Last Updated: September 10, 2021
Delaware - The First State
The state of Delaware is located on the Atlantic coast in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Delaware is around 1,000,000. Dover is the capital of Delaware while the largest city of the state is Wilmington with a population of around 70,800. A majority of the population of Delaware is concentrated in the town of Townsend in New Castle County. This American state has a large number of Hispanic, African, and Asian American populations.
The state is in a transitional zone between a humid tropical climate and a continental climate. The average monthly temperature in Delaware ranges from 26 F to 85 F approximately.
Delaware has many interesting nicknames. The most popular nickname "The Diamond State" was coined by Thomas Jefferson, as he considered the state to be a jewel with regards to its ideal location at the time. Other popular nicknames include "The First State" (being the first among the thirteen original states that ratified the constitution of America), "Blue Hen State" (signifying the official state bird which was once used by soldiers for cockfights, during the revolutionary war), and "Small Wonder" (highlighting the scenic beauty of the state).
Major Cities in Delaware
Wilmington
With a population of around 70,000, the city of Wilmington is the largest in Delaware. It is supposedly named either after the Earl of Wilmington, Spencer Compton, or Thomas Willing, the first developer of the land. It was incorporated as a city in the year 1832. It is home to the Widener University-Delaware Law School. Major attractions in the city include Wilmington Industrial Park, Hagley Museum, Brandywine Creek, Brown Park, Business History & Technology Museum, Brandywine Park, etc.
Dover
Dover is the second-largest city in Delaware with an approximate population of more than 37,000. Situated in Kent County, it is the state's capital. It was founded in the year 1683. It is also home to two of the best institutions of higher learning, namely, Delaware State University and Wesley College. It is best known for its gaming events and also tourist destinations such as the Dover International Speedway, John Dickinson Plantation, the Legislative Hall (State Capitol Building), Air Mobility Command Museum, Biggs Museum of American Art, and so on.
Newark
This is the third-largest city in the state of Delaware, situated in New Castle County. It was founded by the settlers of Wales in the year 1694. Newark is a city popular for its greenery and diverse community.
It is also known for its safety considering that the crime rates are lower than the national average. The reputed University of Delaware is situated in this city. Popular sights in Newark are the White Clay Creek State Park, University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, Newark Reservoir, Rittenhouse Park, Milburn Orchards, Patriot Ice Center, and more.
Middletown
With an estimated population of about 22,000 Middletown is the fourth biggest city in Delaware. It was incorporated as a city in 1861. It is known for its culturally diverse community, the yearly Olde Tyme Peach Festival, and popular attractions within the city. Major destinations include Frightland, Mid County Lanes and Entertainment, Silver Lake Park, Charles E. Price Memorial Park, Blackbird Creek Reserve, and so on.
Economy/Job Market
Manufacturing (especially chemicals, paper products, rubber, and plastics), mining (sand and gravel, magnesium), agriculture (mostly broilers, soybeans, corn, milk), finance, fishery, tourism, are the major sectors of Delaware. Popular companies situated in Delaware include Dupont, Dogfish Head Brewing, Navient, W. L. Gore and Associates, Wilmington Trust, WSFS Bank, SLM, and others.
The covid-19 pandemic turned to be a major turning point where nations all over the world faced many challenges in every aspect. The economy was one of those aspects. The state of Delaware also experienced considerable setbacks (especially in the areas of tourism and hospitality) but is currently flourishing at a slow pace. There has been a major decrease in the unemployment rate from 13.4 percent, a year ago, to 6.3 percent as of now.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Delaware
The cost of living in Delaware is slightly higher than the US national average. The costs for healthcare services are exceptionally higher than the national average. Therefore, students who are planning to move to this state need to be prepared for medical costs and opt for the best medical insurance available. Apart from transportation, the overall costs are high in the state of Delaware.
The median household income in Delaware is approximately $69,000, which was higher than the national average. Per capita income in Delaware is around $36,000. The cost of education in this state is comparatively affordable for not just in-state students but also out-of-state students. However, tuition costs for in-state students in public institutions are lower than that for out-of-state students. For instance, the tuition fee at the University of Delaware is around $16,000 for in-state students and around $38,000 for out-of-state students.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
This state has 5 private and 5 public universities. Owing to good universities with excellent faculty, infrastructure, and affordability, universities in Delaware are proving to be a good choice for international students. The most popular educational universities in Delaware are:
- University of DelawareOne of the top institutes of higher learning in the state is the University of Delaware. It is a public university situated in the city of Newark and consists of around 26,000 students. It was founded in the year 1743. The tuition fee for undergraduates in the university is around $16,000 for in-state students and around $38,000 for out-of-state students. It is well-known for its renowned faculty, vibrant welcoming atmosphere, and high quality of education that promotes free and critical thinking among its students. President Joe Biden is a notable alumnus of this university.
