About Delaware State University
Delaware State University builds careers through agriculture, business, and education programs that reflect its 132-year history as an HBCU. The university enrolls 4,630 students in Delaware's capital city of Dover. Students benefit from small-town accessibility while gaining access to internships and jobs in state government. The 54.92% acceptance rate makes DSU moderately selective, with incoming students averaging 945 on the SAT.
Students typically pay $15,745 per year after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options for a four-year degree. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $49,307 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical $26,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for most graduates.
The student body is predominantly female at 64.99% and reflects DSU's mission as an HBCU, with 75.14% Black enrollment. The Hornets compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports with $5.5 million in athletic scholarships available. However, the 38.70% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared for academic challenges and take advantage of support services.
Students typically pay $15,745 per year after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options for a four-year degree. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $49,307 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical $26,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for most graduates.
The student body is predominantly female at 64.99% and reflects DSU's mission as an HBCU, with 75.14% Black enrollment. The Hornets compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports with $5.5 million in athletic scholarships available. However, the 38.70% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared for academic challenges and take advantage of support services.
Academics & Faculty
Delaware State University built its reputation around agriculture, business, and education programs that serve its mission as a historically black public university. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 38.7% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial challenges. As an HBCU founded in 1891, DSU emphasizes opportunity over exclusivity with a 54.9% acceptance rate. The university's agricultural programs reflect its land-grant heritage, while business and education degrees prepare students for stable career paths. With 75% of students being Black and strong community ties, DSU creates a supportive environment where underrepresented students can develop leadership skills and professional networks.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,307
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,022 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,584 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,128 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $34,526 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $31,936 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,167 |
Campus Life
Dover provides a small-city atmosphere just 90 minutes from Philadelphia and two hours from Washington, D.C. The campus houses 3,230 students in residence halls, accommodating about 70% of the 4,630 total enrollment. Women make up nearly 65% of the student body at this historically black university founded in 1891.
Winter temperatures hover in the 30s and 40s, so you'll need a decent coat, while summers reach the 80s with humid conditions typical of the Mid-Atlantic. The Hornets compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports with 437 total athletes, creating spirited game-day traditions. Students often gather for football games and basketball matchups in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Dover's downtown offers restaurants and entertainment, though many students head to nearby beaches or major cities on weekends. The 72% freshman retention rate suggests most students adapt well to campus life. Greek organizations and student clubs provide social outlets, while the university's strong agriculture and business programs create study groups and professional networking opportunities throughout the academic year.
Winter temperatures hover in the 30s and 40s, so you'll need a decent coat, while summers reach the 80s with humid conditions typical of the Mid-Atlantic. The Hornets compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports with 437 total athletes, creating spirited game-day traditions. Students often gather for football games and basketball matchups in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Dover's downtown offers restaurants and entertainment, though many students head to nearby beaches or major cities on weekends. The 72% freshman retention rate suggests most students adapt well to campus life. Greek organizations and student clubs provide social outlets, while the university's strong agriculture and business programs create study groups and professional networking opportunities throughout the academic year.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,230 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1891
Campus Safety (2023)
91 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 15 | 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Rape | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 10 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–44°F
- July Avg
- 69°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.2"
Student Demographics
Delaware State draws students who value community and opportunity at an affordable price. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 4,630 students, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work. The university serves a predominantly African American student body as part of its HBCU mission. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants, Delaware State opens doors for first-generation college students and those from working families. Students come primarily from the Mid-Atlantic region, creating a tight-knit campus culture where everyone knows each other in Dover's small-city setting.
- Men
- 35.0%
- Women
- 65.0%
- White
- 7.2%
- Black
- 75.1%
- Hispanic
- 8.5%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 38.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.4%
Location
Delaware State University sits in Dover, the state capital, about 90 minutes south of Philadelphia and two hours from Baltimore. Dover has a population of around 38,000 people, making it a small city that blends government activity with college life. The campus lies in central Delaware's flat agricultural region, surrounded by farmland and historic sites from the Colonial era. About 39% of students come from in-state, while many others arrive from nearby mid-Atlantic states. Dover's downtown area offers restaurants and shops within walking distance of campus, though many students venture to nearby beaches or Philadelphia for weekend activities. Students considering colleges in Delaware may also compare Delaware State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dover, Delaware 19901
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,307
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,996
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Delaware State University?
Delaware State University accepts 54.92% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is 945, with the middle 50% scoring between 830 and 1060.
How much does Delaware State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Delaware State University is $15,745 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $14,776, while those from higher-income families pay progressively more.
What is Delaware State University known for academically?
Delaware State University is a historically black public university with strong programs in agriculture, business, and education. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1, providing students with reasonable access to professors.
How do graduates of Delaware State University perform in the job market?
Delaware State University graduates earn a median salary of $49,307 ten years after graduation. The employment rate is 94%, though the six-year graduation rate is 38.70%, which is below the national average.
Where is Delaware State University located and what is campus life like?
Delaware State University is located in Dover, Delaware, in a small city setting with an enrollment of 4,630 students. The campus houses 3,230 students and has a predominantly female student body at 64.99% women.
Does Delaware State University compete in Division I athletics?
Delaware State University competes as the Hornets in NCAA Division I athletics within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The university offers 15 varsity sports with 437 total athletes and provides $5,507,081 in athletic scholarships.
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