The coastal state is home to many historic colleges and is more diverse than average. If you don’t live in the second smallest state in the United States, but still recognize its educational prestige, an online degree might be the right fit for you.
Delaware is one of the states that participate in the Academic Common Market Tuition Reciprocity program. This means students living in eligible, participating states are able to save money as a result of discounted tuition. This, coupled with the already affordable costs of online school makes for an appealing choice. Not only that, but online colleges are extremely convenient and offer high-quality academic programs with the same level of engagement and academic rigor as face-to-face degrees.
Below, we have ranked the top 4 online schools in Delaware to help you gauge your options.
What are the best online colleges in Delaware?
By comparing several components within student satisfaction, institutional excellence, and return on investment, we are able to determine an overall comparison of colleges and universities. This includes student success post-graduation, tuition rates, admission rates, and more. We use data from IPEDS, U.S. News & World Report, and Payscale, as well as college websites.
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
University of Delaware
Overview
The University of Delaware is one of the oldest universities in the nation. A land, sea, and space grant university, it is also the largest university in Delaware. The main University of Delaware campus is located in Newark, but it has several campuses around the state. Today, enrollment totals over 23,000 students and offers more than 200 online courses. The university is research-focused: It has the Carnegie Classification of very high research activity.
Program Features
The University of Delaware offers a wide range of degrees, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level programs. These follow a 4-1-4-based academic calendar. Popular programs include:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Master of Business Administration
- Applied Statistics (M.S.)
- Nursing RN-to-BSN
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Notables
Important to check whether the University of Delaware is authorized to provide online programs in your state. The university provides interactive tools for distance learners, such as video lectures and collaboration with other students through online platforms.
2
Delaware State University
Overview:
Delaware State University was established in 1891. Originally, the school was known as the Delaware College for Colored Students. The university underwent several name changes before landing on Delaware State University in 1993. It is now a top member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Today, student enrollment totals to about 4,560 students with a multitude of online programs. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Features
Delaware State University uses rolling admission and offers accelerated 8-week courses. The institution confers 20 total undergraduate and graduate online degrees, along with online professional development courses. Popular majors include:
- Accounting (B.S.)
- General Management (B.S.)
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Social Work (M.S.W)
- Public Administration (M.P.A)
Notables
Delaware State University is research-focused and has several research-related centers such as the Center for Integrated Biological and Environmental Research (CIBER).
3
Wilmington University
Overview:
Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University is a non-profit, private institution established in 1967. Today, the university has over 20,000 enrolled students but maintains a small average class size of 17. Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university has multiple campuses throughout Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. According to its website, 41% of students at Wilmington University use online learning.
Program Features
Wilmington University offers a generous, 90-credit maximum transfer policy. Courses run in either 7 or 15-week formats. Popular degrees include the following programs:
- Behavioral Science (B.S.)
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Nurse Practitioner (M.S.N.)
- Accounting & Finance (B.S.)
Notables
Wilmington University has a 100% acceptance rate. Prospective students still need to check whether state authorization has been achieved in their location.
4
Strayer University-Delaware
Overview
Located in Newark, Delaware, Strayer University’s Christiana campus is one of 78 U.S. campuses. Strayer University is a for-profit university that originated as a small business college. The institution gained recognition as a university in 1998. Today, more than 30,000 students are enrolled in fully-online programs. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Learning.
Program Features
Strayer University provides hybrid, face-to-face, and fully-online programs and courses. Transfer students are welcome, especially as the primary focus of Strayer University is adult learners who lead busy lives. There are a wide variety of online degree programs at the undergraduate and masters levels, including:
- Information Technology (B.S.)
- Nursing RN-to-BSN
- Management (M.S.)
- Information Systems (M.S.)
Notables
Strayer University is an affordable, accredited option for prospective students. The university provides distance learners with access to career service help, veterans benefits, and other services. Financial aid and scholarships can assist with tuition costs. Additionally, over 200 Fortune 1000 companies educate their employees through Strayer University.