In-State Freshmen
Your state, your school
It’s simple: As a Delawarean, you come first.
This is a promise we take seriously. We are dedicated to providing an affordable, top-quality education to every Delawarean. Let your ambition decide your future. We’re here to serve Delaware—to serve you.
Questions about financial aid? Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your costs or contact Student Financial Services at sfs-mail@udel.edu.
First State Promise
A four-year education at the University of Delaware should be within the grasp of every Delawarean. That’s why we created First State Promise, a financial package that brings a first-class education within the reach of all Delaware residents starting their four-year education at UD.
First State Promise is awarded to Delawarians entering UD as freshmen and is based on family income. Students with a family income of less than $35,000 receive a financial package that allows them to attend UD at little or no up-front cost. The package covers tuition, fees, standard housing and food expenses.*
Students with family incomes between $35,000 and $75,000 will receive a financial aid package that covers their full tuition and mandatory fees; those with family incomes above $75,000 may also be eligible for some aid in addition to any merit scholarships they may have earned.
At UD, we don’t want the sticker price to stand in the way of a great education. Our First State Promise starts with students as they begin their college career on our Newark campus and continues throughout their undergraduate education. To qualify, students admitted to UD must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and meet the income requirements.** No additional applications are necessary.
Affordable education: That's our First State Promise.
*Does not apply to transfer students.
**Household size, as well as family assets in excess of $50,000, may affect eligibility for need-based grants. A family’s primary residence is not considered when evaluating a family’s assets. Students living at home may be eligible for need-based aid less than tuition due to lower cost of attendance. A student’s eligibility for grants and scholarships may change as income or assets change.
Academic (Merit) Scholarship* |
Typical Amount Offered* |
|---|---|
| UD Trustee Scholarship | $7,000 Per Year |
| UD Presidential Scholarship | $5,000 Per Year |
| UD Provost Scholarship | $4,500 Per Year |
| Delaware Scholar Award | $4,000 Per Year |
| Blue Hen Scholarship | $2,500 Per Year |
These scholarships are renewable as long as students continue to hold a 3.0 GPA and earn 12 credits each semester. See here for additional scholarship terms and conditions.
*The chart represents typical merit scholarships at UD, and is intended to indicate the range of merit scholarships potentially available at UD. Merit offers are based on an internal calculation that is not the same as high-school reported GPA. Amounts and criteria are subject to change.
Distinguished Scholar Awards are invitation only for select students admitted to the UD Honors College. Students who show potential to be leaders and have a high degree of intellectual curiosity are invited to campus to participate in interviews for UD’s top scholarships.
Eugene du Pont Scholars
This is the premier scholarship offered by University of Delaware. Eugene du Pont Scholars receive a yearly scholarship that covers full tuition, standard on-campus room and board, and comprehensive health and student center fees. Students may also use the funds towards UD study abroad. They also receive $500 each fall and spring semester to be used toward textbooks and a one-time grant of $2,500 to be used toward an approved enrichment activity.
Marichu C. Valencia Scholars
Valencia Scholars who are Delaware residents receive a scholarship of $15,000 four years of study; and a one-time grant of $5,000 to be used toward an approved enrichment activity.
1743 Scholars
1743 Scholars who are Delaware residents receive a scholarship of $12,500 for four years of study.
The University has some endowments available to students on behalf of our generous alumni and donors. These scholarships often have specific criteria, like college or major, as well as merit and financial need. The average amount of these scholarships is $2,000 per year.
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) offers financial assistance for education to Delaware residents in the form of scholarships that help offset college costs. See the Delaware Student Success website for additional information on application deadlines.
Students who audition to be accepted as music majors are considered for music scholarships during their auditions. These scholarships are competitive and are offered by recommendation after all auditions have been completed. All music majors who receive School of Music scholarships may be required to participate in more than one ensemble.
In addition, students who participate in the Fightin' Blue Hen Marching Band are eligible for a scholarship. Visit the School of Music's website for additional information.
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics grants performance-based scholarships in all sports in compliance with NCAA Division I regulations and guidelines. Amounts vary. For more information or questions, contact the Athletics Department at (302) 831-4006 or complete the Prospective Student Athlete Questionnaire.
U.S. Army: Two and three-year scholarships are available for on-campus students. For more information on scholarships or anything related to Army ROTC, contact the recruiting officer at 1-800-830-ROTC.
U.S. Air Force: There are two different types of scholarships (see here for additional information). For questions on scholarships or anything related to U.S. Air Force ROTC, contact the recruiting flight commander at (302) 831-2863.
Need-Based Aid
While academic scholarships are offered based on a student’s accomplishments (merit), the University provides additional funding based on the estimated financial need determined by the FAFSA.
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include school code 001431. Students are encouraged to file near the time they apply to UD to recieve their full financial package quickly, but students will be evaluated for need-based funding through the May 15 admissions decision deadline.
Renewability: Institutional need-based grants are renewable for up to eight total semesters provided students continue to demonstrate consistent levels of financial need and meet the other terms and conditions associated with these offers.
The SEED Scholarship
SEED+ (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarships are funded by the State of Delaware and cover tuition for eligible full-time students enrolled in our Flex Pathway programs at our Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown locations.