Despite its small size and population, Delaware offers many accredited online degrees from its public and private colleges. Wilmington University, for example, offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees featuring fully online coursework. Beyond the added convenience of taking your classes remotely, attending an online program near you in Delaware comes with many other benefits. For instance, you can qualify for in-state scholarships and other financial aid programs, enjoy in-state tuition rates at public colleges, and take advantage of in-person support and campus amenities.
Whatever your educational background and interests, you can be confident there’s a Delaware online degree program that fits your career goals, budget, learning style, and schedule — and this guide can help you in your search. Below you’ll find our list of the best online colleges in Delaware to get you started. We’ve also included valuable information and advice on choosing the right online program format, paying for your education, and more.
2024 Rankings: Best Delaware Colleges with Online Degrees
We analyzed Delaware online colleges and universities to find the best schools with online programs in 2024. To compile our rankings, we looked at several key factors that are vital to students reaching their academic and career goals. These elements include affordability, access to financial aid, degree program options and study convenience, low student-to-teacher ratios, and the availability of quality academic support and career placement services. See which schools made our list of the best online colleges in Delaware.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Newark, DelawarePublic $$$
The University of Delaware offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of academic disciplines, such as nursing, international business, education, and cybersecurity. When you enroll in a program online, the school provides the same experience you would receive as a traditional student, so you have access to the same accredited programs, rigorous curriculum, financial aid opportunities, and student services as any other student. In addition, you receive access to services that are tailored to the virtual learning experience, such as resources to help you succeed in your classes and a staff that assists online students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Accounting Practice
- Credits: 33
- Length: One year
- Cost: $950/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $979/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two and a half years
- Cost: $950/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Dover, DelawarePublic $$
Delaware State University, which was originally called the Delaware College for Colored Students, has been providing a quality education for black students who may not otherwise have opportunities to receive a higher education. Given the school’s history, it’s not surprising that this HBCU has leveraged technology to expand its reach and provide affordable degree programs for students around the country to access entirely online. As a result, students are able to choose from a variety of online degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in public health, social work, and accounting, and master’s degrees in nursing, public administration, and educational leadership.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $400/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 121
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $400/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $430/credit in state; $948/credit out of state
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
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New Castle, DelawarePrivate not-for-profit $$$
From the associate’s to the doctoral levels, Wilmington University offers degrees in a variety of disciplines that can be completed entirely online, as well as in a hybrid format if you don’t mind spending some of your time on campus. In addition, there is a flexible course option, where classes are taught on campus and you can choose between attending live at the school or online based on what works for you during each specific class meeting. No matter what class delivery format you choose, you will have access to resources to help you succeed, such as a video orientation designed to teach you how to log into your courses, find the required class materials you need, and get access to the learning management system conveniently on a mobile device.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $1,197/course
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Bachelor of Science in Communication
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $1,197/course
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Science in Administration of Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $1,536/course
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Popular Ways to Earn Your College Degree Online in Delaware
As you begin looking into online colleges in Delaware, you’ll see that each degree program has its own combination of learning modes and formats. As you begin your search, you’ll want to know how each of these modes and formats works and which ones work best with your learning style. Below are descriptions of the most common formats and modes you’ll find at Delaware online colleges along with examples of programs that use them.
Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended
Programs that describe themselves as “fully-online” or “100% online” typically deliver all of their coursework, including class sessions, entirely online. That doesn’t mean, however, that there will not be some program components that require in-person participation. For example, fully online programs, such as nursing, may include in-person clinical rotation hours, or classroom teaching or observation experiences may be required for teaching degrees. It’s important to check the curriculum requirements for any program that mentions in-person components before you enroll.
Partially online programs combine online and on-campus or other in-person components. These programs are often described as “hybrid” or “blended.” Blended programs are commonly those that supplement class sessions attended on campus with online course components such as assignments, projects, readings, and teacher/student forums. In hybrid programs, on-campus class sessions are either fully or partly replaced by online components. Keep in mind that the terms “hybrid” and “blended” are sometimes used interchangeably, so it’s important to understand how the online and on-campus elements of a program work before signing up for any degree program.
