Adult education sparked Delaware's initial online education ventures. The Delaware Center for Distance Adult Learning (DCDAL) was founded in 1999, providing residents with the option to obtain a high school diploma or GED online. Several digital learning options have been added to Delaware's education system to accommodate earlier grade levels, with the Red Clay Consolidated School District leading the charge. These public schools opened a distance learning lab in 2012, which feature the Edline learning management system, remote television newscasts, and dedicated AV equipment. Several institutions of higher education now provide online class and degree options, including the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
Delaware's tuition increases at public four-year institutions are on par with the rest of the United States, with in-state tuition rising by 41.8% between the years of 2006 and 2011. Regrettably, state appropriations for higher education dipped over the same period, at a rate of 8.6%. This reduction in funding is partially due to slow-growing enrollment rates, which have only risen by less than 1% in the last few years. So far, enrollment gains in Delaware are significantly lagging behind the national average increase of 15.9%.
Learn more about Delaware's top online colleges and universities by searching our extensive database of distance learning programs. Review the state facts tab to see how higher education in Delaware stacks up to national figures.
Featured Online Programs
10 Colleges in Delaware
Additional Resources
Official State Links
- Delaware Department of Education
- Delaware Higher Education Commission
- Delaware State Education Association
College Savings
- Delaware College Investment Plan: This is a classic 529 college savings plan that affords savers tax advantaged accounts for the explicit purpose of college savings. This plan is managed by Fidelity Investments and offers three distinct investment options based on the age of the beneficiary.
Education Nonprofits
- Delaware Goes to College: The objective of the program is to ensure all of Delaware's high school graduates are prepared for either a career or college. For students who plan to attend college the program offers, guidance and applications and financial aid.
- Yes I Can Go To College: Preparing for college carries with it numerous question and concerns ranging from "What do I want to major in?" to "How do I pay for it?". The program strives to reduce the stress of apprehension by answering common questions and concerns using a variety of online apps and surveys.
Higher Education News
- Delaware Department of Education News: A one stop shop from the Delaware Department of Education which provides easy access to current and past press releases.
- University of Delaware News: The official news site of the University of Delaware covers all types of news relating to the university and higher education in general.