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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we specifically designed our online programs for working adults and people returning to education.

We use eight-week terms so you can focus on fewer courses at a time and finish faster. Most coursework is asynchronous — you complete it on your schedule, not at specific times. This flexibility works for professionals balancing jobs and families.

Our faculty understand adult life and have taught thousands of working professionals. Our admissions process looks at your full experience, not just test scores. You can earn credit for work experience and transfer up to 90 credits from other higher education institutions for undergraduate programs and 9 for graduate programs.

Support services like advising and tutoring are available evenings and weekends when working adults need them. We offer payment plans and accept employer tuition assistance.

We created these programs with you in mind — not as an afterthought. You belong here.

Yes, we recognize that you’ve learned valuable skills outside the classroom.

For work experience, our Prior Learning Assessment process lets you document what you’ve learned through your career and training. You’ll create a portfolio that faculty review to see if it matches college-level learning.

For military service, we accept credit from your Joint Services Transcript, Community College of the Air Force, and military training that’s been recommended by the American Council on Education. This includes your job-specific military training and leadership courses.

Contact our Transfer Credit Counselor to review what experience might count toward your degree.

Absolutely. Our online programs are designed specifically for people with busy lives like yours.

We use eight-week terms, and most work is asynchronous, meaning you complete it on your schedule — not at specific class times. Study at night after the kids are in bed, on weekends, or whenever works for you.

We provide academic advising, free 24/7 tutoring through Tutor.com, and flexible policies. Our faculty understand that life happens — work emergencies, family obligations — and they’ll work with you through challenges.

We also offer payment plans that spread your costs over three months with no interest. You might even earn credit for your work experience, which can help you finish faster.

Many Delaware State University online students are working parents just like you. You’re not alone, and we’re committed to your success.

Yes, all Delaware State University students have access to career services, whether you’re studying online or on campus.

We’ll help you with resume reviews, interview preparation, and connecting with job opportunities. You’ll work with career advisors who understand your goals and can guide you toward the right path. Plus, you’ll tap into our strong alumni network — Delaware State University graduates are known for helping each other succeed.

As part of the eHBCU coalition, you’ll also have access to career fairs and employer partnerships across multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Contact our Office of Career Services for personalized support at careerservices@desu.edu or 302.857.6120.

We welcome international students and can issue visa documents for on-campus programs. However, federal rules don’t allow student visas for fully online programs.

If you’re an international student interested in our online offerings, please contact our Office of International Affairs to discuss your options. They can explain what might be possible based on your specific situation.

If you’ll be applying, start the process at least 90 days before the semester begins.

Delaware State University offers excellent value as a public Historically Black College and University.

Our tuition is significantly lower than for-profit online schools, and we don’t have hidden fees. As a public land-grant university, our mission is education and access — not profit.

Delaware State University graduates typically carry less debt than the national average. We’re ranked highly for social mobility, meaning we’re effective at helping students move up economically. Employers actively recruit from Delaware State University, so your degree delivers strong return on investment.

You can reduce costs further through our three-month interest-free payment plan, Historically Black College and University scholarships from organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and credit for work experience.

Military-affiliated students benefit from in-state tuition rates and can use Department of Defense Tuition Assistance at $250 per credit.

You’ll get a respected education at a price that won’t burden you with overwhelming debt.

Delaware State University is recognized as a leader among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Forbes ranks us No. 2 for Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities with Online Degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranks us No. 4 among public Historically Black Colleges and Universities and No. 10 overall among more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2026).

We’re also a Research 2 institution, which means we’re recognized for high-level research activity, according to the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This shows our commitment to academic rigor and innovation.

Beyond rankings, we’re known for results. We excel at helping students achieve social mobility — moving up economically regardless of where they start. Our graduates are well-prepared for career success, and employers actively recruit from Delaware State University.

For more than 135 years, we’ve been producing graduates who make a difference in their communities and careers.

We review applications quickly — typically within 24 to 48 hours after you submit everything.

We use rolling admissions, which means you can apply whenever you’re ready rather than trying to meet specific deadlines. Once your application is reviewed, you’ll hear from us through your admissions portal and university email.

