US University · Ranked #72
University of Delaware: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Delaware is an accessible university in Newark, Delaware with an acceptance rate of roughly 68%, meaning most qualified applicants are admitted. Ranked #72 nationally in our dataset, it is a strong choice for a likely or safety school: meeting the published academic minimums and applying before the deadline puts most students in good standing.
The University of Delaware is a respected public research university known for its chemical engineering program, strong undergraduate research, and beautiful campus.
This guide breaks down University of Delaware's admission requirements, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Delaware admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 68%
- SAT range
- 1120–1330
- Average GPA
- 3.55
- In-state
- $14,940
- Out-of-state
- $37,310
- Enrollment
- 19,082
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Newark, Delaware
How hard is it to get into University of Delaware?
An acceptance rate of 68% makes University of Delaware an accessible school where most qualified applicants are offered admission. For students who meet the published academic minimums, this functions as a likely or safety option. The priority is a complete, accurate, on-time application rather than a polished competitive narrative.
University of Delaware is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Delaware typically score between 1120 and 1330 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1120 and a quarter above 1330. A score at or above 1330 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.55 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1225 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.55. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1120) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Delawareapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
University of Delaware offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 15. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at University of Delaware
- Chemical Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Education — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Physical Therapy — a research-intensive area well-supported by the institution's faculty.
- Political Science — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
University of Delaware is particularly known for Chemical Engineering, Business, Education, Physical Therapy, and Political Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Delaware
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Delaware costs significantly less for Delaware residents: in-state tuition is about $14,940 per year versus roughly $37,310 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $22,370 annually. If you are not a Delaware resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Delaware an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Delaware: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Delaware?
- University of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 68%, which makes it accessible. University of Delaware is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Delaware?
- Admitted students at University of Delaware typically score between 1120 and 1330 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1330 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1120 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Delaware?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Delaware is approximately 3.55 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.55 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Delaware?
- University of Delaware's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Delaware a public or private university?
- University of Delaware is a public university. In-state students from Delaware pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Delaware?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Delaware costs significantly less for Delaware residents: in-state tuition is about $14,940 per year versus roughly $37,310 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $22,370 annually. If you are not a Delaware resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.