University of Delaware logo

University of Delaware

Newark, DE Public ยท Suburban Est. 1743 www.udel.edu
Accept Rate
65.11%
Grad Rate
79.2%
Enrollment
18,812
Avg SAT
1297
Tuition
$16,080
Median Salary
$72,950
Overall Grade
C+
B+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of Delaware offers a quintessential Big Ten campus experience in a quaint, suburban setting. It feels like a vibrant bubble of school spirit and academic drive, where football Saturdays and collaborative study sessions in the library are equally cherished. The campus is bustling yet manageable, fostering a strong sense of community and pride among students.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

65.11%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 129775th Pctl
12001360
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2975th Pctl
2731
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight your interest in UD's signature programs like the Honors College or specific co-op opportunities in your application essay to show you've done your research. 2. Since UD is test-optional, only submit SAT scores if they are at or above the 1297 average to strengthen your application. 3. Demonstrate genuine interest by attending a virtual session or tour, as demonstrated interest can be a factor in the admissions decision.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1297
40080012001600
School range: 1200โ€“1360

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UD is a research powerhouse with notable strengths in engineering, business, and health professions, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the Science, Technology & Research (STAR) Campus. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and undergraduate research, providing students with direct access to faculty and real-world projects. Its academic programs are rigorous and well-regarded, particularly for co-ops and internships.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
18.6%
Health Professions
11.5%
Engineering
8.9%
Social Sciences
7.8%
Biology & Biomedical
7%
Education
6.3%
Psychology
4.7%
Communications
4.1%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.3%
Agriculture
3.2%
Computer Science
2.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.8%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

79.2%
Graduation Rate
90.1%
Retention Rate
18,812
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$16,080
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,931
After financial aid
Total Cost
$29,347
Cost of attendance/year
15.7%
Receive Pell Grants
48.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Newark

Life in Newark revolves around the charming, walkable Main Street, which is packed with student-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Students enjoy hanging out at nearby White Clay Creek State Park for hiking and biking or catching a show at the university's็็ ๆน–่กจๆผ”่‰บๆœฏไธญๅฟƒ. The campus itself is a hub of activity with over 400 student organizations and major Division I sporting events.

Local Rent Check

$1,242 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Newark
Explore Newark

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$64,320
$0Est. 4 Years: $64,320

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($72,950):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The University of Delaware has its own well-equipped police department and maintains a comprehensive campus safety program. The town of Newark is generally considered safe and welcoming, with a visible police presence in the popular downtown and campus areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong reputation and research opportunities in high-demand fields like engineering and business
  • โœ“ Vibrant, classic college town atmosphere with a passionate sports culture and school spirit
  • โœ“ Robust co-op and internship program that provides valuable real-world experience
  • โœ“ Extensive alumni network that is particularly influential in the Northeast corridor

Cons

  • โœ— Significant cost difference for out-of-state students compared to in-state tuition
  • โœ— Can feel crowded, especially in popular majors and on-campus housing
  • โœ— Winters can be cold and gray, and the suburban location is not as close to a major metropolitan center as some other schools

Notable Alumni

Joe Biden
46th President of the United States and former Vice President.
Jill Biden
Former First Lady of the United States and an educator with a doctorate in education.
John T. Schwartz
Former CEO of The Hershey Company, a global confectionery leader.

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Delaware is widely known for its strengths in engineering, chemistry, and business, supported by a strong research infrastructure. It is also recognized for its unique 'Blue Hen' spirit, a vibrant campus life, and its premier location in the heart of the Northeast corridor, offering excellent opportunities for internships and co-ops.

With an acceptance rate of 65.11%, University of Delaware is considered a moderately selective school. While not as competitive as the most elite universities, it still seeks students with strong academic records; the average SAT score for admitted students is 1297. A solid GPA and well-rounded extracurricular profile are important for a successful application.

Campus life at UD is energetic and diverse, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly around its NCAA Division I sports teams. Students can choose from over 400 clubs, and the surrounding town of Newark provides a perfect backdrop for socializing with its many cafes and shops. The university also has a vibrant Greek life scene, though it is not dominant, ensuring there's something for everyone.

For in-state students, University of Delaware offers an exceptional return on investment, combining a reputable education with an affordable price tag. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition is a significant investment, but the strong alumni network, career outcomes, and median 10-year earnings of $72,950 suggest that the degree pays off for graduates who leverage the university's resources effectively.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

DuPont JPMorgan Chase & Co. Christian Care Care Center NASA Wilmington Trust
Smart Start Score
78

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1743
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 20,874
  • In-State Tuition $16,080
  • Out-of-State $39,720
  • Zip Code 19716

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.1% โ™€ 59.9%

The Money Talk

For in-state students, UD presents a strong financial value with a relatively low sticker price and a net price comparable to many regional universities. Out-of-state students face a higher cost, but the 10-year median earnings of nearly $73,000 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates entering the workforce. The university also offers substantial financial aid, helping to make the degree more accessible for many families.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $16,080
Housing (12 mo) $14,904
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $38,184
With avg financial aid:
$16,931/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.