3 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Delaware 2025

Online degree programs offered inside and outside of Delaware provide high-quality, accredited, and affordable higher education opportunities. Learners can earn degrees in a variety of popular fields of study.

Online learning opens doors to higher education, regardless of location. Students in Delaware can pursue online education programs to earn high-quality, accredited degrees from in-state schools. Delaware is home to some of the most affordable online colleges looking to earn a first degree or return to school for career advancement.

Delaware-based online learners can find enrollment opportunities across the state at cheap online colleges that allow students to complete undergraduate and graduate degree programs without stepping on campus with affordable tuition costs.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Delaware

Online schools across Delaware offer distance education programs. These programs range from associate degrees and certificates to doctoral-level degrees. Students should consider all the cheap colleges in Delaware to find the best degree program. The cheapest colleges in the state allow students to receive high-quality education without sacrificing affordability.

1. Strayer University

Strayer University is a system of universities with on-campus learning environments in 17 different states, including one in Wilmington. Additionally, Strayer has distance learning programs available nationwide. Students can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields of study such as business administration, public administration, criminal justice, and more.

Strayer University has a flat rate of $1,525 per online course, regardless of residency or enrollment (full-time vs. part-time) status. Strayer also offers no-cost general education courses, which can help reduce the total costs of a bachelor's or master's degree. Learners can also apply for scholarships from the school and the federal government.

2. Delaware State University

Delaware State University is an HBCU (Historically Black College & University) that has six undergraduate, eight graduate, and two doctoral degrees available. Students can earn degrees in public health, psychology, and sports administration.

Online undergraduate degrees have multiple tiers of tuition rates ranging from $466.56 per credit hour for up to three credits down to $412.56 for 16 to 18 credit hours. Graduate and doctoral degrees cost between $455 and $550, depending on the field of study. DSU offers scholarships for students based on need, merit, and past community service.

3. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers over 150 online degrees and certificates. Students can choose between synchronous, instructor-led courses or self-led coursework. In addition to traditional degrees in fields of study such as behavioral science, computer science, and healthcare administration, Wilmington University offers accelerated BS to MS degrees in health science, communication, and more.

Online undergraduate programs cost $419 per credit hour, while graduate credits cost $537. Students can find a variety of institutional scholarships based on need, merit, and field of study.

Affordable Online Degrees Without Out-of-State Tuition Rates

Accredited, affordable online colleges across the country provide Delaware students the opportunity to earn an accredited degree. Even though these programs are outside of Delaware, students won't be charged out-of-state tuition rates.

Colorado State University Global

Students at Colorado State University Global pay $375 per online undergraduate credit and $675 per graduate credit hour, regardless of residency. Institutional scholarships are available to all prospective students, no matter which state they call home.

CSU Global has 17 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs available to students nationwide. Degree options include cybersecurity, human resources management, and project management. The school also offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate certificate programs for students looking to highlight specific skills in addition to their degrees.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the top-ranking online universities and doesn't have a different tuition rate for out-of-state students. All online students pay $330 or $637 per credit hour for undergraduate and graduate programs, respectively, making it one of the cheapest colleges in the nation.

Learners at SNHU can choose from over 200 fully online degrees and certificate programs. Some popular options include accounting, technology, and criminal justice.

National University

National Univeristy offers 195 online degree programs, including certificates and associate degrees up to doctorates. Students can earn their degrees in forensic science, early childhood education, pre-law studies, and many more.

This non-profit college offers need- and merit-based scholarships and grants to make its already low tuition rates even lower. Online undergraduate programs are $370 per credit hour, while graduate students pay varying rates based on individual programs.

Our Selection Criteria

We used strict guidelines while selecting the programs for this list and referenced the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. All of these degrees meet several key criteria that ensure students will receive a high-quality degree without spending large amounts on tuition.

Affordability: We selected programs that have tuition rates below $500 for undergraduate programs or that have financial aid programs available to lower tuition below this threshold.
Accreditation: Every college on this list either has national accreditation from a group like the Higher Learning Commission or regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Accreditation ensures that a student can qualify for federal financial aid and that their degree meets educational standards.
Diverse degree options: Although some schools on this list have specialty offerings, we selected programs that allow students to choose from a wide selection of academic programs.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Delaware Cost?

The most affordable tuition rates in Delaware are around $12,000. However, this rate can change based on a variety of factors, including total financial aid, enrollment status, and degree level. On average, the most affordable colleges in Delaware will be non-profit public schools.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Whether you're considering a traditional university offering online courses or a dedicated online institution, these steps can help you manage the cost.

1. Research Tuition Rates

Understand how the institution structures its tuition and fees, whether it's per year, semester, quarter, or credit hour.

Calculate the total cost by multiplying the number of credit hours required for graduation by the cost per credit hour. This gives you a clear picture of your potential expenses.

2. Corporate Partnerships Discount

Investigate whether the institution has corporate partnerships designed to provide an affordable educational opportunity to employees of partner organizations.

These partnerships often come with discounts or financial incentives for employees looking to pursue higher education.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options. Many schools offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific programs.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

4. Transfer Credits

Check if the school accepts transfer credits for prior coursework or work experience. Transferring credits can reduce the number of courses you need to take and, consequently, your overall cost.

5. Online-Specific Financial Aid

Some online institutions offer unique financial aid packages tailored to online learners. Inquire about these opportunities when exploring your options.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About Online Programs at the Cheapest Colleges in Delaware

Students in Delaware have multiple high-quality online programs available to them. There are many common questions that learners ask to help narrow down which program is best for them.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Delaware?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Wilmington University is one of the cheapest colleges in Delaware before fees, costs, and financial aid are factored in. Some students will qualify for higher financial aid amounts, which could make other schools more affordable, but Wilmington provides one of the most affordable options to all students.

Is College Free for Delaware Residents?

The Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) scholarship provides free tuition for Delaware residents pursuing an associate degree. There are restrictions for eligibility, and this program can't be used for a four-year program.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Delaware?

Wilmington University has an open admissions policy, which almost guarantees acceptance. This makes it one of the easiest schools to enroll in for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What Are the Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Online Degree Program?

Many schools have no specific prerequisites to enroll in an online degree program. The most common prerequisites will be for graduate programs or degree completion programs, which will require a previous degree or a minimum number of transfer credits, sometimes from specific courses.

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Our school profiles include all the relevant information you need to find the best accredited online bachelor's degree programs for your goals. Once you've narrowed down the best programs for you, use our resources to reach out to schools and begin your application process today.