Compare BSN tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes at every approved Delaware nursing program.
Delaware’s nursing pipeline is compact but intensely efficient. Only two BSN-granting universities serve the entire state, yet they feed directly into powerhouse employers like ChristianaCare and Bayhealth. Choosing between them means weighing a selective, research-oriented flagship against an HBCU with a broader access mission.
The stakes are visible: University of Delaware graduates report median earnings of roughly $72,950, while in-state tuition at Delaware State runs thousands lower. Both offer integrated clinical placements that often lead to job offers before graduation. In a market this small, the program you pick largely determines your early career trajectory.
Delaware’s nursing education landscape may be compact, but it offers two distinct BSN pathways that cater to different student needs. From the research-driven University of Delaware to the community-focused Delaware State University, aspiring nurses can find a program that aligns with their career goals and financial situation. Below we rank the best nursing programs in the state for 2026, comparing tuition, outcomes, and unique program strengths.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Ambitious freshmen seeking direct MSN pathway | |
University of Delaware’s BSN program is a top-tier choice, ranked in the top 11% nationally and recognized as a 2022 NLN Center of Excellence. The four-year campus-based program offers direct admission to an MSN for students with a 3.0 GPA, along with hands-on clinicals and study abroad. In-state tuition is $16,810, but an average net price of $17,799 keeps costs manageable. While program-specific earnings are not yet reported, UD graduates across all fields see median earnings of $72,950 a decade out and a median debt of $24,572, signaling strong ROI. Note: the university’s 80.6% graduation rate reflects all programs, not just nursing.
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| #2 | Delaware State University | Dover, DE | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Hands-on learners at a public HBCU | |
Delaware State University offers an accredited BSN at an affordable price point, with in-state tuition of $10,670 and an average net price of $13,910. As a public HBCU, DSU serves a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients (68.6%) and emphasizes community health. The campus-based program includes simulation labs and clinical fieldwork, preparing students for NCLEX licensure. Institution-wide earnings data shows graduates earn a median of $49,307 ten years after entry, with median debt of $26,000. The school-wide graduation rate is 39.1%, so prospective nursing students should inquire about program-specific outcomes.
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Our ranking of the best nursing schools in Delaware is built on publicly available federal data, not opinion. The goal is to give you a clear, numbers-driven starting point focused on cost and return on investment.
Each school’s score reflects a mix of financial and completion metrics drawn from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard:
Because federal data does not cover every factor that matters to nursing students, our numerical model has intentional gaps. NCLEX pass rates are presented later in this article as a separate quality check, and we do not fold them into the ranking score. Clinical partnerships and hands-on training quality are similarly not captured in the model; you will want to assess those details independently when comparing programs.
Most sites that publish nursing school rankings never explain their methodology. We think this lack of transparency hides important trade-offs. By spelling out exactly which metrics shape our list, we let you decide how much weight to give each element. If you prioritize low debt above all else, you can look past the composite score; if you prefer a school with a higher graduation rate, you can spot that instantly. The ranking is a tool, not a verdict.
Net price reflects the institution-wide average after grants and scholarships, actual costs for nursing students may be higher or lower depending on individual aid packages. The chart below breaks down four critical cost metrics for Delaware's two BSN programs, using the most recent federal data.
How much should you expect to borrow for a BSN in Delaware, and what are the smartest ways to pay for it? The answer depends on where you enroll and which financial aid programs you tap. Below, we break down costs, debt, and the resources that can lighten the load.
Published tuition tells only part of the story. The net price, which is the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, room and board) minus grants and scholarships, gives a truer picture of what students actually pay. For Delaware State University, the typical net price is about $13,910 per year, while at the University of Delaware it averages $17,799, both for in-state students.
Those net prices translate into manageable debt for most graduates. The median federal student loan debt for a Delaware BSN is roughly $26,000 at Delaware State University and $24,572 at the University of Delaware. On a standard 10-year repayment plan, that works out to a monthly payment around $280 or a bit less, depending on your interest rate. When you compare those payments to the median earnings of BSN graduates 10 years out, $49,307 at Delaware State and $72,950 at UD, the debt-to-income ratio looks healthy. In short, a Delaware nursing degree tends to pay for itself fairly quickly.
Financial accessibility varies between the two main programs. At Delaware State, a historically Black university, about 69% of students receive Pell Grants, signaling that the school serves many students with financial need. The University of Delaware reports a 28% Pell share, but that does not mean aid is scarce. UD offers School of Nursing Scholarships for enrolled nursing majors, with an undergraduate application deadline of April 15.5 Both schools encourage filing the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize state and institutional aid.
