Delaware State University (DSU) is a public historically Black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware, USA. The 2026 US News Best Colleges edition ranks DSU #10 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University teaches 51 undergraduate degrees, 26 master’s programmes and 5 doctoral tracks across its Dover main campus and satellite sites in Wilmington and Georgetown. All programmes are taught in English. Indian applicants use the Fall and Spring semesters most often. The AACSB-accredited MBA and STEM master’s paths like Molecular Neuroscience, Applied Optics and Applied Chemistry draw strong demand. Country context sits in our MS in USA guide.
- US News HBCU rank: #10 (2026 Best Colleges edition)
- Acceptance rate: 62% (estimated official figure)
- Intakes: Fall (February 1) and Spring (November 1) for international applicants
- Graduate tuition: USD 28,440/year (INR 26.82 lakh)
- International students: around 10% of about 4,352 total enrolment
- MBA median starting salary: USD 105,636 (INR 99.61 lakh)
The Office of International Student Services supports F-1 visa holders from 30+ countries. DSU runs an English Language Institute (ELI) as a direct pathway for applicants without a TOEFL or IELTS score. Merit and need-based scholarships apply to first-year international applicants, disbursed across Fall and Spring semesters.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.30 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 intake is open for both undergraduate and graduate international applications. International applicants must file by November 1, 2026, at least 90 days before term start. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, opens with a February 1, 2027 undergraduate deadline and an April 15, 2027 graduate deadline for most departments.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Delaware State University 2027
- Delaware State University Admission 2027
- Delaware State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Delaware State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Delaware State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Delaware State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Delaware State University Scholarships 2027
- Delaware State University Rankings 2027
- Delaware State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Delaware State University vs Peer Universities
- Delaware State University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Delaware State University 2027
As per DSU’s 2026-2027 tuition schedule, the university charges a flat annual graduate rate of USD 28,440 across most master’s programmes. The MS Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience is a research-track exception priced at USD 17,064 per year. Undergraduate international students pay USD 18,460 per year.
Master’s tracks run 2 years across 48 credit hours split over 4 semesters. Bachelor’s tracks run 4 years across 120 credit hours split over 8 semesters. Most fee cells below are annual rates times programme duration.
| Master’s Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s with 2.50 GPA (60% or CGPA 6.0/10 recommended); GMAT/GRE/MAT |
| MSW | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s with 2.50 GPA (60% or CGPA 6.0/10 recommended) |
| MS Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | 34,128 | 32.18 lakh | Bachelor’s in biology or related field with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended); GRE |
| MS Applied Chemistry | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in chemistry with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended) |
| MS Applied Optics | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in physics or engineering with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended) |
| MS Food Science | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in STEM with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended) |
| MEd Educational Leadership | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended); teaching background preferred |
| MS Animal Science | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in STEM with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended) |
| MS Physics | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in physics with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended); GRE |
| MS Agriculture | 56,880 | 53.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in agriculture or STEM with 2.50 GPA (60% recommended) |
Undergraduate international students pay USD 18,460 per year, totalling USD 73,840 over 4 years at 120 credit hours.
| Bachelor’s Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Accounting | 73,840 | 69.63 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended); SAT 800+ or ACT 17+ |
| BS Agriculture (Agri-Business) | 73,840 | 69.63 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended); SAT 800+ or ACT 17+ |
| BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) | 73,840 | 69.63 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended); SAT 800+ or ACT 17+ |
| BA Mass Communication (PR & Advertising) | 73,840 | 69.63 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended); SAT 800+ or ACT 17+ |
| BS Biological Sciences | 73,840 | 69.63 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended); SAT 800+ or ACT 17+ |
Insider note: Indian students at DSU concentrate in the MBA (with Business Analytics or IT concentrations), the MS Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience research track and MS Applied Optics. The two STEM tracks often carry graduate assistantships that can offset a meaningful share of tuition.