Here are examples of current Delaware degree programs with fully-online and partially-online formats:
Bachelor of Science in Education at Delaware Technical Community College (Blended/Hybrid)
Delaware Technical Community College offers many online courses along with undergraduate certificates and associate and bachelor’s degrees in fully online and partially online formats. DTCC’s bachelor’s education, for example, combines both online and on-campus coursework with in-person immersive teaching experiences. Admission into the program requires a previously earned associate degree in elementary education which can be obtained at DTCC or another regionally accredited college.
Students complete two semesters of coursework in elementary education theory, methods of teaching, and special education instruction. Coursework is presented in a number of delivery methods including on-campus classroom, hybrid, and both online asynchronous and synchronous formats. First-year students also complete a part-time clinical placement in an elementary classroom. In the program’s second year, students participate in a year-long full-time teaching residency at a partner school along with a weekly residency seminar.
The current per-credit tuition rate for the 60-credit B.S. in education program is $152.50 for Delaware residents and $381.25 for out-of-state residents. SEED scholarships may be available to qualifying students. Graduates of the program are eligible for dual certification in elementary (K-6) education and special education.
Master of Public Administration at Delaware State University (Fully Online)
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Delaware State University provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to take on management roles with both public and private non-profit organizations. The program consists of 11 foundational and core MPA courses presented in an accelerated format. All coursework is delivered 100% online with no scheduled class sessions. However, students have the option of attending some classes in-person on DSU’s Wilmington campus or synchronously via live stream. Students entering the program with less than three years of managerial work experience must complete a three-credit internship. Most internships require in-person participation with a program-affiliated public or nonprofit agency typically located in the student’s local area.
The current per-credit tuition rate for this 33-credit program (36 credits for students completing an internship) is $464. The same rate applies to all students regardless of their state of residence. Program starts are available at the beginning of each eight-week session.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Asynchronous online programs feature course content that does not require students to log on and participate in class sessions or other activities at specifically scheduled times. Students in asynchronous programs can access and complete their coursework at their convenience. Synchronous programs include specifically scheduled components. In most cases, these components take the form of class sessions that are live streamed via Zoom or a similar video conferencing service. Synchronous class sessions may be scheduled during the day, but many programs accommodate working students by scheduling live sessions in the evenings or on weekends.
Below are some examples of asynchronous and synchronous formatted programs from online colleges in Delaware.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN at the University of Delaware (Asynchronous)
Current RNs seeking to gain additional nursing theory, scholarly writing, research, and leadership skills – along with added value in the employment market – will want to consider the online RN to BSN program at the University of Delaware. All didactic nursing coursework is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format with no campus visits required. The BSN degree is awarded upon completion of a total of 120 credit hours consisting of 59 transferable credits for non-nursing (general education) coursework, 30 credits awarded for the student’s current RN licensure, and the 31 credits of baccalaureate-level nursing coursework that make up the RN to BSN curriculum.
Admission requirements include either a nursing diploma or associate in nursing degree and a current RN license. Applicants must complete several science and non-nursing prerequisite courses. The current per-credit tuition rate is $557 for Delaware residents and $1,495 for out-of-state residents. The program begins annually in the fall semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Bachelor of Science in Law, Policy and Political Science at the Wilmington University (Synchronous)
Wilmington University offers a bachelor’s in law, policy and political science that allows students to customize their studies to align with any of several career interests including paralegal, government service, and politics. The program may also prepare graduates to continue their studies in law school or other graduate programs. Students choose one of three concentrations: The ABA-approved legal studies, government and public policy, or political science. Those intending to continue on to law school can additionally opt for the six-course minor in pre-law.
The 42 credits of the degree completion curriculum are available fully-online. Most courses are delivered asynchronously. However, all students are required to complete at least nine of their 18 directed core credits through either traditional face-to-case classes or synchronously via live stream.
