If you live in Delaware and you want to earn a degree, but you're currently working or have other obligations, going to an online college might be a great option. There are a variety of schools in the state that can give you the opportunity to gain knowledge in a certain field of study without changing your lifestyle. Here are a few highlights about what's available in online education in Delaware.

  • 6 online colleges in Delaware offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs.
  • Associate degrees can be earned at 4 of these schools in Delaware, while bachelor's degrees and master's degree can be earned at 5 of them.
  • 2 of the online colleges are public while 4 are private. Delaware also hosts one of the country's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Delaware State University.
  • Wilmington University and Strayer University-Delaware offer the most online degree programs.
  • Although programs vary from school to school, most online colleges in Delaware offer fields of study such as business, marketing, education, and psychology.

Read on to see our list of the best online schools in Delaware, and what qualifications makes these particular colleges a great pick for students. Further down on the page, you can find information about Delaware-specific scholarships that can help make pursuing an online degree more affordable.

What Makes a Good Online College in Delaware?

This page offers several comprehensive rankings on accredited schools in Delaware. Most schools on our list are accredited by the regional Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and some are accredited by national agencies such as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. However, every school you see on this page holds accreditation from an official accrediting body. To learn more about why this matters, see our page "What is College Accreditation?" For information about accreditation in Delaware, visit the Delaware Higher Education Office at the Delaware Department of Education.

However, accreditation isn't all that matters when it comes to selecting a school. To create our rankings, we looked at a variety of criteria that help describe the online experience, such as graduation and retention rates. We also looked at factors that can make a big difference in online learning, such as the presence and variety of academic and career services. Comparing these factors can help Delaware students make a well-informed choice about what online college may be best for them. To learn more about the points we studied for each school, check the "What Makes a Good Online College?" section of our "About Us" page.

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Best Online Colleges in Delaware for 2019-20

It can be hard to find the right college — especially for distance learners, who can pick from every state in the U.S. Use this ranking of the best online colleges in Delaware to gain insight into the state's leading institutes for higher education. This list was created using data compiled from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and our own proprietary methodology.

1

University of Delaware

Tuition & Fees
$13,680
Distance Education Participation
11%
Number of Programs Offered
10
School Type
4-year

What is UDel like?

Established in 1743, the University of Delaware is a recognized research university with state-assisted land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant studies. Its distinguished alumni include inventors, elected officials and industry leaders in areas of science and innovation, including Joe Biden, Chris Christie and Daniel Nathans. Students can participate in online degree and certificate programs, as well as individual courses, through UD Online.

What online programs are at UDel?

UDel's list of online offerings include an M.A. in strategic communication and a Master of Public Administration, among others. A key program to consider is the school's Master of Science in cybersecurity, as UDel is not only DHS- and NSA-endorsed, but also hosts an official Cybersecurity Initiative. The initiative brings together the state, federal agencies and the private sector to improve UDel's cybersecurity education with workshops and training.

The university uses Canvas as its online learning management system, with most programs taking an asynchronous approach.

What online resources does UDel offer?

The school library offers open educational resources and access to electronic publications to all UDel students, as well as special services for distance learners. UDel also offers support to student veterans and current military service members, including application fee waivers and VA education benefits.

2

Wilmington University

Tuition & Fees
$11,210
Distance Education Participation
74%
Number of Programs Offered
62
School Type
4-year

What is WilmU Like?

Wilmington University, an institution that emphasizes flexible options and an accelerated pace in its degree programs, expanded its online education program in 2005. The school's flagship campus, located along the Delaware River, is one of the several campus locations, enabling students to explore innovative hybrid programs as well as fully online-based learning. It's no coincidence that this private, nonsectarian university was also recognized by OnlineColleges as one of the best online colleges for master's degree programs in 2019.

What online programs are at WilmU?

WilmU has numerous formats for its online programs, at both the graduate and undergraduate level.

  • Online: 100 percent online programs can be delivered by the Blackboard learning platform in seven-week blocks or 15-week semesters. Programs are primarily synchronous in format.
  • Hybrid: As much as 50 percent of these programs are delivered online in the same format as an online program. However, the rest of the program is delivered face-to-face in the classroom.
  • Fusion: WilmU introduced this format in 2005 to certain programs like their B.S. in organizational management. These hybrid courses are delivered in five-week periods, designed for students seeking to complete their education at a faster pace.
  • Flexible: Some WilmU on-campus courses are held with a synchronous live webinar using Blackboard. Students have the option to attend these "flexible" classes on campus or online.

Two programs of particular note are the online RN to BSN program — which has an accelerated option for students looking to finish school quickly -- and the online MBA program, which offers 12 specialized degree concentrations.

What online resources does WilmU offer?

WilmU works to make education accessible by offering affordable tuition and a generous transfer program that allows up to 90 transfer credits. Students pay in-state tuition rates even if they access the online campus from across the country. Also, the programs at Wilmington are built to be military-friendly, with multiple options for scheduling and completion dates.

3

Delaware State University

Tuition & Fees
$7,868
Distance Education Participation
32%
Number of Programs Offered
10
School Type
4-year

What is DSU Like?

Delaware State University, established in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students, holds the distinction of being the only Historically Black College/ University (HBCU) on our list of the best online colleges in Delaware. The university is proud of its legacy of diversity and empowerment, which it extends to an increasing student body through its in-demand online programs. It has a strong history of science and mathematics federal grant projects, including the Applied Mathematics Research Center and the Center for Applied Optics.

What online programs are at DSU?

DSU hosts 100 percent online undergraduate programs, including accounting, psychology and general management. The school also offers graduate programs in areas such as sports administration and social work.

The school's online campus, DSU Online, utilizes Blackboard, incorporating web-enhanced courses, blended learning and online distance education courses depending on the program selected. Regardless of the program, most of the university's distance courses still require discussion and participation through the web portal. Some courses feature other self-paced study options that allow students more flexibility in their education.

What online resources does DSU Offer?

The College of Business at DSU offers a mentoring program, and online students have access to the COB Advisement Center for internship opportunities as well. DSU's Office of Career Services also provides access to career assessment tools like PathwayU and StrengthsQuest, and job placement options through a partnership with online career network Handshake.

4

Wesley College

Tuition & Fees
$26,406
Distance Education Participation
6%
Number of Programs Offered
1
School Type
4-year

What is WC like?

Delaware's oldest college, Wesley College, is a private institution with a primarily liberal arts degree lineup. Recognized for its support to Dover Air Force Base families through its off-campus center nearby and its small class sizes, Wesley is well-recognized in the community. It also partners with the Schwartz Center for the Arts in Downtown Dover.

What online programs are at WC?

Students enrolling in undergraduate or graduate students may take courses through the school's e-learning offerings. Some of Wesley's programs incorporate online courses, and programs like the Master of Criminal Justice allows for 100 percent online learning. These e-learning courses are mostly available for graduate students who wish to earn a Master of Business Administration or Master of Occupational Therapy, among others. To support communication between students and professors regardless of distance, Wesley offers its e-learning through the online Moodle interface.

What online resources does WC offer?

Students can go on WC's online portal, My Wesley, to check important announcements, including updates on potential sources of financial aid that can help make college more affordable. Eligible students may apply for VA educational benefits with the help of the school's Veteran's Affairs Office, and the school's Office of Career Advising helps students to find job opportunities through employment, internships and volunteer opportunities. Finally, the school's IT services also grant students access to Microsoft Office 365 at no additional cost.

Affordable Online Colleges in Delaware for 2019-20

This list displays the most affordable online colleges in Delaware, arranged in order of tuition and fees. If you're looking for an affordable way to earn your education in Delaware, one of these online colleges might be able to help you do so.

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Financial Aid Resources in Delaware

What Grants and Scholarships are Available in Delaware?

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2020 by CollegeXpress.