University of Delaware Scholarships & Aid (2025–2026) — Automatic, Competitive & Hidden Gems

Delaware State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

Figuring out what DSU really costs—and how to bring that price down—can feel like a maze. This guide breaks it into clear steps for first‑gen families: start with the real budget, then layer in Delaware aid (see our DE state guide) and DSU scholarships you can actually win. We’ll show what’s automatic, what’s competitive, and where the hidden money lives.

Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

DSU bills full‑time undergrads on a 12–18 credit “band.” Here’s a simple planning view most families use.

Category In‑State Out‑of‑State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $10,670 $20,634
Housing + Meals + Books (planning bundle) $17,664 $17,664
Total (before aid) $28,334 $38,298

Note: University health insurance is required unless you waive it with proof of comparable coverage. It’s not included in the totals above.

Average Federal Net Price: $15,555/year (IPEDS, most recent year). This is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—no loans included.
Source: Niche (IPEDS-based), U.S. News; both report ~$15,500 for Delaware State University.
Regional Tuition Discounts: Delaware State University participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which allows students from participating SREB states to pay in-state tuition at DSU if their chosen major is not offered at a public university in their home state. Approval is application-based and program-specific, and requires certification from your state’s higher-ed office plus DSU confirmation.

DSU also participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), expanding access to its online programs for students in most U.S. states.
Savings Example: Out-of-state tuition & fees are about $18,000 vs. $8,000 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $10,000 per year with ACM eligibility.

Quick FAQ

  1. What credit load is assumed? Full‑time band pricing covers 12–18 credits per semester.
  2. What’s in the “Housing + Meals + Books” bundle? A planning estimate for a standard dorm + meal plan + books so families can see the big pieces at a glance.
  3. Is insurance included? No—DSU’s plan is waivable with proof of other coverage.

Automatic Merit Scholarships (First‑Year)

Awards below are granted by Admissions based on GPA and test bands; no separate app unless noted. “Renewable” assumes full‑time enrollment and meeting GPA terms.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Inspire Scholarship (Delaware Residents) Full tuition (4 years) DE high school grad; enroll at DSU the fall after graduation; HS GPA ≥ 2.75; complete FAFSA; maintain 2.75 DSU GPA, ≥12 credits/term, 10 hrs community service/semester. No (via Admissions + FAFSA) Yes — GPA 2.75; FT Solid B/B+ students with service who file FAFSA on time.
Full Tuition Scholarship (Out‑of‑State) Covers tuition gap after federal/state grants (up to 4 years) US citizen; first‑year; HS GPA ≥ 3.5
SAT ≥ 1130 or ACT ≥ 23; enroll fall after graduation.		 No Yes — maintain stated GPA; FT A‑range GPAs with solid test scores.
Partial Tuition Scholarship (Out‑of‑State) Covers up to 50% of remaining tuition gap (4 years) US citizen; HS GPA ≥ 3.0
SAT ≥ 1030 or ACT ≥ 20; enroll fall after graduation.		 No Yes — maintain stated GPA; FT B/B+ students with mid‑range tests.
DSU GAP Scholarship (Out‑of‑State) $3,000/year toward tuition (4 years) US citizen; HS GPA ≥ 2.75
SAT ≥ 920 or ACT ≥ 17; first‑year; cannot stack with Full/Partial Tuition.		 No Yes — maintain stated GPA; FT Solid C+/B‑ plus test floor; fills smaller gaps.
Visual & Performing Arts (Band/Choir) Typically partial‑tuition awards (amount varies with talent) Audition‑based; membership in “Approaching Storm” Band or University Choir. Yes — audition Usually Strong instrumental/vocal talent; active ensemble participation.

Notes: OOS Full/Partial/GAP are awarded from the admission pool; first‑come; eligibility does not guarantee an award; cannot stack GAP with Full/Partial Tuition. Test optional nuances can shift eligibility—submit scores if they help.