The degree requires a total of 120 credits consisting of the 42 degree-completion credits and 78 general education and elective course credits. The current per-credit tuition rate of $399 applies to all students regardless of their state of residence.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Both full-time and part-time degree programs can be found online and on college campuses. Part-time online programs are particularly popular because students with full-time jobs or otherwise busy schedules find the combination of online and part-time study to be a major plus, and sometimes an absolute necessity, in their college academic pursuits. Also, it’s not unusual for online colleges in Delaware to offer individual degree programs with both full-time and part-time options.
Here are examples of two current online Delaware degree programs that feature full-time and part-time study modes.
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wilmington University (Part-Time)
The CACREP-accredited Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling program at Wilmington University provides students with in-depth training in counseling theory and skills leading to professional careers as counselors and therapists in individual, marital, family, and group counseling. The three-year part-time course of study consists of two years of mental health counseling coursework followed by a one-year practicum in-field experience at agencies and other practice sites providing mental health counseling as part of their regular services. Coursework in the cohort-based curriculum is presented in a hybrid format that combines online asynchronous and synchronous class sessions and other course components with in-person learning activities at designated locations within the state. Practicum and internship sites are located exclusively in Delaware. Some sites are available in close proximity to New Jersey and Maryland.
The current tuition rate for all students in the program is $512 per credit. The program begins once each academic year in the summer Semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Master of Business Administration at the University of Delaware (Full-Time)
The online Master of Business Administration at the University of Delaware has full- and part-time options, and it can be completed in as few as 16 months of full-time study. The program’s 44-credit hour curriculum includes foundational business courses covering subjects such as corporate strategy, communications, branding, management, and ethics along with coursework in one of five concentrations that include business analytics, finance, healthcare management, international business, and strategic leadership. As an alternative to choosing a concentration, students may select a combination of elective courses to tailor their studies to meet their specific career needs. Both fully-online and blended formats are available.
The current per-credit tuition rate for all MBA students is $950 regardless of state of residency, making the total estimated tuition cost (not including fees) $41,800. Applications are accepted year-round and students can start their programs in the fall, spring, or summer.
Inside Look at Accreditation for Online Colleges in Delaware
A foundational requirement for any degree program you consider – online or otherwise – is postsecondary accreditation. Accreditation is the process used to evaluate and ensure that postsecondary institutions and the degree programs they offer meet important minimum standards of academic quality. It’s your way of confirming that the program you’re interested in is worth your time, effort, and money.
Accreditation of U.S. colleges and universities is overseen by a number of national and regional independent accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The regional institutional accrediting body of colleges and universities in Delaware is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
In addition to institutional accreditation, many college degree programs are accredited by any of several dozen programmatic accreditors. Not all degree programs are programmatically accredited. However, programmatic accreditation of degrees in certain disciplines is critically important. These include degrees leading to state certification or licensure of its graduates, like degrees in nursing, engineering, and teaching, or those in professions that are highly regulated.
Cost of Getting an Online College Degree in Delaware
According to the most recent (2020-2021) figures from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition and fees for undergraduate degree programs at four-year colleges in Delaware are:
- Public (in-state residents): $11,343
- Public (out-of-state residents): $31,809
- Private: $14,501
That puts Delaware prices around $2,000 and $5,000 higher than those for public schools overall in the U.S., but substantially below (by more than 50%) the average for U.S. private schools.
The cost of your degree from an online college in Delaware will vary, maybe substantially, from the averages quoted above depending on any of a number of factors. Along with your choice of public or private school whether you attend in your state or another state, factors also include whether you’re at a two-year community college or four-year college or university, whether you’re in an undergraduate or graduate program, and the total number of credit hours your program requires.