For financial aid, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Our priority deadline is March 15, but we accept applications year-round. If you’re selected for verification, that process usually takes two to three weeks.

Delaware State University enrolls about 6,600 students. As Delaware’s only Historically Black College and University, we’re proud of our diverse community.

While we were founded to serve Black students, Delaware State University has always welcomed students of all races. Today, diversity is one of our core values. Our student body includes many first-generation college students, working adults returning to education, and students from across the country.

Our online programs are helping us serve even more students who want to be part of the Delaware State University community.

You’ll experience the full Delaware State University culture, not just take classes online.

You can participate in virtual cultural events, guest speakers, and student organizations. Your courses will include Historically Black College and University history and values. You’ll build connections with classmates through group projects and discussions.

Many of our faculty are Historically Black College and University graduates who bring that experience into every class. You can also join graduate chapters of historically Black fraternities and sororities.

You’re welcome to visit campus for optional experiences, and many online students attend our graduation ceremony in person to celebrate with their classmates.

You’re part of the Delaware State University family that spans more than 135 years.

You’ll interact with faculty through live virtual sessions, discussion boards, email, and virtual office hours.

Mentorship is central to the Historically Black College and University experience. Our faculty don’t just deliver lectures — they’re invested in your growth. Many are Historically Black College and University graduates who understand the challenges you might face and are committed to supporting you.

Your professors will know you as an individual, provide detailed feedback on your work, and guide you throughout your program. You’ll also have an academic advisor who stays with you from your first course through graduation.

Yes, absolutely. Delaware State University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The degree you earn online is identical to what students earn on campus. There’s no distinction on your diploma. You’ll graduate with a Delaware State University degree backed by more than 135 years of academic excellence.

Forbes ranks us No. 2 among Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities with Online Degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranks us No. 4 among public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2026). We’re also a Research 2 institution, which shows our commitment to high-level academics and research, according to the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Employers know and respect Delaware State University degrees. Many companies specifically recruit from Historically Black Colleges and Universities because they value the preparation and perspectives our graduates bring.

Our core values are Diversity, Community, Integrity, Scholarship, Contemporary and Outreach.

The Historically Black College and University experience at Delaware State University means you’ll find a place where you can be your authentic self. Our faculty and staff see your potential and invest in your success — you’re not just another student number. You’ll experience genuine community where people care about your journey.

At Delaware State University, we treat you as a whole person, not just a student. We understand your lived experiences and are committed to your growth personally and professionally. You’re joining a legacy of excellence and a community that will support you long after graduation.

Our Center for Disability Resources supports all students, including those studying online.

We can arrange accommodations like extra time on tests, note-taking assistance, materials in different formats, and assistive technology. The process is confidential — your instructors will only know what accommodations you need, not why.

To get started, you’ll fill out a form in our Accommodate system and provide documentation from your doctor or other licensed professional. Then you’ll meet with our staff to discuss what will work best for you.

Contact us at cdr@desu.edu or 302.857.7042.

Delaware State University offers comprehensive financial aid to help make your education affordable.

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using school code 001428. Submit it by March 15 for best results. You may qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study.

Historically Black College and University students have access to additional scholarships through organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund. Delaware State University also offers scholarships for new students, transfers and returning students.

Military-affiliated students can use GI Bill benefits, Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (at $250 per credit), or My Career Advancement Account for spouses. We provide in-state rates for veterans and active-duty service members using benefits.

We also offer a payment plan that lets you spread costs over three monthly installments with no interest.

Contact our Financial Aid office for personalized help. We have counselors ready to work with you.

Delaware State University was founded in 1891 as Delaware’s only Historically Black College and University and land-grant university. For more than 135 years, we’ve been opening doors to education and opportunity.

Our history is one of resilience and excellence. Despite facing limited resources and systemic barriers, we’ve produced generations of doctors, lawyers, educators, business leaders, and community advocates. Today, we’re a Research 2 institution recognized for high-level research, according to the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

We’ve grown from a small local college to a comprehensive university serving students nationwide through online programs. But we’ve never forgotten our mission: providing life-changing education and creating pathways to success.

