🎓 University of Delaware Scholarships & Merit Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Honors College and top academic programs
- Regional reciprocity and out-of-state discounts
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~69% (Fall 2024)
- Middle 50% GPA: 3.65–4.22 (weighted)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1135–1340
- Middle 50% ACT: 27–32
Source: UD Office of Undergraduate Admissions and recent cycle data.
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University of Delaware at a Glance
Last verified: October 15, 2025
The University of Delaware (UD) is the state’s flagship public university—and one of the few flagships where out-of-state students can still land substantial merit aid. Known for business, engineering, and health sciences, UD’s automatic awards are transparent but competitive, with extra opportunities through the Honors College.
High-achieving applicants are automatically considered for Presidential, Provost, and Trustee Scholarships, while the elite Eugene du Pont Distinguished Scholars program can cover full tuition (and in some cases full cost). Delaware residents can stack university aid with state programs for additional savings.
FAQ
Does UD offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — admitted students are automatically considered for major awards like the Presidential and Provost Scholarships.
What’s the average net price? About $17,716 per year after grants and scholarships (BigFuture).
Are there full-tuition or full-ride scholarships? Yes — the Eugene du Pont Distinguished Scholars program covers full tuition and may cover full cost for select students.
Does UD have regional reciprocity? Yes — through the Academic Common Market (ACM), eligible students from SREB states may pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state.
https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/apply-to-ud/freshman-admissions/
https://sites.udel.edu/honors/
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2017/december/distinguished-graduate-scholars-program/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-delaware/tuition-and-costs
https://education.delaware.gov/families/college-career-life/college-scholarship-financial-aid/dheo-forms/delaware-residency-form/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Delaware (2025–2026)
Here’s what families can expect to pay before scholarships and grants—and what the average student actually pays after aid. These are estimates for a typical first-year student living on campus.
| Category | In-State (DE Residents) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $15,280 | $40,840 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,974 | $15,974 |
| Estimated Annual Total (before aid) | $31,254 | $56,814 |
Note: Books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses (typically $2,500–$3,000 per year) are not included in the table because they vary by student. The totals above represent tuition, mandatory fees, and standard on-campus room and board.
The University of Delaware participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), allowing eligible students from SREB states to pay in-state tuition for specific majors not offered in their home state. UD does not offer broad border-state reciprocity (like WUE or MSEP), but out-of-state students can still benefit from:
- Merit scholarships for high-achieving applicants
- The Tuition Exchange Program for dependents of member-school employees
- Online reciprocity through SARA for distance learners
According to federal data, families pay an average of $18,044 per year after scholarships and grants. About half of all UD students receive institutional aid, with awards averaging roughly $20,474 annually.
https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/financing-your-degree/in-state-freshmen/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-delaware/tuition-and-costs
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2025/august/tuition-exchange-program/
https://education.delaware.gov/families/college-career-life/college-scholarship-financial-aid/dheo-forms/delaware-residency-form/
📊 Automatic Merit Scholarships
All admitted first-year students are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships—no separate application or FAFSA required. Strong GPA and test scores (if submitted) maximize your chances, but awards are holistic. You’ll be notified of merit awards in your acceptance packet or portal.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | $12,500–$15,000 | GPA 3.9+; SAT ≥1300 / ACT ≥29 (superscored) | No | Yes (GPA 3.0+) | Top 10% of admits; strongest grades and test scores | Jan 15 (priority) |
| Presidential Scholarship | $10,000–$12,000 (OOS) | GPA 3.7–3.9; SAT ~1250 / ACT ~27–29 | No | Yes (GPA 3.0+) | OOS students; strong but not at Trustee level | Jan 15 (priority) |
| Provost Scholarship | $8,500–$12,000 | GPA 3.5–3.7; test-optional accepted | No | Yes (GPA 3.0+) | Solid record, some AP, strong class rigor | Jan 15 (priority) |
| Blue Hen / Delaware Scholar Award | $6,500–$7,500 | GPA 3.3–3.6; test-optional accepted | No | Yes (GPA 3.0+) | Mid 50% of strong admits (esp. DE residents) | Jan 15 (priority) |
🤔 Automatic Scholarships – FAQ (Uncollapsed)
Do I have to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. All applicants are reviewed automatically—just submit the Common App and transcript.