Test Scores & Superscoring: DSU will consider your best scores from multiple test dates (“superscoring”) when it helps your admission or merit award level. If you apply test-optional, you’ll be evaluated on GPA and course rigor; however, submitting strong scores can boost your scholarship tier.

FAQ

  1. How do I apply? Be admitted, send HS transcript + SAT/ACT (if using), and complete FAFSA (Inspire requires it). No separate merit app for OOS tiers.
  2. Can I stack awards? OOS GAP cannot stack with Full/Partial Tuition; talent awards may stack with need aid—read your award letter.
  3. Superscore? DSU accepts official SAT/ACT; submitting best scores can improve your tier. If test‑optional, meet any published alternatives.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These aren’t automatic—you apply, compete, and there are limited slots. Strong academics, essays/interviews, leadership, or a standout portfolio make the difference.

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, mandatory fees, room, board, books (up to 4 years) Statewide, one of the most selective awards; requires GPA/test minimums, FAFSA, and on-time application; only one DSU recipient each 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 Valedictorians/salutatorians or AP/dual credit heavy schedules; leadership in clubs, sports, or service; FAFSA filed early.
Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship (Delaware Higher Ed) ~$1,250/year (renewable up to 4 years) Limited awards to top Delaware seniors; GPA/test minimums; competitive review by state office. Delaware HS senior; unweighted GPA ≥ 3.0; SAT ≥ 1290 or ACT ≥ 27; full-time DSU enrollment; FAFSA required. Yes — State portal Yes — GPA 3.0 + FT Top 10% of class, multiple AP/IB courses, leadership in student government or state-level competitions.
Goldman Sachs “Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities” (DSU participates) Team scholarships (~$10,000 per student for finalists) + program funding National case competition among invited HBCUs; multi-round judging; faculty nomination common. DSU undergrad; GPA ≥ 3.3; presentation and analytical skills; teamwork; availability for intensive prep. Yes — Program selection No (one-time) Business/STEM majors with prior case competition or leadership experience; strong public speaking skills.
Verizon STEM/eSports Women’s Scholarships (DSU grantee cycles) Up to ~$20,000 (limited recipients) Corporate-funded, school-specific; application with essays and selection committee review. Women in STEM; GPA ≥ 3.5; active in eSports or related programs; DSU enrollment. Yes — Program cycle No (one-time) Upper-level STEM majors with competition or research experience; campus/community leadership roles.

Disclaimer: GPA/test ranges are based on published state or program criteria when available. Where not explicitly stated, ranges are inferred from recent recipient profiles and marked with an asterisk in internal notes.

FAQ

  1. Can these stack with DSU automatic merit? State and corporate/program awards often stack, but full-tuition awards may replace the tuition portion of DSU merit—check your award letter.
  2. Are test scores required? State top-student awards publish GPA/test cutoffs; these must be met even if DSU is test-optional.
  3. How do I improve my chances? Keep GPA and scores above published cutoffs, take rigorous courses, build leadership/service credentials, and apply early.
  4. When are deadlines? State awards usually close late winter (Feb); corporate/program cycles vary—watch DSU announcements and department newsletters.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards don’t usually make the big scholarship charts, but they can make a real difference in covering your costs at UD. They’re often tied to a specific major, program, or student background — and most can be layered on top of other aid.

