Online Colleges in Delaware

While they may be in one of the country’s smallest states, online colleges in Delaware have a lot to offer in terms of education.

You may attend a research university, baccalaureate college, or special focus institution. You might consider certification programs or master’s degrees and study online or on campus.

Numerous financial aid programs further support the comprehensive postsecondary educational system in Delaware.

Online Colleges in Delaware

Online learning appeals to many because it is a convenient and flexible way to earn a degree.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 25% of higher education students in Deleware enroll in online courses exclusively. Another 40% of students participate in a hybrid of online and on-campus courses.

Only 35% of Delaware students opt to complete all learning on-campus.

Nearly all of Delaware’s postsecondary institutions now offer online learning opportunities, with some boasting more than 130 online college programs from certificates to doctoral degrees.

Online colleges in DE provide access to the same support channels as on-campus learners, including advisors, tutors, library resources, and more. The difference is in the learning format.

Online students can learn from the comfort of their own homes. This is helpful for those who work part-time or full-time, are caretakers, or have other responsibilities.

Common Online Degrees in Delaware

Online Delaware colleges offer a broad range of majors to fit career goals and passions. Here are five popular online degrees in Delaware:

• Aviation: The growing aviation industry offers many career opportunities for people passionate about aircraft, science, and travel. An aviation degree typically covers subjects like aerodynamics, aircraft engineering, and meteorology. This degree can potentially lead to a career as an air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, or engineer.
• Behavioral Science: You may explore how culture, the environment, and other factors influence human behavior with a behavioral science degree. This interdisciplinary field usually draws on anthropology, cognitive science, psychology, sociology, and other areas. Graduates who earn this degree can pursue careers as behavioral scientists, executive coaches, mental health counselors, and substance abuse counselors.
• Education: Completing an education degree is typically the first step to becoming a certified public school teacher in Delaware. This degree teaches educational theories and methods that can be implemented in the classroom.
• Engineering: Engineers design, maintain, and improve devices and structures. Engineering degree programs teach engineering practices and principles. You may specialize in areas like civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
• Environmental Science: You may be able to transform your passion for nature into a career with an environmental science degree. This degree typically explores interactions between humans and the environment and discusses how to develop solutions to environmental issues. Graduates may pursue positions as environmental consultants, natural resource managers, or recycling officers.

These common degree fields can help prepare you for some of the most in-demand jobs in Delaware.

Overview of Higher Education in Delaware

The NCES reports that there are 8 degree-granting institutions in the state of Delaware. Of these, 3 are public, 4 are non-profit, and 1 is for-profit. These numbers include 4-year institutions and 2-year institutions, like Delaware community colleges.

Tuition rates in Delaware are above the US average, according to the NCES. The average yearly tuition (and fees) for an in-state student at one of the state’s public 4-year institutions is $11,343. Out-of-state students pay an average of $31,809 a year.

Residents who have chosen to pursue a degree program not offered in Delaware have a few options. First, Delaware’s Department of Education has authorized several out-of-state schools to grant degrees within the state.

Alternatively, Delaware is a part of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the Academic Common Market. Because of this, Delaware residents whose degree programs are unavailable in-state may enroll at public colleges in one of the other 15 participating states while paying in-state tuition rates.

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in Delaware

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Delaware averages a 4.6% unemployment rate, which is a bit higher than the national average of 3.5%.

Delaware has low costs and tax burdens for businesses, so many corporations operate in the state. According to the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, here are six of the most prominent industries in Delaware:

• Manufacturing and logistics
• Business and financial services
• Education
• Healthcare
• Science and technology
• Food and agriculture

The job market may be especially favorable for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. STEM positions in Delaware outnumber careers in many other fields. Other rapidly growing sectors include construction, information services, and transportation.

Careers & Salaries in Delaware

Graduates from online DE colleges can find employment opportunities in numerous industries. Many jobs offer competitive salaries, especially if they’re in high-demand fields.