Delaware State University was founded in 1891 as Delaware’s only Historically Black College and University. Our mission is to “rigorously leverage a proud Historically Black College and University legacy and commitment to excellence in every field of human endeavor to enhance recruitment and preparation of talented professionals to contribute to a sustainable, global community.”

In simpler terms: We’re committed to providing excellent education that opens doors and changes lives. We were founded to serve Black students when other universities wouldn’t admit them. Today, while we welcome students of all backgrounds, we maintain that commitment to educational access and equity.

As both a Historically Black College and University and a land-grant institution, we focus on practical education, community service, and preparing leaders. Our membership in the eHBCU coalition extends this mission to working adults nationwide through online programs.

Our admission process is designed to be straightforward and accessible.

Submit an online application and official transcripts from all colleges you’ve attended. If you have fewer than 30 college credits, also send your high school transcript or General Educational Development scores. We’ll review your application within 24 to 48 hours.

We use a holistic approach that looks at your full profile, not just test scores. Application fee waivers are available, and our admissions counselors will support you throughout the process.

If you’ve had gaps in your education or faced challenges, don’t worry. Many of our students are returning to college after time away. We’re here to help you succeed — that’s part of our mission as a Historically Black College and University.

The eHBCU coalition is a partnership of leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities working together to provide excellent online education while maintaining the supportive community that makes Historically Black Colleges and Universities special.

As a Delaware State University online student, this membership gives you access to resources beyond just our campus. You’ll benefit from shared resources across member schools, expanded career services and employer connections, networking with students and alumni from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the coalition, and potentially courses or programs from other member institutions.

The eHBCU coalition shows that Delaware State University is honoring our legacy while innovating for the future. You get a cutting-edge online education combined with the supportive Historically Black College and University experience.

Delaware State University provides strong networking opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.

Our alumni network is known for its loyalty — Delaware State University graduates genuinely want to help fellow Hornets succeed. You’ll have access to alumni mentorship, networking events, and career connections.

Through the eHBCU coalition, you’ll also connect with alumni and students from other leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This opens doors to more career fairs, employer partnerships, and professional development opportunities.

Many companies specifically recruit from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and our Career Services team maintains relationships with these employers. When you join Delaware State University, you’re joining a lifelong community.

Delaware State University provides extensive support for first-generation college students, and we’re proud that many of our students are the first in their families to attend college.

You’ll have a dedicated advisor who guides you through every step. We won’t assume you know how college works — we’ll explain financial aid, academic policies, and how to navigate university systems.

Our Student Success Center offers free 24/7 tutoring through Tutor.com, plus help with study skills and time management. We also have programs to help your family understand and support your journey.

Many of our faculty and staff were first-generation students themselves. They understand the challenges and are committed to your success.

Supporting first-generation students is central to our mission as a Historically Black College and University. Asking questions is always encouraged — that’s how you learn.

You’ll get comprehensive technical support starting from day one.

At New Student Orientation, we’ll train you on Canvas, our online learning platform. There’s also a training module you can access anytime if you need a refresher. For technical issues, call our Information Technology Help Desk at 302.857.7028 or visit our Canvas support page for platform-specific help.

All students also get free access to Tutor.com for 24/7 online tutoring support.

You’ll need a computer and internet connection for your courses. If you run into technical problems, our support team is ready to help you solve them quickly.

Yes to both. Your diploma will be exactly the same as an on-campus student’s — no distinction whatsoever.

And you’ll absolutely experience our Historically Black College and University community. You’ll join virtual cultural events, hear from guest speakers, and participate in student organizations. Our faculty integrate Historically Black College and University history and values into your courses. You’ll connect with Delaware State University’s alumni network and build relationships with classmates through group work.

Many online students also choose to walk at our on-campus graduation ceremony.

Being online doesn’t mean missing out on the Delaware State University experience — it means bringing that experience to wherever you are.

Yes, personalized attention is a hallmark of the Historically Black College and University experience, and that doesn’t change online.

With about 6,600 total students, Delaware State University is intentionally sized so you’re never just a number. Our faculty know their students by name and are genuinely invested in your success. Many of our professors are Historically Black College and University graduates themselves, so they understand your journey.

This is very different from large universities where you might feel anonymous in huge online classes. At Delaware State University, your professors are accessible, responsive, and committed to helping you reach your goals.

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