community college in Delaware, there are nine available. The remaining ten institutions focus on four-year degrees.

Overall, the lower number of schools means that students who want to focus their college search on Delaware could potentially explore every one of the Delaware universities and colleges. However, that doesn’t mean students shouldn’t be methodical about how they manage that search. If your student wants to use a strategic approach, here are some tips that can help.

College Towns in Delaware

While some may consider any city that has a university or community college within its borders to be a college town, that isn’t the only defining characteristic. Instead, college towns usually have a youthful energy, as well as many amenities geared toward college-age adults.

By focusing on college towns, students may have an easier time finding colleges in Delaware that are in their ideal location. That way, they can have an exceptional academic experience along with everything else they need to thrive.

Here is a list of Delaware college towns:

Dover
Newark
New Castle
Wilmington

Every one of those cities has a lot to offer college students. By seeing which one best meets your student’s needs, they can choose a location that supports their ideal lifestyle. Then, they can research schools in that area, ensuring they can easily get the perfect college experience overall.

Major Delaware Colleges and Universities

Another option that students can use to pick the best colleges in Delaware for them is to start with major Delaware colleges and universities. By concentrating on schools with exceptional reputations, they may have an easier time choosing the right institution to submit their Common App or application to, allowing them to expedite the entire process.

Here is a list of some of the top colleges in Delaware:

Each of the schools above brings something unique to the table. One is actually a community college, making it a wise place for students to start if they are interested in two-year degrees or similar programs. Another is a specialty branch of a larger Pennsylvania university.

One interesting point about the schools above is that two of them are actually combined. Wesley College in Delaware was acquired by Delaware State University (DSU). The Wesley campus is transitioning, becoming the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences under DSU.

It’s also important to note that students looking for medical schools in Delaware may be surprised by what they find. While there are ample pre-med programs available, there aren’t any state medical schools. However, there are combined efforts between Delaware and Pennsylvania, creating pathways for Delaware residents interested in attending medical school.

Delaware Financial Aid

Very few college students pay for their education out-of-pocket. Instead, they rely on financial aid, ensuring they will have enough to cover critical costs. Options like grants and scholarships are often the preferred approach. They don’t involve any debt, so students don’t have to repay them.

When it comes to scholarships for Delaware residents, it’s important to understand that not all students attending college in Delaware qualify as residents. Only those that have resided in the state in an established domicile for at least 12 months before applying are usually eligible. Additionally, if the reason for being in the state was purely educational – such as being in Delaware just to attend college – those individuals aren’t considered residents.

It is crucial to understand that not all scholarships in Delaware are based on residency. Often, those that are offered by the institutions themselves don’t have residency as a requirement. Instead, simply being enrolled at the school is enough.

For example, University of Delaware scholarships – including University of Delaware merit scholarships- typically don’t require residency. The same can go for Delaware State University scholarships. As a result, out-of-state students can potentially qualify for these kinds of awards.

As with all kinds of grants and scholarships, other eligibility requirements might be set forth by the awarding institution. As a result, students need to check the rules in full to determine if they qualify for the award.

Delaware College Grants

In many ways, Delaware college grants work like the Pell Grant. The main difference is simply that Delaware grants are offered at the state level instead of through a federal program.

The majority of Delaware college grants will have residency as a requirement, though there may be other restrictions as well. If your student is looking for grants, here are some worth exploring:

Delaware Scholarships

With Delaware scholarships, residency rules may also be part of the equation. Additionally, other eligibility requirements often apply

For example, Delaware merit scholarships may have specific academic, athletic, artistic, community service, or similar requirements that need to be met. For need-based scholarships, income limits may apply.

If your student is after a Delaware scholarship (or several), here are some options that are worth exploring:

Living and Getting Around in Delaware

Before your student packs their bags and heads to one of the best universities in Delaware, it’s smart to learn a bit about living in and getting around the state. That way, they are prepared for what lies ahead when it comes to housing costs, transportation, and more.

Housing in Delaware

Delaware housing costs tend to be moderate. Typical homes usually have a value near $317,985, which is just a bit above the national average of $303,288.

When it comes to renting prices, a one-bedroom usually runs $961 per month, while a two-bedroom comes in closer to $1,171. For some students, that may seem pretty affordable. However, for others, it could make living in a dorm seem like the better option.

Transportation Options

Getting around in Delaware is usually pretty easy. Many of the cities have strong public transit systems. Plus, options like rideshares can fill in the gaps, including when you want to head to a nearby city.

If your student wants to travel outside of Delaware, they have plenty of options for that, too. There are a few airports, giving them a way to head to other areas.

Here is a list of major Delaware airports:

Plus, Delaware has two Amtrak stations: one in Newark and one in Wilmington. With those, students can easily tap into a few larger Amtrak routes, including:

Acela Express (to Boston, NYC, DC)
Cardinal (to NYC, DC, Chicago)
Carolinian (to North Carolina)
Crescent (to NYC, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans)
Northeast Regional
Palmetto (to Charleston, Savannah)
Silver Meteor (to Florida)
Silver Star (to Florida)
Vermonter (to Connecticut, Vermont)

Things to Do in Delaware

While Delaware is the second-smallest state – measuring just 96 miles long and 39 miles wide – there’s a lot for students to do while they’re there. When it comes to museums in Delaware, there’s a wide variety.

Both the Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Museum of Natural History can be excellent destinations for students. Aviation fans may appreciate the Air Mobility Command Museum, while New Castle Court House Museum is ideal for history buffs.

If your student is looking for something a bit more adventurous, taking a trip to one of the water parks in Delaware could be a great choice. White Water Mountain Water Park is a favorite among visitors and locals alike, but it isn’t the only option. Thunder Lagoon Water Park and Jungle Jim’s are also great places to spend hot summer days.

Making Money in Delaware

Many students plan on working while they are in school. That’s why understanding the local economy is so crucial.

If your student wants to get a job while they’re attending college in Delaware, here’s what they need to know.

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in Delaware is $9.25 per hour. There is a lower training wage – currently set at $8.75 per hour for employees age 18 and up – that companies can use during the first 90 days of employment.

For tipped employees, the base wage is $2.23 an hour. However, if their tips don’t bring them up to the equivalent of $9.25 per hour, the employer is required to make up the difference.

Employment Rates

Unemployment rates give you clues about the local economy. In Delaware (as of July 2021), the unemployment rate was 5.6 percent. That’s just barely above the national average for that time, which came in at 5.4 percent.

Delaware Key Industries

For being a smaller state, Delaware has a surprisingly diverse economy. There is a wide range of industries represented, something that can play in a student’s favor when they are looking for career-launching opportunities.

Chemical manufacturing – including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and industrial chemicals – makes up a big part of the state’s economy. In fact, the industry is so established, some refer to Delaware as the Chemical Capital of the World.

Biotech and technology have prominent places in the state, as well as agriculture and logistics. Additionally, the financial services industry thrives in Delaware, with major companies like Capital One, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase having significant presences.

Attending College in Delaware: What You Need to Know (Including Delaware Scholarships)

About Delaware