According to the US Department of Labor, Delaware is projected to have 42,309 annual job openings over the next decade. Here are a few careers that are estimated to expand rapidly in the state during this period:

• Restaurant cooks: 54.2% increase in job openings
• Physician assistants: 40%
• Medical and health services managers: 37.5%
• Statisticians: 33.3%
• Speech-language pathologists: 28.6%
• Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers: 20.7%
• Registered nurses: 14.5%
• Management analysts: 12.8%

As this list demonstrates, business, healthcare, and tech careers are expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Exploring degrees in these sectors can be strategic if you want an in-demand career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the annual median salaries for ten potential careers in Delaware.

Available positions and salaries vary widely based on the company, geographic location, work experience, and other factors.

Of course, no degree can guarantee a particular career path or wage. However, completing relevant certifications, networking, and participating in internships may help you secure a preferred position.

Delaware Online Colleges Admissions Requirements

All online Delaware colleges have different admissions applications and selection criteria. Here are a few common materials that you may need to submit when you apply:

• ACT or SAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume that lists relevant education, work experience, achievements, and skills
• Transcripts from your high school and any higher education institutions you’ve attended

It’s beneficial to research each school’s admissions requirements to ensure you have enough time to request letters of recommendation and gather any necessary paperwork.

DE Online Colleges Accreditation

When choosing between online DE colleges, accreditation is an important consideration. Higher education institutions can become accredited if they demonstrate that their educational programs and services meet rigorous quality standards.

Enrolling in an accredited program can help open many opportunities. For example, some professional organizations only accept new members from accredited schools. Also, many employers and graduate programs require applicants to hold degrees from accredited institutions.

Many Delaware online schools have received accreditation, but it’s beneficial to verify the accreditation status of a program of interest before applying. You can visit the Department of Education’s website to learn more.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

In order to receive federal financial aid in Delaware, first you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will be used to determine how much and what type of financial assistance you are eligible for.

The Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO), a division of the Delaware Department of Education, oversees various state-funded financial aid programs.

Currently, the DHEO oversees the following aid programs for undergraduate students in the state:

• B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship covers the recipient’s full tuition and fees for a year. It may be renewed for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship: This covers the recipient’s full tuition and fees for a year and may be renewed for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• Christa Mcauliffe Teacher Incentive Program: Those chosen for this program are awarded full tuition and fees for a year and may renew this aid for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• Delaware Teacher Corps Incentive Program: This program awards the recipient’s full tuition for a year and may be renewed for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 2.75 GPA.
• Diamond State Scholarship: This scholarship is worth $1,250 a year and may be renewed for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans and Others: This program covers the full tuition and fees of qualifying applicants attending a Delaware public college. It may be used at a private college if the recipient’s chosen program is not offered at a public college.
• Herman M. Holloway, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship covers the recipient’s full tuition and fees for a year and may be renewed for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• ­­­­­Nursing Incentive Program: This nursing incentive covers the recipient’s full tuition and fees for a year and may be renewed for up to 3 additional years by maintaining a 2.75 GPA.
• Port of Wilmington Maritime Society’s Dennis Latina Scholarship: This scholarship awards $2,500.
• Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP): This program awards the recipient $1,000 per year

Additional need and merit-based grants and scholarships can be found at each of Delaware’s colleges and universities.

Delaware Online Education Resources

Several education websites can help you gather information as you investigate Delaware online colleges, including:

• Delaware Higher Education: Created by the Delaware state government, this website includes information about colleges, financial aid opportunities, and professional development seminars.
• Delaware Student Success: This website helps middle and high school students explore career paths, find grants and scholarships, and plan their lives after graduation.
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education: This organization accredits higher education institutions and provides a directory of accredited colleges in Delaware and other states.

These free online resources can serve as useful starting points as you research programs.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to an Online College in Delaware?

Cost is an essential factor for many students who plan to attend Delaware online schools. Delaware has some of the highest tuition costs in the United States. According to the NCES, the average tuition for Delaware college students varies depending on the school you choose and if you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

For public 4-year colleges, the in-state tuition and fees are approximately $11,343, while the out-of-state tuition and fees are $31,809. For private 4-year colleges, the tuition and fees for all students are around $14,501.

