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Best Nursing Schools in Delaware: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 25, 2026

Explore Delaware's 4 nursing programs with tuition ranging from $4,965–$16,080 annually. Compare acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and post-graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing school.

Overview of Nursing Education in Delaware

Delaware's nursing education landscape offers four accredited pathways for aspiring nurses, with options spanning public universities, private institutions, and community colleges. Whether you're a high school graduate, career changer, or working professional, Delaware provides accessible entry points into one of healthcare's most in-demand professions.

The state's nursing programs range significantly in cost and selectivity. In-state tuition spans from $4,965 annually at Delaware Technical Community College to $16,080 at the University of Delaware. This 3:1 cost difference reflects different institutional types and degree pathways—but it's important to understand that lower tuition doesn't always correlate with better outcomes or job placement.

Delaware's nursing schools collectively serve over 44,000 students, with nursing representing a critical healthcare workforce need. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% through 2032—faster than average occupations—making this an excellent time to enter the field.

Top University Nursing Programs in Delaware

University of Delaware (Newark)

The Overview: University of Delaware is Delaware's flagship public research institution and the state's most selective nursing program.

Tuition: $16,080/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 65.1%
Graduation Rate: 79.2%
Post-Graduate Earnings: $115,726/year (Master's Degree)
Total Enrollment: 18,812

University of Delaware's nursing program stands out for its highest graduation rate (79.2%) and exceptional post-graduate earnings potential. Graduates with master's degrees earn approximately $115,726 annually—significantly higher than other Delaware programs. This reflects the university's emphasis on advanced practice roles and research-focused education.

The 65.1% acceptance rate indicates moderate selectivity. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong GPA performance and competitive prerequisite coursework in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. UD's location in Newark provides access to major healthcare systems and clinical partnerships throughout northern Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Best for: Students seeking a research-oriented education with strong earning potential and willing to invest in a 4-year bachelor's degree at a public research university.

Delaware State University (Dover)

The Overview: Delaware State University is a historically Black university (HBCU) offering affordable nursing education with a focus on community health.

Tuition: $10,314/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 61.7%
Graduation Rate: 42.1%
Post-Graduate Earnings: $69,183/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Total Enrollment: 4,630

Delaware State University provides the most affordable 4-year university option at $10,314 annually—$5,766 less than University of Delaware. The 61.7% acceptance rate is slightly more accessible than UD, making it a good option for students with moderate academic profiles.

However, prospective students should carefully consider the 42.1% graduation rate, which is notably lower than UD's 79.2%. This metric suggests that while DSU offers affordable access, students may face challenges completing the program. Factors could include academic support needs, financial pressures requiring work-study balance, or curriculum difficulty. We recommend contacting the nursing department directly to understand graduation rate context and available support services.

Post-graduate earnings of $69,183 for bachelor's degree holders are the lowest among Delaware's four programs, reflecting entry-level RN positions. However, many graduates pursue master's degrees to increase earning potential.

Best for: Budget-conscious students seeking an HBCU experience and willing to invest time in academic support to complete the program.

Wilmington University (New Castle)

The Overview: Wilmington University is Delaware's largest private nonprofit institution, offering flexible scheduling for working students.

Tuition: $12,330/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 21.0%
Post-Graduate Earnings: $93,388/year (Master's Degree)
Total Enrollment: 8,497

Wilmington University occupies a middle position in cost ($12,330 annually) but presents the most significant concern regarding graduation outcomes. The 21.0% graduation rate is substantially lower than all other Delaware programs and warrants serious investigation before enrollment.

This low completion rate may reflect Wilmington's mission to serve working adults and non-traditional students—populations that often face competing obligations. However, prospective students deserve transparent information about what factors contribute to this metric and what support systems exist to improve completion.

The post-graduate earnings of $93,388 for master's degree holders suggest that graduates who do complete the program achieve solid career outcomes. Wilmington's flexibility and evening/online course options appeal to career changers and working professionals.

Best for: Working professionals and non-traditional students who can leverage Wilmington's flexible scheduling, with realistic expectations about completion challenges and commitment to academic persistence.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Delaware Technical Community College–Terry Campus (Dover)

The Overview: Delaware Tech is the state's primary pathway for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) education and the most affordable option overall.

Tuition: $4,965/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 19.6%
Post-Graduate Earnings: $86,455/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Total Enrollment: 11,012

Delaware Tech's ADN program costs just $4,965 annually—less than one-third of University of Delaware's tuition. For students with financial constraints, this represents genuine access to nursing education.

Important Note on Degree Type: Delaware Tech awards an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), not a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). ADN graduates are fully licensed RNs and earn comparable starting salaries ($86,455 reported). However, many healthcare systems increasingly prefer or require BSN degrees for advancement, clinical ladder progression, and specialty certifications.

The 19.6% graduation rate is concerning and requires context. Community college nursing programs are rigorous, with high attrition rates nationally due to challenging prerequisite coursework, NCLEX-RN exam preparation, and student demographics (many work full-time while studying). We recommend requesting program-specific retention data and support services information.

