🎓 Delaware State University Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and need-based scholarships
- Competitive programs and hidden departmental awards
- Honors Program and regional tuition-savings options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~62% (latest federal data)
- Middle 50% GPA: Not officially published
- Middle 50% ACT: Not officially published
- Middle 50% SAT: Not officially published
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (College Scorecard). Program-specific requirements (e.g., Honors) may differ.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Delaware State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 15, 2025
Delaware State University (DSU) is a leading HBCU with strong state-backed affordability. The INSPIRE Scholarship provides four years of full tuition for eligible Delaware high school graduates, and the state’s higher education office sponsors a separate single annual award that covers full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, and books) at DSU.
DSU is test-optional for admission, though certain programs like the Honors Program publish additional academic criteria. Out-of-state students may see significant savings via the Academic Common Market (ACM) if their major isn’t offered at a public university in their home state.
FAQ
Does DSU offer automatic merit? Yes — several admissions-based awards are automatic, with additional competitive scholarships managed by Admissions and departments.
Is DSU test-optional? Yes — SAT/ACT are not required for admission; however, some programs (e.g., Honors) list score thresholds.
Are there full-tuition or full-ride options? For Delaware residents, the INSPIRE Scholarship covers full tuition. Delaware’s higher education office also funds one full cost-of-attendance scholarship per year at DSU.
Does DSU have tuition reciprocity? DSU participates in the Academic Common Market (SREB), which can grant in-state rates for approved majors not offered in a student’s home state.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Delaware State University (2025–2026)
Delaware State bills full-time undergraduates on a 12–18 credit “band.” Figures below use the university’s official 2025–26 Cost of Attendance and show core, billable costs most families plan around.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $11,214 | $21,204 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus average) | $14,314 | $14,314 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | $25,528 | $35,518 |
Note: Indirect expenses (books/supplies, transportation, personal, insurance, loan fees, lab fees) are included on DSU’s full COA but omitted here to keep the table focused on mandatory tuition/fees and typical housing/meal costs.
❓ Quick FAQ
- What’s included in “Tuition & Mandatory Fees”? DSU’s 12–18 credit tuition band plus required university fees.
- How did you pick Housing & Meals? DSU’s COA uses an average on-campus dorm and the 19-meals/week plan; we mirror that for a clean annual estimate.
- Can totals be lower? Yes—commuting, cheaper meal plans, or scholarships (e.g., Inspire/merit) can reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Automatic Merit Scholarships
The awards below are granted by Admissions based on high school GPA and SAT/ACT bands. No separate application is needed unless noted. All awards are renewable for up to four years if you remain full-time and meet annual GPA requirements.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspire Scholarship (Delaware Residents) | Full in-state tuition (4 years) | DE high school grad, GPA ≥ 2.75, enroll first fall, FAFSA, community service, full-time | No (auto by admissions + FAFSA) | Yes (2.75 DSU GPA, FT, service) | Solid B/B+ in-state students who file early | Rolling |
| Full Tuition Scholarship (Out-of-State) | Covers tuition gap after aid (up to 4 yrs) | US citizen, HS GPA ≥ 3.5, SAT ≥ 1130 or ACT ≥ 23, enroll first fall | No | Yes (terms apply) | A-range OOS admits, mid/high tests | Rolling |
| Partial Tuition Scholarship (Out-of-State) | Up to 50% tuition gap (max 4 yrs) | US citizen, HS GPA ≥ 3.0, SAT ≥ 1030 or ACT ≥ 20, enroll first fall | No | Yes (terms apply) | B/B+ OOS students, mid-range tests | Rolling |
| DSU GAP Scholarship (Out-of-State) | $3,000/yr (up to 4 yrs) | US citizen, HS GPA ≥ 2.75, SAT ≥ 920 or ACT ≥ 17, first-year | No | Yes (terms apply) | C+/B- OOS admits; gap-filling | Rolling |
| Visual & Performing Arts (Band/Choir) | Partial tuition (varies) | Audition required; active in ensemble | Yes (audition) | Usually | Strong/talented musicians; active | Spring auditions |
| Presidential Scholarship | Gap to full COA (4 yrs, competitive) | HS GPA ≥ 3.8, SAT ≥ 1230 or ACT ≥ 26, full-time, all majors | No | Yes (GPA and FT required) | Top 3–5%, fills all costs after aid | Mar 30 |
FAQ
- How do I apply? Apply for admissions, send transcripts/SAT/ACT. Delaware residents apply for FAFSA (Inspire requires it). No separate merit app for most awards.
