List of the Best Nursing Schools in Delaware

Delaware's best nursing schoolsWhether you live in Dover, Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach, or somewhere in between, chances are you have encountered a nurse at some point in your life. The fact is that nurses are needed to keep the medical field working efficiently, and that’s why there is an abundance of nursing jobs in Delaware. If you would like to take advantage of these job opportunities, there are plenty of nursing schools in Delaware that offer online associates degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree in nursing to help you along the way, and we have a list of some of the best nursing schools in Delaware. Read on to learn more about what these schools can do for you.

How to Become a Nurse in Delaware

You need to go to school to learn how to become a nurse, but you may not have to be there long. You can earn a diploma in less than a year, and you could at least start working as a nursing assistant after that. The type of nursing degree that you pursue should depend on the type of nurse you would like to be. Look for a school accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) to ensure that you get the best education possible. Here is a list of possible nursing career paths and related articles for additional reading:

Here is a look at the types of degrees you might consider earning through Delaware nursing schools:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

When you have discovered what nursing programs in Delaware achieve your personal goals, and after you have completed your degree program, you will need to apply for a nursing license. You may also need certifications related to different skills in nursing. Each type of nurse requires a different set of licenses and certifications. You can contact the Delaware Board of Nursing to learn more.

Tuition for Delaware Nursing Schools

Tuition rates change from one school to the next. Most nursing students will attend community college for their first two years of school and then transition to a public university for the remainder of their education. The data below is from the College Board, and it indicates what you may pay per year to attend different institutions.

  • Public Two Year College: $3,274 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $11,261 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $14,407 per year

Job Prospects for Delaware Nurses

The (BLS) predicts strong job growth for nurses of all levels in Delaware. The amount of money you make as a nurse will depend on several situations, like the type of job you get and the amount of education you have going into your profession. You may possibly want to view statistics on minorities in nursing. Average salaries for nurses in Delaware include:

  • Nursing Assistant: $27,740 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $48,380 per year
  • Registered Nurse Salary: $70,910 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $94,940 per year

The list of universities below will provide you with schools that offer RN programs in Delaware. Start looking through nursing schools in Delaware and you will soon find the perfect one for you.


Browse Delaware Nursing Schools

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is the playground for more than 21,000 students which was founded in 1743. Its roots began as a private academy for individuals desiring higher learning, and is now a top research-intensive, technologically advance power house university with global impact. Three signers of the Declaration of Independence were graduates from this school of learning. As with other top universities they create a climate and condition for students to foster and cultivate critical thinking through various exchanges of ideas between student and faculty.

This statement is found on their website within their mission statement, “The University of Delaware promotes an environment in which all people are inspired to learn and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, free inquiry and respect for the views and values of an increasingly diverse population.” (Source)

Location: Newark, DE
Student Enrollment: 21,000+
In-State Tuition: $5,770
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,480
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Delaware Nursing Programs and Degrees Offered: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN Program, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Website: http://www.udel.edu/


Delaware State University

Delaware State University is located in Dover, Delaware, and was founded in 1891. This state university provides students the opportunity to meet the demands of a changing world economy. The university aims to prepare its students for the challenges they will face locally and globally in the new millennium and beyond. DSU offers many programs, one of them being nursing, and If interested in becoming a LPN, this school offers programs that will assist you in learning how to become a LPN, and to move further in your career from LPN-to-BSN.

This statement comes directly from their website, “DSU currently offers 53 undergraduate degree options, an impressive number for a school of DSU’s size. It also offers 25 master’s degree programs and five doctoral degree programs in areas such as interdisciplinary applied mathematics/mathematical physics and educational leadership.” (Source)

Location: Dover, DE
Student Enrollment: 3,500+
In-State Tuition: $7,532.00
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,138.00
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
Website: http://www.desu.edu/


Delaware Technical And Community College

Delaware Technical and Community College is committed to excellence for its students. This institution of higher learning is focused on and cultivates the climate necessary for student success. This commitment for excellence in their students is also centered around the local employers who employ their graduated students, and for any other community that has the opportunity to employ their students. Delaware Tech continues to earn its place as an educational leader, and due to its local success the college is respected at state and national levels.

Delaware Tech has four major campuses by which students are able to become innovative learners and critical thinkers: Dover, Georgetown (Owens), Stanton, and Wilmington.

Here is a statement of accreditation from the college’s website, “The College is fully accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.” (Source)

Location: Newark, DE
Student Enrollment: 7,500+
In-State Tuition: $2,096.25 (15+ credit hours)
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,242.50 (15+ credit hours)
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: Associate
Website: https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/stanton


Wesley College

Wesley College is located in Dover, Delware, and enrolls around 2,500 students currently. The main aim for Wesley College is to empower and liberate students with the necessary skills and the necessary knowledge to help students become critical thinkers and to maintain ethical attitudes as they contribute to their local and global society.

This is a statement from their website, “Founded in 1873 as a preparatory school, Wesley College has a covenant relationship with the United Methodist Church. The College offers 30 bachelors, four associates, and master’s degrees in nursing, education, business administration and environmental science in a multi-denominational, multi-cultural campus setting.” (Source)

Location: Dover, DE
Student Enrollment: 2,500+
Tuition: $25,646 / per year
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Yes (Nearly $42 million in financial aid and scholarships are awarded annually)
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: BS/BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN


Beebe School of Nursing

Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing is the school of nursing for Beebe Healthcare which was founded in 1921. This nursing school offers the opportunity to earn a nursing degree diploma. This school of nursing is aware of the demand increase for registered nurses and is currently making the necessary changes to increase, double, its class size to meet employment demands. The school offers rich academic excellence and clinical experience to its students.

As from their website,”The School of Nursing offers a comprehensive ACEN-accredited nursing curriculum that prepares graduates for the demands of a diverse healthcare profession. A planned orientation occurs prior to enrollment.” (Source)

Location: Lewes, DE
Student Enrollment: 28
Tuition: $4,300
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: Diploma, RN-to-BSN
Website: https://www.beebehealthcare.org/school-nursing


Wilmington College – Division of Nursing

Wilmington College is located in New Castle, Delaware. Their stated mission to to provide the necessary conditions for students to learn the necessary skills for a “life of service and success.” This is accomplished through the high quality of educational opportunities within the schools undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The following statement is currently from their website regarding their nursing program, “Wilmington College and Mount Carmel College of Nursing have developed a joint program for students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and become registered nurses. In this program students complete a set of courses at Wilmington College’s campus in Wilmington and then are evaluated for transfer to Mount Carmel. Admission of up to eight qualified Wilmington students per year into Mount Carmel’s Advanced Placement Program is guaranteed.” (Source)

Location: New Castle, DE
Student Enrollment:
Tuition: $455 per credit hour
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Website: http://www.wilmington.edu/academics/areas-of-study/biology/nursing/