- Delaware State University This is a reputed public institution in the capital city of Dover. It is also one of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Popularly known as DESU, or Del State, the university was established in 1891. It has more than 5000 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. The tuition fee for undergraduates is around $10,000 (in-state) and around $19,000 (out-of-state). It has more than 40 undergraduate programs, 18 graduate programs, and excellent faculty. The university is acclaimed for its high research activity in the areas of agriculture, food and nutrition, and natural resources. The university recently gained the acquisition of Wesley College.
- Wesley College Wesley College was a private liberal arts college situated in the capital city of Dover. It was founded in the year 1873 and was originally known as Wilmington Conference Academy. It has more than 1600 students, and the tuition fee is around $28,000 for undergraduates. After the takeover on the 1st of July 2021, the college is now under Delaware State University and is now known as Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences. It is announced that the institute will include new programs like kinesiology, nursing, psychology, and so on, along with the existing ones.
- Wilmington University This is a private university situated in New Castle. It was established in the year 1968 by Dr. Donald Ross. With more than 20,000 students, the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The tuition fee is around $13,000 for undergraduate students. Wilmington University is one of the most affordable private institutions in the state. The colleges under this university are College of Arts and Sciences, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Business, College of Online and Experiential Learning, College of Education, College of Health Professions, and College of Technology.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
Scholarships and grants can be extremely helpful for students who dream of pursuing quality education from reputed institutions, but cannot afford it. It is also a great way of recognizing brilliant minds who are academically meritorious. The state of Delaware may have a cost of living slightly more expensive than the national average, but with regards to education, it does not compromise. The state, as well as the universities, provide a wide range of scholarships and grants for students based on merit, financial need, ethnicity, race, gender, or even the area of specialization. There are numerous applicants across the state, and to determine the eligibility of the candidates, the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is to be filled by all students before applying for any kind of financial aid.
- Scholarship Incentive Program (SCIP): This is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to both undergraduate and graduate students who display the required level of financial need. To be qualified for this scholarship program, the candidate is to secure a minimum of 2.5 CGPA and send the academic transcripts to (DHEO) Delaware Higher Education Office. The student should attend a regionally accredited non-profit institution on a full-time basis, should be a US citizen, and a permanent resident of the state of Delaware. Depending on the need and the degree of the student, the award amount will be around $700 to $1,000. This scholarship program will not apply to students attending a public institution.
- Delaware SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship Program: This program is merit-based as well as need-based. To be eligible for this scholarship program, the student must pursue an associate degree program on a full-time basis either in Delaware Technical Community College, or the University of Delaware. The student should secure a minimum of 2.5 CGPA or be among the top 80% of the class in high school, or secure a GPA of 2.5 or more in a degree program. The transcripts are to be sent to the Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO). Other requirements for the applicants include being a permanent Delaware resident, and a US citizen.
- Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship program requires students to display academic merit by securing a CGPA of 3.0 or more, and a minimum SAT score of 1000. The student must be planning to pursue a degree in humanities or social science (special preference to political science students mostly) at the Delaware State University or the University of Delaware. Students are to send their academic transcripts to the Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO), and mention one's interests, performed activities, or awards received. According to the award description, this program will cover costs for "full tuition, required fees, room, board, and books."
- Herman M. Holloway, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: This is a merit-based scholarship program awarded by the Delaware Department of Education, honoring Herman M. Holloway, Sr., Delaware's first African-American State Senator. To be eligible for the program, the student should be a US citizen as well as a permanent legal resident of Delaware, secure a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and a minimum SAT score of 1000. Students are also supposed to present a 1,000-word essay based on a given topic along with the academic transcripts. According to the award description, this program will cover costs for "full tuition, required fees, room, board, and books at Delaware State University".
Tourism
Being the 'First State', the state of Delaware is a fascinating place for tourists not just to explore its historical and cultural significance but also to experience the beauty of the place. The state is filled with various tourist attractions packed with numerous fun activities to do. Popular sights in Delaware are Air Mobility Command Museum, Rehoboth and Delaware Beaches, Nemours Estate, Brandywine Zoo, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Delaware Art Museum, Brandywine Creek State Park, Jungle Jim's - River Safari Water Park, and so much more. On visiting the 'Diamond State', one must definitely try out the famous Peach Pie, which is officially the state dessert. Other popular delicacies available here are Capriotti's Bobbie, Cheesesteak, Blue Crabs, Cream Chipped Beef, etc.
Universities & Colleges in Delaware
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
