Overview of Delaware Colleges & Schools

As the second smallest state in terms of size, Delaware is home to very few institutions of higher learning. There are more private four year institutions than public, though these institutions are found throughout the state. The state's largest city is Wilmington, followed by Newark and Dover, with Dover also being the state capital. These three cities have the highest concentration of institutions of higher learning. Delaware is bordered by Maryland to the south and west, New Jersey to the East, and Pennsylvania to the North, with relatively easy access to major urban centers in those states from anywhere within Delaware.

Delaware operates three public institutions, the largest of which is the University of Delaware, which operates campuses in Newark, Dover, Wilmington Lewes and Georgetown. In terms of enrollment it medium sized, with an annual enrollment of approximately 20,0000 students per year. The school is considered a public ivy institution according to Green's Guides.

Delaware State University, located in Dover, is a historically black institution founded in 1891 and serves approximately 4000 students per year. The school has additional campuses in Wilmington and Georgetown.

Delaware Technical Community College is the community college system established in 1966 to serve the needs of various communities throughout the state. The school offers academic transfer programs and career training programs to ensure that students are able to pursue whichever suits their needs. Campuses are located in Georgetown, Dover, Newark, and Wilmington.

Private institutions in Delaware offer students a variety of educational options that are often more focused or specialized than those of a public institution. Additionally, these institutions tend to cost more, have a lower student to teacher ratios allowing for a more personalized education, and have more opportunities available such as study abroad programs and internships. Some of the schools are branches of out of state colleges or universities that have opened up opportunities in the state.

Private institutions in Delaware:

• Delaware College of Art and Design (Wilmington)
• Goldey-Beacom College (Pike Creek)
• Wilmington University (New Castle)
• Wesley College (Dover)
• Springfield College (Wilmington, Main Campus in Springfield, Massachusetts)

Trade and technical schools are also found throughout the state, offering short term programs that provide the skills and education necessary to operate as a professional in a high demand field. These schools tend to have higher costs than community colleges and their program offerings are typically restricted to the most high demand fields. These schools also tend to have ties to the local business community and offer assistance in job placement for graduates regardless of the year of matriculation.

The most populous city in Delaware is Wilmington, followed by Dover and Newark.  While the most populous county in Delaware is New Castle County with Sussex County and Kent County near one another.   If you are interested in visiting the state of Delaware, consider visiting their state page or the state chapter of the Chamber of Commerce.

College Degree Breakdown for the State of Delaware

Private Universities & Colleges

In Delaware there are five accredited private four-year colleges. Similar to public schools, private colleges and universities offer bachelor's or higher level programs and research opportunities, although they usually have smaller classes and higher tuition. Compare admission requirements and tuition details for private colleges in Delaware.

Community Colleges

Community colleges are public institutions that offer low cost, high quality education for residents throughout the state. These schools offer 2-year programs that grant associate degrees or offer training courses in specialized trades. Delaware" Community colleges also are the number one transfer-out programs available for four-year colleges and universities. Learn more and compare community colleges in Delaware.