ADN to BSN Pathway: Many Delaware Tech graduates pursue bridge programs to earn a BSN while working as RNs. University of Delaware and Wilmington University both offer RN-to-BSN programs, allowing you to start affordably and advance your degree later.

Best for: Budget-conscious students, working adults, and those seeking quick entry into the nursing workforce. Ideal for students planning to work as RNs while pursuing a BSN through bridge programs.

How to Choose the Right Delaware Nursing Program

1. Clarify Your Timeline and Financial Situation

4-Year BSN: University of Delaware ($16,080/yr) and Delaware State University ($10,314/yr) offer bachelor's degrees directly.
2-Year ADN + Bridge: Delaware Tech ($4,965/yr) followed by RN-to-BSN programs provides flexibility and affordability.
Private 4-Year: Wilmington University ($12,330/yr) offers flexibility but requires careful consideration of graduation rate.

Calculate total cost of attendance (tuition + fees + living expenses + opportunity costs). Many students overlook that lower tuition doesn't account for living expenses or extended timelines due to low graduation rates.

2. Evaluate Graduation Rates Honestly

Graduation rates vary dramatically:

University of Delaware: 79.2% (highest)
Delaware State University: 42.1%
Wilmington University: 21.0%
Delaware Tech: 19.6%

Lower graduation rates don't disqualify a program, but they demand investigation. Ask:

What support services exist (tutoring, counseling, academic coaching)?
What are typical reasons for non-completion?
How does the program support working students?

3. Consider Your Academic Preparation

Nursing prerequisite courses (chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology) are rigorous. If you haven't completed these, factor in additional semesters and costs. Some programs offer stronger remedial support than others.

4. Assess Clinical Partnerships and Location

University of Delaware (Newark): Access to major health systems in northern Delaware and Pennsylvania
Delaware State University & Delaware Tech (Dover): Central Delaware location with access to Delaware hospitals and clinics
Wilmington University (New Castle): Proximity to Wilmington's major medical centers

Proximity to clinical sites affects your learning experience and potential job opportunities post-graduation.

5. Research Career Goals and Earning Potential

Post-graduate earnings vary by degree type and institution:

Master's Degree holders: $115,726 (UD) to $93,388 (Wilmington)
Bachelor's Degree holders: $86,455 (Delaware Tech ADN) to $69,183 (DSU)

If you aim for advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist), prioritize programs with strong master's degree outcomes and research opportunities.

Delaware's Nursing Job Market

Delaware's healthcare sector is robust, with significant demand for registered nurses:

Major Employers: Christiana Care Health System (Delaware's largest private employer), Delaware Health and Social Services, ChristianaCare, Nemours Children's Health, and numerous outpatient clinics
Salary Context: Delaware's cost of living is moderate compared to neighboring states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey), making nursing salaries competitive
Growth Opportunities: Delaware's aging population (median age 40.5 years) drives demand for geriatric nursing, chronic disease management, and long-term care specialties

The state's relatively small size means strong professional networking opportunities and accessible connections to healthcare leadership—valuable for career advancement.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Delaware

Federal Aid

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (fafsa.gov) to access federal grants, loans, and work-study
Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 (2024-25) for eligible low-income students—doesn't require repayment
Federal Student Loans: Stafford loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) available through all four programs

State-Specific Aid

Delaware Higher Education Grant (DHEG): Up to $2,300/year for Delaware residents attending in-state institutions
Nursing Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment: Delaware offers loan forgiveness programs for nurses working in underserved areas

Institutional Scholarships

University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wilmington University offer merit-based scholarships for nursing students
Contact each institution's financial aid office for program-specific opportunities

Employer Sponsorship

Many Delaware healthcare systems (Christiana Care, Nemours) offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment for employees who commit to working post-graduation

Next Steps: Compare Programs and Apply

You've reviewed Delaware's four nursing programs. Now it's time to compare them directly:

Visit each program's website and request information packets
Schedule campus tours and speak with current nursing students
Attend information sessions (many schools host virtual and in-person events)
Request detailed financial aid estimates for your specific situation
Review NCLEX-RN pass rates for each program (available through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing)

Compare all Delaware nursing programs side-by-side on GradeToGrad: Visit GradeToGrad.com's nursing school search to filter by tuition, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and location. Create a personalized comparison list and track application deadlines.

Final Thoughts

Delaware's nursing programs serve different student populations and goals. University of Delaware offers the strongest graduation outcomes and earning potential for students seeking a traditional 4-year experience. Delaware Tech provides affordable access through an ADN pathway with bridge options. Delaware State University balances affordability with HBCU values. Wilmington University serves flexible learners willing to navigate lower completion rates.

Your choice should align with your financial situation, academic preparation, timeline, and career aspirations. Don't choose solely on tuition—consider graduation rates, support services, and long-term earning potential. Nursing is a rewarding career with genuine job security and meaningful work. Choose the program that sets you up for success.