University of Delaware

The University of Delaware admitted about 69.2% of applicants in the most recent cycle, drawing roughly 39,700 applications and enrolling around 4,100 first-year students. That makes UD moderately selective, though admission to the Honors College and a few competitive majors runs tighter than the overall rate suggests.

Admission to Delaware is achievable for a solid student but not a sure thing. Roughly 69% of applicants are admitted, and competitive candidates carry an average high school GPA near 3.98 with middle-50% SAT scores of 1220–1370. UD reviews applications holistically, weighing course rigor and GPA as very important factors.

Out-of-state applicants are admitted at nearly the same rate as Delaware residents. In the Fall 2024 cycle, UD admitted about 71% of in-state applicants and 70% of out-of-state applicants. Out-of-state students also make up about two-thirds of the undergraduate body, so applying from another state does not meaningfully lower your odds, even though state residency is listed as a very important factor.

Enrolled first-years average about a 3.98 high school GPA, and roughly 64% ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class. Academic GPA and the rigor of your course load are both weighed as very important factors, so strong grades in a challenging schedule matter more than any single cutoff.

A 1350 is competitive at Delaware. It sits in the upper half of enrolled students, just below the 75th-percentile mark of 1370. The middle 50% of first-years who submitted scores landed at 1220–1370 on the SAT and 28–32 on the ACT, so a 1350 puts you at or above a typical admitted student.

Yes, UD is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Only about 19% of enrolled first-years submitted the SAT and roughly 3% the ACT. If you choose to submit, scores are weighed as a considered factor, while GPA and course rigor carry more weight in the review.

Annual tuition and required fees come to about $17,660 for Delaware residents and $43,220 for out-of-state students. Around 59% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average package near $20,474, and UD meets roughly 64% of demonstrated need on average. The First State Promise covers tuition and fees for eligible in-state students with financial need.

Yes. Delaware rates the application essay as an important factor in its holistic review, on par with recommendations and extracurriculars and above test scores, which are only considered. With grades and rigor carrying the most weight, a specific, well-revised essay is a real chance to add context and stand out.

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