•AVERAGE: 69
Delaware State University is a historically black institution located in Dover, DE. Originally the Delaware College for Colored Students, DSU was founded in 1891 as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1890, which provided for agricultural and mechanical science education for black students. While its curriculum was first dominated by applied science and agriculture, Delaware State gradually expanded its programs over the 20th century, earning a regional reputation as a top public STEM, professional, and research university. Today Delaware State is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #14 HBCU in the nation, and a top-tier regional institution in the North.
Academic Programs
Delaware State is a comprehensive, public university, offering more than 60 degree programs from bachelor’s to doctorate. The university has a growing reputation for research, particularly undergraduate research, and a number of dedicated research centers – like the Applied Mathematics Research Center, the NASA University Research Center, and the Center for Scientific and Applied Computing – are giving undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking studies. Sixteen master’s degrees, and five doctorates, prepare the next generation of African-American and minority scholars, scientists, and leaders.Beyond the traditional undergraduate and graduate degree programs, DSU has designed intensive programs to reach out to nontraditional students in a variety of ways. The Office Adult & Continuing Education provides access to accelerated certificates, entrepreneurship courses, personal development courses, and more. Meanwhile, DSU has made the leap into fully online degree programs, including a dozen bachelor’s and master’s programs for highly in-demand fields like accounting, criminal justice, public health, and business administration. It’s just another way Delaware State meets the needs of Delaware’s people.
Student Life
Delaware State’s student body numbers just over 4500, split evenly between traditional residential students and commuters. With a student body of that size, student life can be small enough to craft a real, strong sense of community, but also large enough that all sorts of interests can be represented. From religious groups to professional networking, fun and games to the Approaching Storm Marching Band, there is a club or organization for every DSU student’s liking. Delaware State also has a vibrant Greek Life built, like that of many HBCUs, around community service and personal growth.With 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports, Delaware State competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference against a dozen other HBCUs, as well as non-conference contests around the nation. The DSU Hornets have regional and national championships to their name, as well as a long-standing tradition of academic honors from the NCAA and the MEAC. Students at DSU also take part in numerous intramural teams, including soccer and flag football.