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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're eyeing a degree program at a Delaware college but don't currently live in the state, you could get stuck paying non-resident rates. Higher tuition is often charged for out-of-state students, but there are ways to offset the increased cost.
First, you could see if your program is covered by the Academic Common Market. Fifteen states participate in this program which makes students eligible for in-state tuition rates if their area of study isn't available in their home state. It allows those with niche majors to avoid out-of-state tuition.
There is also the Regional Contract Program designed for those studying for professional health degrees. Seven states will allow eligible out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition at public institutions for degree programs in optometry, dentistry, medicine and similar fields.
Finally, many schools also have scholarship programs for non-resident students, and these can significantly reduce the cost of attending college. For instance, Delaware State University has scholarships that range in value from $2,000 to the full cost of tuition.
For more information on residency requirements and out-of-state tuition, talk to your school's admissions office. You can also learn more about the programs mentioned above at the following links:
Career opportunities abound for students who earn degrees from one of the top online colleges in Delaware. Students can use the data presented below — which includes statewide employment numbers for key industry sectors, as well as average salaries and projected job growth — to gain insight into some of the most high demands jobs in Delaware. This data can help students make more informed choices prior to enrollment, so their degree path can dovetail with the most needed jobs in Delaware.
| Employment | Employment Growth | Median High School Salary | Median Bachelor's Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 471,600 | 6.1% | $32,301 | $55,434 |
*Industry rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.
| Top Industries | Employment | Projected Growth | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monetary authorities-central bank | 104,060 | 10% | $76,207 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 323,060 | 8% | $64,192 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 349,470 | 7% | $63,424 |
| Postal service | 126,830 | 7% | $72,881 |
| Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (except copyrighted works) | 130,760 | 7% | $75,077 |
| Pipeline transportation | 117,680 | 6% | $76,933 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 382,430 | 7% | $60,596 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | 268,750 | 6% | $65,849 |
| Data processing, hosting, and related services | 170,850 | 5% | $71,836 |
| Air transportation | 164,990 | 6% | $69,959 |
Delaware is home to two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies and more than 80 percent of all companies that go public. In 2018, more than 216,000 new businesses were incorporated in Delaware. Though many of these companies aren't headquartered in the state, there's still strong demand for a wide range of financial positions in the state. Financial services accounts for nine percent of statewide employment in Delaware, including banking, leasing and insurance.
Many of the prominent companies in Delaware are involved in manufacturing. In fact, more than 96 percent of Delaware's global exports come from manufacturing. Companies in this sector &madsh; which include AstraZeneca, DuPont, BASF, PPG and Siemens, to name a few — require IT workers skilled in data processing and data hosting in order to maintain and protect sensitive company data.
With its strategic Mid-Atlantic geographical position, Delaware is a key logistics hub as well. Wilmington Airport and the Delaware Airpark serve the state, and nearby airports include Washington Dulles International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The proximity of so many large airports and the large amount of manufactured goods to ship makes the air transportation industry a natural hotbed of employment across the state.
Below we take a deeper dive into Delaware's economy to analyze some of the best jobs in Delaware's major metro areas.
Healthcare is a major industry in the Salisbury metropolitan statistical area, which includes Sussex, Worchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties. The 266-bed Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury is the region's largest hospital and a major employer of registered nurses and medical and health services managers.
The region's large population requires trained teachers and educational administrators to work at its many elementary and secondary schools as well. This is especially important considering that healthcare is a field that often requires higher education.
| Best Careers | Minimum Education | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Bachelor's degree | $72,960 | 3,810 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | Bachelor's degree | $118,730 | 470 |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Master's degree | $104,730 | 330 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | High school diploma or equivalent | $72,900 | N/A |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | High school diploma or equivalent | $86,390 | 230 |
*Career rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.
Wilmington's banking sector is a major regional economic driver — JPMorgan Chase & Co. alone employs more than 10,000 workers. Other major banking hubs in the greater Wilmington area include Barclays, TD Bank, Citi and PNC. These organizations employ many financial advisors, financial analysts, statisticians and lawyers, among other white-collar positions.
Philadelphia is just a short 30-mile drive from Wilmington, and many residents of the Wilmington-Camden-Philadelphia metro region find employment in the City of Brotherly Love. Financial positions are also among some of the most high demand jobs in Philadelphia, as are health specialties teachers to teach at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
| Best Careers | Minimum Education | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Financial Advisors | Bachelor's degree | $94,800 | 6,320 |
| Statisticians | Master's degree | $97,870 | 2,360 |
| Lawyers | Doctoral or professional degree | $156,870 | 18,330 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral or professional degree | $104,510 | 9,790 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other | Bachelor's degree | $96,890 | 14,780 |
*Career rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.
Community safety and involvement is at a premium in Dover, Delaware's capital city. The City of Dover Police Department and its Criminal Investigations Unit both require trained first-line supervisors for police and detectives to keep order in the area. The Dover Air Force Base is also a major regional employer, in particular for civil engineers, who can join the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron to support the base and its missions.
Regional growth in Dover also has created additional demand for social and community service managers. The Delaware Community Foundation has a "Focus on Dover" initiative, consisting of several community projects aimed at improving conditions and opportunities in the Dover metro area.
| Best Careers | Minimum Education | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistants | Master's degree | $111,620 | 40 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | High school diploma or equivalent | $107,420 | 90 |
| Civil Engineers | Bachelor's degree | $80,750 | 240 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | Bachelor's degree | $65,200 | 120 |
*Career rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.