The chart below shows the current undergraduate tuition rates for the four Delaware colleges offering both online and on-campus programs. Your degree program will include additional costs for program fees, books, supplies, and more. Also remember that the total price tag for your online program will likely be less than that for a similar on-campus program once you factored in savings on certain items you won’t have to pay for, like the cost of transportation to and from campus to attend classes.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | $293/credit (1-11 credit hours per semester) | $707/credit (1-11 credit hours per semester) | $358/credit (10-12 credits per semester) | $358/credit (10-12 credits per semester) |
| Delaware Technical Community College | $152.50/credit | $381.25/credit | $152.50/credit | $381.25/credit |
| University of Delaware | $557/credit | $1,495/credit | $557/credit | $1,495/credit |
| Wilmington University | $399/credit (New Castle campus) | $399/credit (New Castle campus) | $399/credit | $399/credit |
* Costs are tuition only and do not include additional program fees except for online delivery fees.
Where to Look for Financial Aid as a Delaware College Student
Online colleges in Delaware offer fully accredited degrees and certificates of the same quality as their traditional campus-based counterparts. Students in those programs are eligible for the same financial aid resources as on-campus students. Sources include scholarships, grants, work-study, fellowships and assistantships (primarily for grad students), employer tuition reimbursement opportunities, federal and state loan repayment programs, and, most common of all, student loans like those offered by the Federal Student Aid program.
There are a number of great places online to start your college funding search. One of the very best is the State of Delaware itself. Two excellent state government sites include:
- Department of Education Higher Ed webpage: Site includes links to DEHE-administered scholarships and other financial aid programs, the Academic Common Market (tuition savings agreement between 15 state members), and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
- Scholarship Compendium: Scholarship search engine billed as “the ultimate guide to scholarships for Delaware students.”
Other great online funding resources include college and university financial aid websites such as:
In-Demand Careers in Delaware Requiring a College Degree
The chart below offers the most current U.S. Department of Labor figures for job growth and annual mean wages for 10 of the fastest-growing occupations in Delaware. If you’re convinced that a college degree is in your future but undecided on your career choice, you may want to consider these high-demand occupations first.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Median Annual Earnings (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 55.3% | $116,230 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | 40.0% | $65,580 |
| Physician Assistant | 40.0% | $117,450 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 37.5% | $134,710 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 35.0% | $47,950 |
| Statistician | 33.3% | $105,900 |
| Respiratory Therapist | 30.0% | $70,950 |
| Construction Manager | 29.3% | $126,460 |
| Preschool Teacher, Except Special Education | 29.1% | $29,150 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 28.6% | $85,120 |
Support Resources for Online College Students in Delaware
This state of Delaware site offers information on a wide range of resources for college-bound students. Resources include state, federal, and private sponsored scholarships, grants, and financial aid, links and descriptions for Delaware public and private colleges and universities, professional licensing, and much more.
Delaware Student Success: Plan for Success
The Delaware Department of Education website has tons of great information and advice for Delaware students of all ages and grades, including postsecondary students. Visitors to the site will find resources designed to help them explore career opportunities, locate the right Delaware college, find funding for their degree, and lots more.
Find the System That’s Right for You
Take this quick survey from Delaware State University designed to help you determine if your personal learning style is better suited for either an online or traditional on-campus degree program.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
NC-SARA is an agreement among several states (including Delaware) and member schools that helps to ensure consumer protections for students in interstate distance education programs. Valuable student resources you can access from the site include an excellent online program search engine that allows users to locate and explore nearly 1,600 online degree and certificate programs nationwide.
Ten Tips for Succeeding in Classes Online
This brief but informative webpage is directed toward University of Delaware online students, but you’ll find valuable advice for succeeding in your online degree program regardless of which online college in Delaware you attend.
Office of Occupational & Labor Market Information
Clearinghouse site of information and data on all aspects of the labor market in Delaware. Data accessible on the site include current and projected (two-year and 10-year) employment and wage statistics for over 500 occupations in the state. Also included is a searchable database of Delaware employees by industry.
Another site offering good advice for successful online learning, this one from Delaware Tech’s Center for Creative Instruction & Technology. Topics covered include study habits, time management, self-discipline, class communication, technical skills, and more.