About Wilmington University
Students pay an average net price of $15,355, regardless of whether they live in Delaware or elsewhere. That uniform pricing makes budgeting straightforward for families. Graduates typically earn $53,844 ten years after starting college, while carrying median debt of just $20,000. The monthly loan payment averages $212, which is manageable given the employment rate of 96.8%. For working adults already earning income, the degree often pays for itself relatively quickly.
The student body reflects Delaware's diversity, with 22% Black students and 16% Hispanic students. Women make up 61% of enrollment, typical for schools serving adult learners returning to finish degrees. Only 22.6% of students graduate within six years, but that low rate reflects the part-time nature of most students rather than academic failure.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 6.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 21.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.6%
- Retention Rate
- 53.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,844
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $122,038 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,543 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $85,538 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $79,473 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,321 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $68,778 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $68,666 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $64,493 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $63,997 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $63,005 |
Campus Life
Delaware's moderate climate means light jackets in winter rather than heavy coats, though you'll want layers for the humid summers. The trimester system allows students to accelerate their studies or take breaks as needed for work schedules. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally and understand the challenges of juggling multiple commitments. Weekend life revolves more around study groups and online coursework than traditional campus activities. Many students take evening or online classes while working during the day. The Wildcats compete in 14 Division II sports with 310 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics for most of the student body.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–41°F
- July Avg
- 68°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 20.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.9%
- Women
- 61.1%
- White
- 47.0%
- Black
- 22.4%
- Hispanic
- 16.2%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 35.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.3%
Location
- Address
- New Castle, Delaware 19720
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,844
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,435
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Wilmington University?
Wilmington University maintains an open admission policy designed for working adults and non-traditional students. The university focuses on flexible access rather than selective admissions, with a 53.78% retention rate reflecting its commitment to supporting students who often balance work and family responsibilities.
How much does Wilmington University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,355 annually, with tuition set at $12,330 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university keeps costs accessible for working adults, though only 26.31% of students receive federal aid and just 1.08% receive institutional grants.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Wilmington University?
Wilmington University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 8,497 enrolled students. The university operates on a trimester calendar system, allowing students to accelerate their education or take breaks as needed for work and family commitments.
What are the graduation rates at Wilmington University?
The university has a 21.02% four-year graduation rate and 22.60% six-year graduation rate, reflecting its large population of part-time and working students. Graduates earn a median of $53,844 ten years after enrollment, with a strong 96.8% employment rate showing the practical value of their education.
Where is Wilmington University located and what is campus life like?
The main campus sits in New Castle, Delaware, in a large suburban setting that serves the greater Wilmington metropolitan area. With 61.06% women and 38.94% men, the diverse student body includes 47% white, 22.43% Black, and 16.19% Hispanic students, reflecting the working adult population the university serves.
Does Wilmington University offer athletic programs?
The Wildcats compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports and 310 total athletes in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. The university provides $1,439,706 in athletic scholarships, supporting student-athletes who often juggle sports with work and academic responsibilities.