Beyond federal aid, Delaware residents can tap several state-based awards. The Delaware Nursing Incentive Program (DNIP) is a loan repayment program for nurses who commit to working in designated shortage areas; you need a minimum 2.5 GPA and must apply by May 15, 2026.1 The Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship awards $2,000 to Delaware residents who demonstrate merit and need, with materials due March 15, 2026.2 The AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware First State Scholarship provides $5,000 to four students who show financial need.3 The DIHEA Scholarship offers smaller $150 awards to 11 students for non-tuition expenses such as books or uniforms.4 Even modest amounts like these can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
If you are willing to work in underserved communities after graduation, the Delaware Nursing Incentive Program can repay a substantial portion of your loans. Major health systems like ChristianaCare and Bayhealth also run tuition reimbursement programs for current employees who pursue nursing degrees, sometimes covering the entire cost of a BSN if you work while studying. Combining an employer benefit with a state scholarship can dramatically cut your net cost, so ask HR departments about eligibility early in your search. Remember to think in terms of net price, not sticker price, and to layer federal, state, and private aid wherever possible.
Comparing a single year’s NCLEX pass rate against a multi-year trend line is the difference between a snapshot and a movie. One tells you what happened last year; the other reveals whether a nursing program is consistently preparing students for licensure or just riding a lucky cycle. For nursing schools in Delaware, where cohort sizes are small and each graduate’s outcome carries more weight, looking across multiple years is essential to understanding true program quality.
The University of Delaware and Delaware State University offer the state’s primary pre-licensure BSN programs, and their recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates tell a story of marked improvement. At the University of Delaware, the 2022 pass rate stood at 79.52 percent. By 2024, that figure climbed to 96.13 percent, well above national benchmarks. Over the 2022–2024 period, the program’s average first-time pass rate was 89.92 percent.
Delaware State University saw an even sharper trajectory. Its first-time pass rate rose from 76.12 percent in 2022 to 84.48 percent in 2024, an increase of 8.36 percentage points. While both schools’ 2022 rates trailed the national average (which hovered between 80 and 82 percent that year), their 2024 results surpassed it; the national rate for U.S.-educated nurses in 2024 settled around 86 to 88 percent, and preliminary 2025 data shows a national average of 86.7 percent. Not every year’s data is available for each school, so prospective students should check with the Delaware Board of Nursing or the NCSBN for the most recent reporting cycle.
Rising pass rates rarely happen by accident. They typically reflect intentional curriculum updates, stronger clinical placements, or enhanced test-preparation support. When a program’s NCLEX performance consistently meets or exceeds the national average, it suggests graduates are entering the workforce with the foundational knowledge and critical-thinking skills that patient care demands. Both of Delaware’s flagship programs now demonstrate that upward momentum.
A strong pass rate also correlates with lower attrition and higher employment readiness. Students who pass the NCLEX on the first attempt avoid the cost and delay of retesting and can begin working sooner, which matters in a state where healthcare systems depend heavily on local talent pipelines.
Because Delaware nursing programs graduate relatively small cohorts, year-to-year swings can be dramatic. A single low-scoring class, perhaps affected by pandemic-era disruptions or a handful of students who struggled with the new Next Generation NCLEX format, can pull a program’s annual rate down sharply. Reviewing a three-year average or tracking the directional trend gives a more accurate picture of how well a school prepares students over time.
When evaluating nursing schools in Delaware, treat any one year’s pass rate as a data point, not a verdict. Look for schools that publicly share multi-year data and compare their trajectory against national benchmarks. That longer lens reveals whether a program is building lasting strength or merely enjoying a short-term uptick.
University of Delaware nursing alumni report median annual earnings of $72,950 roughly a decade after starting college, according to federal data. That figure places them well above typical earnings for many other fields. Delaware State University graduates show a median of $49,307 over the same horizon, reflecting both the university's mission to serve a broader student population and the competitive nature of the Dover-area job market.
Recent program-level earnings at the one-year and four-year marks are not yet available through federal reporting. Employment rates and poverty-line comparisons for these specific programs have not been released either. However, the long-term earnings data offers a dependable signal of career trajectory for nursing graduates from these institutions.
Both ranked programs equip students for licensure as registered nurses, and earnings climb as graduates gain experience and pursue advanced roles. The College Scorecard data captures the median earnings of former students who received federal aid, measured years after entry. At the University of Delaware, the median of $72,950 mirrors the university's strong placement into Wilmington-area hospitals and healthcare systems. At Delaware State University, the $49,307 median aligns with the Dover market, where the cost of living is lower and many nurses serve in community-based settings.