- Can I stack awards? OOS GAP cannot be combined with Full/Partial Tuition; talent awards (music/arts) may stack with need-based aid. Watch your award letter for confirmation.
- Superscore? DSU considers your best official SAT/ACT, combining highest sub-scores for scholarship tier placement.
- Who gets what? Top awards go to high GPA and strong test score students (if sent). Music/arts awards are audition-based and competitive.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These aren’t automatic—you apply, compete, and slots are limited. Strong academics, thoughtful essays/interviews, leadership, or a standout portfolio make the difference. Some are Delaware state-sponsored, others DSU/corporate programs.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship (Delaware Higher Ed) | Full tuition, fees, room, board, books (up to 4 years) | Statewide, highly selective—requires GPA/test minimums, FAFSA, on-time app; 1 DSU award per year. | Delaware HS senior attending DSU; unweighted GPA ≥ 3.0; SAT ≥ 1000 or ACT ≥ 21; U.S. citizen/resident. | Yes — State portal | Yes — GPA 3.0 + FT | Top class rank, AP/dual credit, leadership in clubs/service, FAFSA filed early |
| Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship (Delaware Higher Ed) | ~$1,250/year (renewable up to 4 years) | Limited number to top DE seniors; GPA/test min; state office review | Delaware HS senior; GPA ≥ 3.0, SAT ≥ 1290 or ACT ≥ 27; full-time at DSU; FAFSA | Yes — State portal | Yes — GPA 3.0 + FT | Top 10% of class, AP/IB, student govt/leadership |
| Goldman Sachs “Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities” | Team scholarships (~$10,000 each for finalists) | National case study, multi-round judging, nomination | DSU undergrad; GPA ≥ 3.3; team-based selection | Yes — program selection | No (one-time) | Business/STEM leaders with case/presentation experience |
| Verizon STEM/eSports Women’s Scholarships | Up to ~$20,000 (limited recipients) | Application, essays, committee review; campus program | Women in STEM, GPA ≥ 3.5, eSports/leadership activity at DSU | Yes — program cycle | No (one-time) | Upper-level STEM women with competition or research |
Tip: State and corporate awards may stack with DSU automatic merit, but full tuition awards can replace a portion of DSU merit—always check your official letter.
FAQ
- Are test scores required? State’s top awards require GPA and SAT/ACT cutoffs, even when DSU is test-optional for admissions.
- How do I maximize odds? File FAFSA early, keep GPA/scores high, choose a rigorous course schedule, and show leadership or competition experience.
- When do I apply? Most state and program scholarships close in late winter or early spring; always check the DSU and state portals for specifics each year.
🎖️ Honors Program
DSU offers an Honors Program (not a full Honors College), providing academic challenge and a supportive cohort. There’s no extra cost or built-in scholarship—but it’s ideal for students who want smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and an honors thesis opportunity.
- Priority advising and registration
- Smaller, seminar-style honors courses
- Optional Honors Living-Learning Community
- Faculty support for a senior thesis
- Special recognition at graduation
How It Works: Complete 12 credits in departmental honors courses, 6 in colloquia, and a senior honors thesis—all built to fit inside a standard four-year plan.
FAQ
- Is it automatic? No—you must apply directly to the Honors Program.
- Does it cost more? Is there funding? No extra cost, but also no extra scholarship—just academic rewards.
- Will it slow graduation? No, requirements are built into degree mapping, not on top of it.
- When do I apply? New and current DSU students may apply by mid-April for the following fall.
- Who should do it? Motivated students who enjoy discussion, mentorship, and have interest in research or graduate study.
Note: The DSU Honors Program is best for those seeking deeper academic engagement, not those looking for major scholarship funding or exclusive housing.
College Specialties at DSU
DSU is a public R2 Research University (High Research Activity) and operates the only full-service, university-based flight school in the Mid-Atlantic. Students can earn FAA-aligned certifications (Private → Commercial → Certified Flight Instructor) while completing their bachelor’s degree—uniquely tying pilot credentials and academic coursework together.
Other academic areas with notable recognition and opportunity:
- Optics & Space Science Research (CREOSA / CAOSS) — Hosts NSF-CREST and NASA-URC research centers focused on optics and space science.
- Applied Mathematics & Computational Research — Home to a dedicated research center in mathematical sciences with external funding.
- Neuroscience & Doctoral Programs — Offers advanced graduate degrees in neuroscience, optics, and applied math, reflecting its R2 classification.
- Criminal Justice, Mass Communications, Nursing — Consistently among DSU’s most popular and visible undergraduate majors.
Institutional recognition: Ranked #3 among Public HBCUs and #9 overall among HBCUs by U.S. News for 2025.