Are test scores mandatory?
No. UD is test-optional for admissions and merit—high scores can help but aren’t required.
When are scholarship results shared?
Awards come with your admission decision, via portal or letter.
Is the FAFSA needed for these?
No, but if you want state or need-based aid, file the FAFSA anyway.
Can these stack with other aid?
Yes—UD merit can be combined with outside, state, and federal awards.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships (Honors‑Level Awards)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene du Pont Distinguished Scholar | Full tuition, room & board, fees, $500/semester books, $2,500 enrichment | Honors College invite, typically 3.9–4.0 GPA, 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT, exceptional essays & leadership | No — invitation only, interview/Weekend required | Yes | 6–8 of the ~100 top invited Honors applicants | February (Distinguished Scholar Weekend invite) |
| Marichu C. Valencia Scholar | $15,000/year in-state, up to $32,000/year OOS + $5,000 enrichment | Honors, exceptional GPA, leadership, interview; selected from Scholar Weekend | No — picked from invitees | Yes | Top Scholar Weekend interviews; strong academics/leadership | February |
| 1743 Scholar Award | $12,500/year in-state; up to $26,000/year (OOS) | +GPA 3.8+; Honors College, leadership, essays | No — from Scholar invite | Yes | Strong, but not top du Pont/Valencia cut; often next tier of ~100 invitees | February |
Invitation to Distinguished Scholar Weekend leads to interviews and enhanced review. Even finalists not selected for the largest awards may receive significant additional merit offers.
🤔 Competitive Scholarship FAQ (Uncollapsed)
Can students apply for a UD full-ride without Honors?
No—full tuition scholarships are restricted to those invited to the Honors College and Distinguished Scholar Weekend.
What does “by invitation” mean?
UD reviews admissions for top applicants, then extends invitations to about 100 for Honors and the scholarship competition—no self-nomination.
How do applicants improve their chances?
Maintain a 3.9+ GPA, score 1400+ SAT/31+ ACT, demonstrate leadership/service, and submit excellent essays. Holistic review applies to all awards.
🎓 Honors College (University of Delaware)
Honors College students at UD receive smaller classes, immediate access to specialized advising, and are prioritized for the university’s largest scholarships (including Du Pont and Valencia). There is no separate Honors application; all undergraduates are reviewed automatically based on their application.
| Feature/Scholarship | Award Amount / Impact | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline/Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UD Honors College Invite | Small classes (<25), Honors seminars, research, advising | Automatic review; ~4.4 GPA, SAT 1360–1490 or ACT 30–34 | No (auto with application) | Yes (if GPA maintained) | Top 10–20% of applicants, strong academics & engagement | Offered at admission |
| Honors College Scholarships | $2,000–$3,000/year+ | Honors admits; often paired with regular merit scholarships | No, automatic with Honors invitation | Yes | Honors students in good standing (3.2+ first year, then 3.3+) | Offered with admission |
| Eligibility to Compete for Flagship Awards (Du Pont, Valencia, 1743) | Full cost to $26K/yr, plus enrichment grants | Only Honors College invitees may be nominated/invited | No, by invitation only | Yes | Top ~100 Honors admits for each entering class | February (invited after admission) |
🤔 Honors College – Common Questions (Uncollapsed)
Do students have to apply separately for Honors?
No—every applicant is automatically reviewed; invites are competitive and based on the full transcript and activities list.
What’s the GPA requirement to stay in Honors?
3.20 (first year), then 3.30+ for continued enrollment.
Are Honors classes harder?
Classes are smaller, more discussion- and project-based, not always harder. Most students report more personal support.
Does every Honors student get a scholarship?
All have priority for extra awards, and most Honors students get larger merit awards than regular admits.