Scholarship / Program Award Amount Eligibility (plain English) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
First-Generation College Student Scholarship $1,000–$2,500/year For undergraduates whose parents/guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree; must demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. Yes — Office of Student Financial Services form Yes — maintain GPA 2.5+ First-gen students in good academic standing who complete the extra application and show documented need.
UD Alumni Enrichment Award $500–$2,000 (one-time) Funded by the UD Alumni Association; for students with notable campus or community involvement; any major. Yes — Alumni Relations application No — one-time award Active student leaders with a track record of service and good standing with the university.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship (via Detachment 128) Full or partial tuition + $900 book stipend + monthly living allowance ($300–$500) For students enrolled in AFROTC at UD; must meet fitness, academic, and service commitment requirements. Yes — AFROTC application Yes — maintain program standards Cadets meeting GPA 2.5+ and fitness benchmarks, with intent to commission as Air Force officers.
Gilman International Scholarship (Study Abroad) Up to $5,000 (up to $8,000 if studying a critical-need language) For Pell Grant recipients participating in an approved UD study abroad program; U.S. citizenship required. Yes — national Gilman application No — term-based award Students with financial need, strong essays, and a well-planned study abroad program.
Undergraduate Research Program (Summer Scholars) Stipend ~$4,000 (10-week summer research) For full-time UD students in good standing; must secure a faculty research mentor and project plan. Yes — URP application No — summer only Motivated students with a defined research project and faculty support; often juniors or seniors.

FAQ

  1. Can these be combined with other scholarships? Yes — most of these awards stack with merit aid and need-based grants, though ROTC may cover the tuition portion first.
  2. Do I have to apply separately? Yes — all of these require their own applications, essays, or program enrollment beyond the general UD admission.
  3. Are these renewable? Only some are; check each award’s terms. Research and study abroad awards are typically one-time.
  4. When should I apply? Many have early spring deadlines for the following academic year or summer term — start looking as soon as you enroll at UD.

College Specialties at DSU

DSU’s standout is its Aviation Program
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:

  1. Optics & Space Science Research (CREOSA / CAOSS) — Hosts NSF-CREST and NASA-URC research centers focused on optics and space science.
  2. Applied Mathematics & Computational Research — Home to a dedicated research center in mathematical sciences with external funding.
  3. Neuroscience & Doctoral Programs — Offers advanced graduate degrees in neuroscience, optics, and applied math, reflecting its R2 classification.
  4. 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.

🎖️ Honors Program

DSU offers an Honors Program — not a full Honors College — as an academic enrichment track. It’s a nice option for motivated students, but it doesn’t come with extra funding or a drastically different academic experience. Think of it as a way to add challenge and community to your degree without changing your overall graduation timeline.

What a Typical DSU Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA ≥ 3.25, SAT ≥ 1050 (≥ 450 per section) or ACT ≥ 22; strong writing sample (400–600 words); two recommendation letters. Continuing DSU students need a college GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Perks That Matter:
  • Priority advising and registration
  • Smaller, seminar-style honors courses
  • Honors Living-Learning Community (optional)
  • Support for a senior honors thesis
  • Special recognition at graduation

How It Works: Complete 12 credits in departmental honors courses, 6 credits in colloquia, and an honors thesis. Fits within the standard four-year plan.

FAQ

  1. Is it automatic? No — you must apply separately to the Honors Program.
  2. Does it add cost or funding? No extra cost, but also no built-in scholarship funding.
  3. Will it slow graduation? No — requirements fit inside your regular degree plan.
  4. When to apply? Incoming and current students apply by mid-April for fall induction.

Note: DSU’s Honors Program is an enrichment opportunity — a good fit for students who enjoy smaller classes and faculty mentorship, but it’s not a deciding factor for most families choosing the school.

Final Thoughts

DSU can be a smart choice for the right student — especially if you lock in automatic merit early, qualify for Delaware’s Inspire Scholarship, or land one of the state’s top-student awards. Out-of-state students can make DSU affordable through merit tiers and stackable programs, and DSU’s niche strengths (like its one-of-a-kind aviation program) offer real career pipelines.

Keep your GPA and credits steady so your awards renew, track those state and program deadlines, and don’t overlook “hidden” funding like research stipends or talent scholarships. The Honors Program here is a nice add-on, but it won’t make or break your finances — focus your energy on the big-ticket awards first.

If DSU lines up with your academic goals and budget, start your application early, submit strong test scores if you have them, and work with Financial Aid to understand how your merit, state, and outside scholarships will stack together. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have when that acceptance letter arrives.

↑ Back to top

Scroll to Top