Many colleges offer generous financial aid packages, so it can still be beneficial to apply to schools with high price tags.

Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students

Out-of-state students may qualify for tuition breaks that can reduce the upfront costs of attending Delaware online schools. Delaware is a member of two organizations that offer state reciprocity. This policy allows eligible students to attend certain out-of-state institutions while paying in-state tuition costs.

First, Delaware is part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). Institutions in SARA states can offer online education programs to all students in other SARA states without applying to individual states. This program decreases costs for colleges and students.

Additionally, Delaware is a member of the Southern Regional Educational Board. The association’s Academic Common Market program allows students to pay in-state tuition for particular programs offered by schools in other states.

What Jobs Are in High Demand in Delaware?

According to the Delaware Department of Labor, it is estimated that the state will add 42,030 jobs over the next 10 years. Data from the department shows that these five jobs will likely have excellent job availability during this period:

• Financial managers
• Management analysts
• Marketing managers
• Registered nurses
• Sales representatives for wholesale and manufacturing, technical, and scientific products

For many of the careers in these fields, a bachelor’s degree is often required, so earning a college degree can be a strategic investment.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Delaware?

Many students research potential salaries before choosing a college major and career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, these are the five highest-paying jobs in Delaware:

• Pediatricians, General: $192,880
• Dermatologists: $170,330
• Sales Managers: $168,500
• Financial Managers: $163, 360
• Marketing Managers: $163,240

Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the median hourly wage by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours.

Some of the highest-paying careers require advanced degrees. For example, pediatricians must attend medical school and complete a pediatric residency. Many other factors can affect available careers and salaries, such as your employer, geographic area, and skills.

List of Online Colleges in Delaware

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Delaware State University is an HBCU that offers online programs designed to help students get a high-quality education while still meeting their other responsibilities. DSU aims to provide the same quality education to online students as its on-campus students.

DSU offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees online. Fields of study offered include psychology, social work, sports administration, and nursing.

Delaware State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Delaware Technical Community College aims to prepare students to enter a career or continue on to a 4 year college. Delaware Tech’s online options include online courses, hybrid programs, and fully online degrees for nontraditional students in fields such as culinary arts and public service.

Delaware Technical Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Goldey-Beacom College was named a College of Distinction for 2022-2023. The school helps prepare students for their careers and life beyond college.

GBC offers two fully online degree programs: an MS in Finance and an MA in Counseling Psychology. Both programs are synchronous and require students to participate in live sessions.

Goldey-Beacom College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Strayer University—Wilmington is part of the Strayer University network of campuses located in the South and along the East Coast. New students may receive a new laptop and may take free general ed classes through Sophia and transfer to Strayer.

Strayer offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields like criminal justice and information systems.

Strayer University – Wilmington is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Delaware’s online learning program is designed to give students a chance to grow through discovery-based learning and help them develop the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their careers.

UND offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as nursing, electrical engineering, computer engineering, strategic communication, cybersecurity, and more.

The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Widener University—Wilmington is a law school that offers online programs. Accepted students can earn an LLM from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Students are required to have a JD or foreign equivalent to apply.

Concentrations offered include Corporate and Health Law and Global Financial and Cyber Crimes. Many students can complete their degrees in just 1 year.

Widener University – Wilmington is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Wilmington University helps students stay on track to earning a degree with its Guided Pathway program. The goal is to get students into their chosen jobs as quickly as possible. WilmU offers over 130 online programs. Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are offered in fields such as family science and communication.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Getting Your College Online Degree in Delaware

Delaware’s size isn’t holding anyone back. The state has a number of excellent institutions and has connected with many other states to offer additional programs to its students at affordable rates.

Delaware students also have access to apply to a multitude of financial aid programs to help ease the financial burden. If you’re interested in one of Delaware’s degree programs, you can start researching accredited online colleges in the state to start your journey.

You can also view our Online Colleges in Connecticut and Online Colleges in Florida guides for more options.