While early-career snapshots are not yet available, these mid-career figures confirm that a BSN from either institution creates a solid economic foundation. For context, national data often shows BSN-prepared nurses out-earning associate-degree RNs by $10,000 or more annually, and these Delaware programs follow that trend.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports earnings for Registered Nurses in Delaware's major metropolitan areas. In the Wilmington-Newark metro area, which spans into Pennsylvania and Maryland, nurses earn competitive wages at every percentile. The Dover metro area posts salaries that, while somewhat lower, still surpass many other fields requiring a bachelor's degree. Because the BLS publishes precise figures in detailed tables rather than simplified summaries, readers can consult those datasets directly for 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile earnings. The broader trend is clear: BSN graduates in Delaware can expect salaries that often begin near the state's median household income and grow substantially with specialization.
Comparing median federal loan debt to mid-career earnings shows a strong return. University of Delaware graduates take on a median debt of $24,572, yielding an earnings-to-debt ratio of roughly 2.97, meaning for every dollar of debt, annual earnings are nearly three times that amount. At Delaware State University, the median debt is $26,000, producing a solid ratio of 1.90. These numbers suggest that the investment pays for itself quickly, even without considering loan forgiveness programs available to nurses.
Prospective students should weigh these figures alongside the lower net price at Delaware State and the higher earning ceiling at Delaware's larger university. Both paths lead to a profession with strong demand and consistent wage growth in Delaware's healthcare sector.
University-wide acceptance rates rarely reveal nursing program competitiveness. The University of Delaware admits roughly 71% of all students, while Delaware State University admits about 47%, but nursing programs are typically more selective. For UD's direct-admit BSN, the holistic review process means nursing applicants compete against a strong pool of high-achieving freshmen, making the effective selectivity tighter than the campus-wide figure suggests. At Delaware State, the BSN traditionally requires a separate application to the nursing major after completing prerequisites, which can narrow the field significantly. Neither university publicly breaks out a nursing-specific acceptance rate, so prospective students should prepare for a rigorous admissions process.
The University of Delaware's Traditional BSN is a direct-admit program for incoming freshmen.1 No separate nursing application, prerequisite courses, or entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI are required.1 Instead, the university evaluates applicants through a holistic review2 that considers high school GPA, standardized test scores (optional for some cycles), essays, and extracurricular involvement. While a minimum GPA isn't published2, admitted students typically present strong academic records. The priority deadline for freshman admission is December 1.2
Delaware State University's BSN program follows a more traditional two-step path. Although the nursing department doesn't publish a standalone admissions rate, accepted students generally complete specific prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, with a competitive GPA (often a 3.0 or higher in core sciences). A standardized admission exam like the TEAS is also common. Because requirements can change, candidates should confirm details directly on the program website or by contacting the department.
Even when prerequisites aren't explicitly required (as with UD's direct-admit model), strong performance in high school science courses like biology and chemistry builds the foundation for success. For programs like Delaware State's, anatomy and physiology courses are frequent stumbling blocks, these rigorous, content-heavy classes demand strong study habits and time management. If you're taking them at a community college, ensure they transfer and align with the nursing program's catalog. Starting the sequence early, seeking tutoring, and balancing course loads can prevent a GPA dip that delays application eligibility.
Timing matters enormously. UD's December 1 freshman deadline is firm; late applications are not considered. For programs with a secondary nursing application, such as Delaware State's, students often apply during their sophomore year, after completing prerequisites. This means you're already on campus, building a GPA that determines your nursing candidacy. Waitlists aren't universally advertised, but some programs maintain them when qualified applicants outnumber seats. Ask admissions counselors early whether a waitlist exists and what your odds of movement might be. Submitting a complete, polished application as soon as the window opens is the best way to improve your chances.
Clinical training in Delaware’s BSN programs is tightly integrated with the state’s major healthcare employers, giving students direct access to hospital floors, specialty units, and potential future colleagues.
University of Delaware nursing students complete rotations at every major hospital in New Castle County and selected sites beyond. ChristianaCare serves as the dominant clinical partner, with additional placements at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Beebe Healthcare (through a dedicated third-year pathway), and facilities in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. All clinical placements for UD BSN students are guaranteed, and the program’s reach extends from Newark and Wilmington down to southern Delaware and across state lines.
