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About Delaware State University

Let Our HBCU Legacy Propel Your Future

DSU delivers empowering learning experiences rooted in our legacy as one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Our faculty members support each student’s journey, affirming that your background and identity are assets, not obstacles. You can pursue DSU’s degrees online, engaging in a flexible format that fits busy schedules.

Why Choose DSU Online?

When you study online with DSU, you won’t feel like just another student — you’ll be recognized as family. Our online community is led by expert faculty who take a whole-person approach to education. You’ll receive meaningful mentorship that facilitates your personal and social growth, enabling you to become a confident leader after graduation. Moreover, DSU’s online programs are designed to help you advance in rewarding fields, building success for you and generations to come.

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The Excellence You Expect — Backed by National Recognition

DSU is committed to uplifting students and communities, and prestigious institutions have taken notice. Explore some of our rankings and accreditations below. They demonstrate what our esteemed alumni and current students already know: We deliver high-quality programs that pave the way to success.

U.S. News & World Report1,2

Forbes3

  • Best HBCUs
  • Best Regional Universities North
  • Best Schools for Social Work
  • Top Performers on Social Mobility
  • Top Public Universities
  • Best Online HBCUs

DSU Fast Facts

  • Established: 1891
  • Motto: It All Matters
  • Main campus location: Dover, DE
  • Sports mascot: Hornets
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
  • Number of academic departments: 17
AACSB-accredited online program
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited by the Council of Social Work (CSWE) logo
Middle States Commission On Higher Education

Our Vision and Values

Delaware State University strives to become America’s most diverse, contemporary HBCU by expanding our capacity to provide a life-changing, high-quality, low-cost education to 10,000+ students. We are continuing our efforts to achieve R1 “very high research activity” status and to have a significant, measurable impact on the social, technological and economic challenges that face our state, the nation and the world.

These core values guide our university and online community:

Diversity

Delaware State University values all aspects of diversity: race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, local/national and global geography, and differing points of view. The University’s respect for diversity fosters the inclusion and equity mindset that makes room at the table for all to learn and flourish.

Integrity

Delaware State University fosters integrity for students, faculty, staff, the board and the community so that we are developing and affirming character that is confident, consistent and able to speak truth to power.

Contemporary

Delaware State University remains at the forefront of current social needs with research and appropriate social reactiveness, revisiting ideas, creating new ideas and avoiding complacency.

Community

Delaware State University builds a collaborative, inclusive community both on and off campus, creating a culture of stellar customer service, working relationships, sense of belonging (family) and resiliency.

Scholarship

Delaware State University builds on data and best practices to capture and disseminate knowledge (a component of student success) that broadens viewpoints and creates respectful exploration and understanding of differing points.

Outreach

Delaware State University constantly reinforces the pipeline from high school to college and provides real-life work experiences and volunteer opportunities through community partners and networking. These endeavors will retain students, faculty and staff to create scholars and tomorrow’s leaders with opportunities for growth and avoidance of burnout.

Our History

Founded in 1891 as the Delaware College for Colored Students, our institution was created to open doors for Black students when few opportunities existed. Initially providing five courses of study that led to a baccalaureate degree, we have grown to offer an array of credentials and, after a century of excellence, became Delaware State University in 1993.

Today, DSU is a respected hub for teaching, research and public service, educating a diverse population of students. At the same time, we remain true to our heritage as one of the premier HBCUs in the nation.

Our mission: To rigorously leverage a proud HBCU legacy and commitment to excellence in every field of human endeavor to enhance the recruitment and preparation of talented professionals to contribute to a sustainable, global community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ page to find answers to questions you may have about the online programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Explore FAQs

Sources

  1. U.S. News & World Report. “Delaware State University Rankings.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/delaware-state-university-1428/overall-rankings.
  2. U.S. News & World Report. “Delaware State University’s Graduate School Rankings.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/delaware-state-university-130934/overall-rankings.
  3. Forbes. “Best HBCUs With Online Degrees of 2026.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/online-colleges/best-hbcu/.