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| Updated On - Sep 9, 2025
Delaware State University is a public historically black university in Dover, Delaware, in a small city environment. It is a smaller campus with a population of roughly 5,828 students, 4,941 of whom are undergraduates. Admissions are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 59%. Business, Psychology, Communication, Social Sciences, and Health Professions are some of the most popular majors. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 35%, and graduates of Delaware State receive a median starting salary of around INR 30,60,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from a $36,600 median earnings).
The University of Delaware is a large public research institution situated in Newark, Delaware, in a suburban area. It's a large school with approximately 24,221 enrolled students, 19,772 of whom are undergrads. The admissions are very selective, and the acceptance rate is around 72.3%. Popular majors are Business, Social Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Health Professions. The six-year graduation rate is around 78%, and graduates of University of Delaware receive a median beginning salary of around INR 51,30,000 (converted from $61,300 median earnings ten years after graduation).
| Delaware State University | University of Delaware | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | UG Programs -52 PG Programs -12 | UG Programs -117 PG Programs -66 |
| Acceptance Rate | 59.0 % | 65.1 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-820 TOEFL-79 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1130 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16904 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28440 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29569 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 49552 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 21538 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 26164 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Average salary for the graduates is around $36,600 | 97% of the bachelors degree students get employed or pursue higher education after graduation. The average salary is around $57,386. Some of the top employers inlcude: JPMorgan Chase & Co., ChristianaCare, University of Delaware, KPMG, EY. |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9SAT - 1370/1600TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -16904 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -35890 |
| application dates | Nov 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Feb 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) | Nov 1, 2024 (Early Action Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) Jan 15, 2025 (Priority Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) Jan 31, 2025 (Early Action Decision Deadline For 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Delaware State University | University of Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1891 | 1743 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 34% Male, 66% Female | 43% Male, 57% Female |
| Location Facts | Delaware State University (DSU or Del State) is a public historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware. DSU also has two satellite campuses: one in Wilmington and one in Georgetown. | The university campus is divided into four parts: main campus, Laird campus, South campus and Delaware technology park. |
| Library | The William C. Jason Library is a central hub for the DSU community and serves as a resource for coursework, collections, study groups and research. It is also houses computer labs, academic offices, University Archives and the Arts Center Gallery. | The libraries that people use at the University of Delaware include the Morris Library, Chemistry Library, Physics Library, and the Education Resource Center. |
| Campus Life | DSU operates nine different residence halls for its students, each supervised by a professional staff member and a student Resident Advisor. At DSU, the university offers a variety of different dining experiences to choose from, each providing delicious, nutritious foods in a comfortable and pleasant setting. The Office of Student Leadership and Activities (OSLA) provides students with the resources to get involved and find their leadership skills. The main goal of the DSU OSLA is to invest in the long-term development of students as future leaders within the global society. DSU offers a variety of honor societies that recognize academic excellence and exemplary character. DSU gives you plenty of opportunities to nurture your physical well-being. Whether you’re playing a sport for the first time or are a varsity-level superstar, you’ll find something here to keep your body active, refreshed and rejuvenated. The wellness and recreation programs of the university keep you strong and healthy as you engage in your academic pursuits. | Your experience as a Blue Hen is influenced by many factors, especially the connections you make with those around you and the fun times you have together. Both Residence Life & Housing and University Student Centers can help you build a strong, positive community. Caring for your wellbeing and those around you is important. Whether it is your health, wellness, or connection to your community, the student wellbeing units help you define your journey and pursue lifelong thriving. The university has more than 400 student clubs and organizations. The tools you need to be successful during and after your time as a Blue Hen can be found at the university. Orientation & Transition Programs sets you up with everything you need to know as a new and returning university student, while the Career Center propels you towards your future by providing services such as resume review and a database for finding volunteer, internship, and job opportunities. |
| Hostel | #On campus - $11433 #Off campus (not with family) - $12672 #Off campus (with family) - $5464 | #On campus - $12332 #Off campus (not with family) - $12332 #Off campus (with family) - $1500 |
| Famous Alumni | Reggie Barnes, Canadian Football League running back, various teams Clyde Bishop, U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Clifford Brown, trumpet virtuoso, composer, an influential and highly rated American jazz musician Robin Christiansen, mayor of Dover since 2014, city councilman from 1983 to 2001, and council president and vice mayor from 1990 to 2001 Emanual Davis, 1991 former NBA player for the Atlanta Hawks and Seattle SuperSonics Wayne Gilchrest, 1973 U.S. Representative for Maryland's 1st congressional district, 1990–2009 Jamaal Jackson, 2003 National Football League offensive lineman, Philadelphia Eagles, 2003-2010 Shaheer McBride, 2008 National Football League wide receiver | Joe Biden, 46th President of the United States Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States Richard F. Heck, Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate Lodewijk van den Berg, astronaut Larry Probst, CEO of Electronic Arts |
| City Life | Delaware's state capital region of Dover offers several advantages for people moving to the First State, or for those relocating within the state from another town or city. Located in the center of Delaware, Dover features the state's seat of government and boasts a downtown historic district and plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options. | Newark, DE is located in New Castle County and provides its residents with access to nearby Wilmington attractions plus several unique destinations of its own including the Newark Reservoir. The climate in Newark is quite comfortable for most of the year. The city experiences all four seasons, including very warm temperatures in the summer (June, July, August) and mildly cold temperatures in the winter (January, February). Newark is very close to some of the most interesting cities in the U.S. By car (driving distance), Newark is only: 45 minutes from Philadelphia |
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Delaware State University vs University of Delaware
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Delaware (UD) has a stronger global academic profile than Delaware State University (DSU). UD has an estimated ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2026 at approximately #142, with DSU falling well lower at about #553. Times Higher Education rates UD as being within the top 200–250 worldwide, while DSU is generally outside the top 351–400.
In subject rankings, UD does particularly well in Engineering, Physical Therapy, Chemical Engineering, Education, and Public Affairs, frequently ranking in the top 50 nationally. DSU does reasonably well in Biology, Psychology, and Liberal Arts, with specialized strengths in Virology, Agricultural Science, and Environmental Science, but typically ranks in the bottom half of the world.
General Information
UD is a comprehensive public research university situated in Newark, Delaware, with an enrollment of more than 24,000. It provides a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, and is recognized for high research activity and international affiliations. DSU, which is headquartered in Dover, is a smaller public HBCU (Historically Black College/University) with approximately 5,800 students, providing a more personal campus experience and community emphasis.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both institutions have moderately competitive admissions. UD has an acceptance rate of 72.3%, whereas DSU is slightly more competitive at 59%. UD generally accepts students with stronger academic records (average GPA of 3.94), whereas DSU offers a wider reach admissions policy (average GPA of 3.09). Both are test-optional, and both provide avenues for multiple student backgrounds.
Research Impact & Facilities
UD is a research powerhouse, boasting more than 80 research centers, such as the STAR Campus, which facilitates innovation in health, engineering, and data science. DSU emphasizes applied research, especially in agriculture, biology, and environmental science, and has made progress in building out its STEM infrastructure.
Cost & Financial Aid
DSU is cheaper, with in-state tuition at $8,544 and out-of-state at $18,480, whereas UD comes in at $14,040 in-state and $37,680 out-of-state. Both have generous financial aid, where 91% of students are supported by DSU through grants and 87% by UD.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UD alumni have a median salary of $61,300 ten years after graduation, while DSU alumni have a median salary of about $36,600. UD alumni excel in engineering, business, education, and health sciences with good employability and international reach. DSU alumni tend to excel in public service, communications, and community leadership, particularly in regional and cultural fields.