Delaware State University’s BSN program focuses on central and southern Delaware, placing students in Kent and Sussex county hospitals and clinics. While rotations are not guaranteed, DSU maintains strong relationships with regional providers including Bayhealth and Beebe Healthcare. Commutes from the Dover campus to these sites remain short, and the concentration of clinical hours in one geographic area lets students build familiarity with the same care teams over multiple semesters.
Both programs require 600 to 900 hours of clinical experience, mixing direct patient care with structured simulation.
University of Delaware houses the Center for Simulation Innovation, Interdisciplinary Education, and Entrepreneurship (CSIIDEE), a high-fidelity lab where students rehearse everything from routine assessments to complex interprofessional emergencies. Delaware State University also provides dedicated simulation spaces that mirror hospital and clinic settings, letting students refine their skills before stepping onto a real unit. These labs are fully integrated into the curriculum and help bridge classroom theory and bedside practice.
Delaware’s compact geography eliminates the long commutes common in larger states. Students rarely spend hours traveling between campus and clinical sites, and the smaller pool of nursing programs means less competition for high-quality placements. Preceptor relationships run deeper too: faculty and hospital educators often collaborate directly, and students who rotate through the same units multiple times receive more personalized mentorship.
Delaware hospitals recruit heavily from their clinical partner schools. ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and Beebe Healthcare routinely hire graduates who completed rotations inside their networks. For many BSN students, clinical performance essentially functions as an extended interview, and job offers frequently materialize before graduation. The built-in pipeline is a major reason why Delaware’s nursing graduates transition to practice quickly and with minimal job-search friction.
Delaware’s limited number of BSN programs creates a surprisingly tight-knit nursing pipeline. Graduates face less competition and often land jobs at clinical partner hospitals before they even sit for the NCLEX, turning the state’s small size into a strategic career advantage.
Nursing education in Delaware spans from short-term diploma programs to advanced graduate degrees, giving you multiple entry points depending on your career goals and current qualifications. Whether you are just starting out or looking to build on a previous degree, the state’s schools offer pathways that align with different timelines, budgets, and professional ambitions.
Community colleges and technical schools typically offer ADN programs, which take about two years. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses. ADN-prepared nurses often begin working sooner and can later enroll in RN-to-BSN bridge programs to advance their education. In Delaware, several institutions provide this route, though competition for seats can be tight.
The four-year BSN is the standard entry-level degree for many hospitals and magnet-recognized facilities. University of Delaware and Delaware State University both offer traditional on-campus BSN tracks. Coursework blends general education, sciences, and nursing theory with supervised clinical rotations. BSN graduates typically have broader job prospects and higher earning potential compared to ADN nurses.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated BSN allows you to transition into nursing in a compressed timeframe. In Delaware, the University of Delaware provides a Second-Degree Accelerated BSN that can be completed in 17 months of full-time, on-campus study. Delaware State University does not currently offer an accelerated BSN track, but nearby options exist: - Widener University (Harrington, DE): a 15-month accelerated second-degree BSN with Fall start dates. - Cecil College (Maryland): a 12-month accelerated associate in nursing (ASN) for students with a prior degree or significant credits. This hybrid program leads to RN licensure quickly and can be followed by an RN-to-BSN completion.
Prerequisites for these accelerated tracks typically include specific science courses and a competitive GPA, so check each program’s admission requirements carefully.
Working RNs with an associate degree or diploma can advance to a BSN through flexible online programs. Wilmington University offers a fully online RN-to-BSN completion program designed for nurses who hold an active RN license. Courses are asynchronous, allowing you to balance work and study. Other in-state schools may also offer hybrid options; this pathway is ideal for nurses seeking managerial roles or positions that require a BSN.
For those entering healthcare quickly, practical nursing (LPN) diploma programs take about 12–18 months and prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Delaware has a few approved programs, often at technical centers or community colleges. LPN licensure can be a stepping stone to LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN bridge programs later. CNA training programs, even shorter, offer a rapid entry into direct patient care and are widely available across the state.
Once you earn a BSN, advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader become accessible through master’s or doctoral programs. While Delaware has limited in-state graduate options, many nearby schools offer online or low-residency tracks. Exploring NP and other graduate routes is a natural next step after completing a BSN.
The variety of nursing programs in Delaware means you can start wherever you are and move forward with a clear plan.
From costs and pay to admissions and program quality, aspiring nurses often ask similar questions about Delaware's nursing education landscape. Here we answer the most common queries to help you make an informed choice.
