Delaware State University

Dover, DE · Public · 4,398 undergrads

• Admit rate: 46.6% (7,542 applicants)
• SAT middle 50%: 800–1020 (ACT 20–24)
• Undergraduates: 4,398 (2.1% international)
• Average net price: $13,910 (per year after aid)
• Graduation rate: 39% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

• Rolling: Feb. 1, 2027

Essays

Honors Program applicants (400-600 words)

A typed essay of 400 – 600 words, explaining why you wish to be admitted into the Honors Program.

Editor's notes

• Apply early in senior year if money matters. DSU's merit awards need no separate application but go out first-come, first-served, and last year's Presidential Scholarship invitations went only to students admitted by mid-February.
• Test-optional doesn't mean tests don't pay here. Every out-of-state merit tier and the Honors Program lists an SAT or ACT minimum. If your score clears one of those lines, send it.
• Your grades carry this application. The CDS rates GPA as the one very important factor and doesn't consider essays or letters, so there's nothing to write around a weak transcript. Finish senior year strong, because the final transcript is required.

Sources

1. Delaware State University Admissions, Undergraduate students
2. Delaware State University Admissions, Apply now
3. Delaware State University, Common Data Set 2025-2026
4. Delaware State University, Honors Program admission
5. Delaware State University Financial Aid, Out-of-state freshman scholarships
6. Delaware State University Financial Aid, In-state freshman scholarships
7. Delaware State University Financial Aid, Inspire Scholarship
8. Common App, 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid