Best Colleges in Delaware

Goldey-Beacom College was originally founded as Wilmington Commercial College in 1886 with five students. Today, this private college serves about 2,000 full-time and part-time students from its 24-acre campus east of Wilmington. GBC offers 41 career-focused associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as accounting, communication, and taxation. The college's business major includes 11 possible concentrations, including healthcare management and information technology. GBC also offers a three-year doctor of business administration, which includes a series of eight-week courses focused on advanced business theory and investigation. The college also provides non-degree career training in business by offering undergraduate and graduate certificates. All applicants must complete GBC's online application, although requirements vary for first-year, transfer, and international students. First-year students must submit ACT or SAT scores. GBC's business programs are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

The University of Delaware has a history that dates back to 1743 and is the largest university in the state. UD is also one of the leading online schools in Delaware, with an online degree in nursing that has been available through distance education since 1993. The online BS in nursing, like other programs, is offered year round.Online programs at UD combine asynchronous study with real-time interactions. Online students are never required to visit the Newark campus, but learners who live in the area can take tests at any of the UD campuses or Delaware testing centers. Out-of-state students can set up local placement and testing sites. Transfer students are eligible to bring in up to 59 credits that were earned with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Online students are permitted access to the online library and other academic and professional resources.

Delaware State University, established in 1891, is a Historically Black College. The school offers several online undergraduate programs, including accounting, criminal justice, psychology, and public health, as well as four graduate degrees, which makes DSU one of the leading online colleges in Delaware.At DSU, online courses are offered in a few different forms. Many of the online classes follow an eight-week, accelerated format, which allows students to work through one asynchronously delivered class at a time. There are also on-campus classes that are web-enhanced and blended classes that combine online and on-campus elements. For admission into any programs at DSU, applicants must have minimum ACT scores of 17 and minimum SAT scores of 800. New students and transfer students must also have at least a 2.0 GPA in previous college coursework. Online students at DSU are provided with a number of resources for employment, academic assistance, and finding internships.

Wilmington University provides an inclusive academic experience that emphasizes innovative learning led by expert faculty. The nonprofit research institution promotes a student-focused environment, both face-to-face and online. The leader in online colleges in Delaware, Wilmington University offers 90 fully online degree and certificate programs, and each program's flexible online curriculum caters to students with diverse educational backgrounds. Up to 90 transfer hours can be applied toward an online degree, and students can convert prior training into earned credit. The university's undergraduate tuition rates are competitively priced, and online students pay the same as traditional students. Active duty military students receive a significant discount toward tuition. Prospective students can take a free online course to determine if online learning is a good fit. Online student navigators are available to assist distance learners, and students can chat with a navigator from 8-11PM on specified days.

Founded in 1873, Wesley College is Delaware's oldest private college. Located on a 50-acre campus in Dover, this liberal arts school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Wesley boasts more than 30 areas of study, student-centered learning, and a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Wesley undergraduates must fulfill core requirements and may select from 25 programs. Wesley's graduate programs include master's degrees in business, education, environmental science, nursing, and occupational therapy, as well as online degrees in sport leadership and criminal justice. For students seeking advanced training but not a degree, Wesley provides undergraduate and graduate certificates in fields such as nursing, coaching, and education. Interested students can fill out a free online application. First-year applicants must submit test scores, although the application does not require letters of recommendation or essays. Transfer students may transfer in courses completed with a "C" or higher.