DEGREES

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Delaware

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

17 Min Read Published May 13, 2024

Top 10 Delaware Schools
Tuition Factors
Salary and Job Outlook
Next Steps
Comparison Considerations
Getting a Delaware License
Conclusion

Wilmington skyline at night on a boardwalk with lamps and benches

Nursing projects to be one of the fastest-growing and highest-demanded jobs in the nation. But before anyone can begin a nursing career, they must become a registered nurse (RN).

On top of becoming an RN, aspiring nurses should strongly consider earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Not only does a BSN increase your employability, but BSN-holding RNs earn over $30,000 more than non-BSN nurses.

Regardless of your desired education level, all nurses in Delaware begin their journey by attending nursing school.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Delaware

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Delaware nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

1. Wilmington University

In-State Tuition

$11,970 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$11,970 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Wilmington University is a large, private school with over 20,000 students enrolled. There are different tuition rates depending on the campus versus online distance learning. The school provides students with plenty of degree completion options, including multiple RN-BSN degrees online.

The main option—a standard RN-BSN—takes roughly 1.5 years to complete and offers students the chance to accelerate into a master's of science in nursing (MSN). Other options include an accelerated second-degree RN-BSN and a pre-RN-BSN. While Wilmington University doesn't have a traditional BSN program, it does offer plenty of graduate-level nursing degrees, some of which are online programs.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 75%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $399
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $399

Contact Information:

Address: 320 Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 56%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $73,321

2. University of Delaware

In-State Tuition

$13,370 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$35,890 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

One of the most historic universities in the U.S., the University of Delaware's first class had three signers of the Declaration of Independence. It is also the largest university in Delaware. The main campus in Newark hosts most classes, including those taken by nursing students.

UD's traditional BSN is the main focus of undergraduate nursing programs, offering students a four-year BSN with incredible outcomes. Students are admitted into the nursing program during their freshman year, exposing them to nursing topics early on. Other nursing options include an online RN-BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, and plenty of MSN, doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), and Ph.D. degree paths.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Percent Enrolled Online: 7%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $557
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,495

Contact Information:

Address: 104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 91%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,698

3. Delaware State University

In-State Tuition

$7,038 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$16,960 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is a Historically Black University and is one of the nation's first land-grant institutions. As one of the nation's HBCU nursing programs, Delaware State helps lead the way in granting nursing degrees to Black students.

Students in the traditional BSN complete clinicals in and around Dover, gaining experience and developing a potential professional network. After their junior year, nursing students in the top third of their class can join the Nursing Honors Society, an elite group that impresses on resumes.

Delaware State University's only other nursing program is a traditional MSN with a concentration in global leadership or nursing education. Students interested in this program can complete it 100% online.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Percent Enrolled Online: 11%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $293
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $707

Contact Information:

Address: 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 75%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: No

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Delaware Technical Community College - Owens

In-State Tuition

$4,575 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$11,438 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Yes

One of three Delaware Technical Community College campuses that offer a nursing degree, the Owens campus in Georgetown is known as "the birthplace of Delaware Tech." The campus is based squarely in Georgetown, a small city that serves as the county seat.

While the associate degree in nursing (ADN) is similar across the three campuses, each has different outcomes, faculty, and enrolled students. (The Owens campus has the fewest nursing students of the three.) Also, choosing a location to complete the degree is important to local students who may want to stay close to home. Delaware Tech may not directly offer a BSN, but graduates can always enroll in an online RN-BSN program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 34%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $153
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $381

Contact Information:

Address: 21179 College Dr, Georgetown, DE
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $61,051

5. Delaware Technical Community College - Stanton

In-State Tuition

$4,575 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$11,438 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Yes

The second of three Delaware Tech campuses that offers an ADN, the Stanton campus by far has the largest nursing program. In 2019, 123 students graduated and took the NCLEX, about 40 more than the next closest Delaware Tech campus.

As a bigger program, competition into the ADN could be less intense than at other campuses, and Stanton still impresses with a decent NCLEX pass rate. As with the other campuses, no BSN program is available, though graduates can start nursing and earn an online RN-BSN.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 34%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $153
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $381

Contact Information:

Address: 400 Stanton Christiana Rd d201, Newark, DE
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $61,051

6. Beebe Medical Center

In-State Tuition

N/A per year

Out-of-State Tuition

N/A per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Based in Lewes, Beebe Medical Center is primarily a healthcare facility, though it does have an accredited nursing school: the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing. Established in 1921, this program leads to RN licensure and prepares students to complete a BSN through either Wilmington University or the University of Delaware, though this step isn't required. Beebe Medical Center also boasts a perfect pass rate for students who graduated in 2019.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: N/A

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A

Contact Information:

Address: 424 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE
DE

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

7. Delaware Technical Community College - Terry

In-State Tuition

$4,575 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$11,438 per year

Accreditation

ACEN

Online?

Yes

The Terry campus in Dover is the final of the three Delaware Tech campuses with an ADN and arguably the best of the three. Not only are NCLEX pass rates highest at the Terry Campus, but the location in Dover could make it easier for graduates to find a nursing position right out of school. It's also worth noting that every Delaware Tech campus posted an NCLEX pass rate higher than the national pass rate of 88%, so students can't go wrong with whichever campus they choose.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 34%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $153
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $381

Contact Information:

Address: 100 Campus Drive, Dover, DE
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $61,051

8. Aspen University

In-State Tuition

$4,755 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$4,755 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Aspen University is a primarily online school that boasts flexibility and affordability. Students can't attend any in-person program in Delaware, though current RNs can enroll in the online RN-BSN program. This 12-month program uses 8-week courses, and courses start every two weeks. This is an excellent way to earn a BSN for working nurses who want a flexible education at a low cost. Aside from the RN-BSN, Aspen also offers a slew of online MSN programs, some of which don't require a BSN.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 85%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $180
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $180

Contact Information:

Address: 4615 E. Elwood St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 50%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

9. Western Governors University*

In-State Tuition

$7,404 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$7,404 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Western Governors University is a primarily online school. Though WGU does have on-campus programs, undergraduate nursing students in Delaware can only enroll in the online RN-BSN*. Most graduates finish the online degree completion program in 18 months, and many students continue working while completing the BSN. WGU also has plenty of online master's degrees in nursing to choose from.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 100%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A

Contact Information:

Address: 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 65%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,430

10. Chamberlain University

In-State Tuition

CCNE per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$19,062 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Created to empower current healthcare professionals, Chamberlain University offers a variety of online degrees that lead to higher-paying positions. Current RNs would be most interested in either the online RN-BSN or the online RN-MSN. Both options are quick ways to advance your career -- for example, the RN-BSN takes just one year to complete. Of course, any applicants must first become RNs.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Percent Enrolled Online: 7%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $699
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $699

Contact Information:

Address: 2149 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 100%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,315

4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition

Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors, including:

Transfer credits
Completed competency exams
Amount of credits taken per year
Financial aid awards

Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.

Delaware Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

Delaware nurses earn an annual mean wage of $77,760, at the national average
Delaware employs 11,760 registered nurses, one of the highest per-capita rates in the nation

Delaware RNs earn just at the national average of $77,760, though location ultimately matters. For example, nurses in Salisbury earn a higher mean wage than nurses in Dover, according to the BLS.

Employment for RNs in Delaware is excellent. Delaware employs 26.99 nurses for every 1,000 workers, the fourth-highest rate in the nation. Coupled with decent pay, Delaware could be a great place to start a nursing career.

Next Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Delaware

Delaware has a mix of public and private, two- and four-year schools, so students have plenty to look at. Make a list of some schools and programs that interest you, then start to figure out what you need to do to get into the college and nursing program.

Here are the next steps broken down:

1. Contact each school’s admissions offices. Any questions you have about the admissions process can be answered by the admissions office. Every school has one, so reach out early. They can answer any questions you have about the required materials, minimum test scores, and potential scholarships.

2. Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Getting into a college or university is the first step. Next, you need to make sure you meet the nursing school's requirements. The sooner you find out the requirements, the sooner you're ready to apply!

3. Submit your application(s). After completing the first two steps, the final step is to prepare your applications and send them in! Applying to multiple colleges and nursing programs is always a good idea.

Common application requirements include:

High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools:

As you start to receive acceptance letters to different schools, you need to start preparing for a huge decision: where you're going to earn your degree! Every school has its own set of benefits, so there's no "right" answer. Instead, compare each school and find the best fit for your situation.

Factors to consider include:

Annual tuition/nursing program cost
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
Distance from home
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Length and type of program
Type of degree (BSN, ADN, online)
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
School accreditation (regional and national)

Why You Should Care About the Nursing Program’s Accreditation

Schools and specific programs (like nursing) can receive accreditation to verify their academic quality. When applying to schools in Delaware, make sure they're accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Also, don't apply to a nursing program that doesn't have programmatic accreditation.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program.

Getting a License in Delaware

No matter what, you must complete an approved nursing program in Delaware to earn an RN license. Thanks to Delaware's Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) membership, you can easily gain a multi-state license to most other states after earning your RN license.

To get a license in Delaware, you'll need to:

Study at a nursing school approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pay an application and criminal background check fee
Apply through the Delaware Board of Nursing

Conclusion

Despite being a small state, wages for RNs are at the national average, and Delaware employs significantly more nurses per capita than most other states. Students have plenty of nursing school options, and those that earn an ADN can always complete an online RN-BSN program. After finishing their nursing program and becoming RNs, students can gain a multi-state nursing license through the eNLC and work outside of Delaware.