Read More: Delaware State University Fees and Programmes Guide
Delaware State University Admission 2027
DSU accepts international applications for the Fall (August start) and Spring (January start) intakes. The Spring 2027 intake is open, with a November 1, 2026 deadline for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 UG and PG international deadline | November 1, 2026 | Apply at least 90 days before term start |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 8-10 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation of Indian transcripts is mandatory |
| Spring 2027 programme start | January 2027 | International orientation typically runs 3-5 days before classes |
| Fall 2027 UG international deadline | February 1, 2027 | Apply at least 90 days before term start |
| Fall 2027 PG deadline | April 15, 2027 (most departments) | Some departments close earlier; verify per programme |
Planning note: Scholarship consideration typically requires a complete application 4-6 weeks before the posted deadline. MBA applicants also need to budget 3-4 weeks for GMAT or GRE registration and official score reporting.
Read More: Delaware State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Delaware State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants meet DSU’s requirements through academic transcripts, English proficiency scores and a third-party credential evaluation.
Postgraduate applicants:
- Academics: Bachelor’s degree with 2.50 GPA on 4.0 scale (equivalent to 60% or CGPA 6.0/10) and 3.0 in the major.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 on the 0-120 legacy scale or IELTS 6.5.
- Credential evaluation: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation of every Indian bachelor’s and master’s transcript.
- Standardized tests: GMAT, GRE or MAT scores, with waivers available in some departments.
Undergraduate applicants:
- Academics: Class 12 with 65% (recommended) and minimum 2.0 GPA equivalent.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 on the 0-120 legacy scale, TOEFL PBT 550 or IELTS 6.5.
- Standardized tests: SAT 800+ combined or ACT 17+ composite.
Key insight: Indian applicants who miss the TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 threshold can enrol in DSU’s English Language Institute (ELI) as a bridge route, then transition into degree study upon completion. The pathway maintains F-1 visa continuity without a second application.
Delaware State University Acceptance Rate 2027
DSU has an acceptance rate of 62%, making it one of the more accessible USA public universities for Indian applicants with mid-range academic profiles. The published rate applies to both domestic and international applicants; DSU does not publish a separate international acceptance rate.
Indian applicants with a bachelor’s GPA of 2.5+ (60% Indian equivalent) and a TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 score sit comfortably within the admitted profile. Late applications and incomplete documentation cause more rejections than the academic bar itself.
Reality check: A 62% acceptance rate signals capacity, not lax standards. Indian applicants still need verified transcripts, official English scores and a completed WES or ECE evaluation on file to move through review without delay.
Delaware State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The full annual cost for an out-of-state undergraduate at DSU is approximately USD 39,415 (INR 37.17 lakh), combining tuition, fees, on-campus housing, food and books. Graduate international students face closer to USD 48,000 (INR 45.26 lakh) per year given the higher tuition rate.
Delaware State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate out-of-state tuition sits at USD 18,460 per year including base tuition, or USD 21,206 including all mandatory fees. Graduate tuition is USD 28,440 per year across most master’s programmes.
| Level | USD per year | INR per year (lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (out-of-state tuition + fees) | 21,206 | 20.00 lakh |
| Graduate (most master’s programmes) | 28,440 | 26.82 lakh |
| MBA | 28,440 | 26.82 lakh |
| MS Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | 17,064 | 16.09 lakh |
[Source: Delaware State University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid]
Monthly Cost of Living in Dover for Indian Students
Dover has one of the lowest cost bases among USA university towns, which offsets DSU’s mid-range tuition for Indian students.
| Category | USD per month | INR per month |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus room and board | 850 | 80,155 |
| Food (off-campus supplement) | 350 | 33,005 |
| Transportation (DART bus + occasional rideshare) | 100 | 9,430 |
| Books and supplies | 150 | 14,145 |
| Personal expenses | 200 | 18,860 |
| Total monthly | 1,650 | 1,55,595 |
| Total annual | 19,800 | 18.67 lakh |
[Source: DSU Cost of Attendance estimate cross-checked against Dover market rates]
Insider note: On-campus housing at Dover runs USD 5,000-6,500 (INR 4.72-6.13 lakh) per academic year for a shared room. Off-campus rentals within two miles of campus sit at USD 700-900 per month for a shared apartment. Health insurance adds around USD 2,000 per year unless waived with a comparable Indian policy.
Read More: Study in USA cost guide
Delaware State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The 400-acre Dover main campus sits in Delaware’s state capital, about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 2 hours from Washington DC by road.
- Location and transit: Dover is walkable; DART First State buses connect campus to downtown, retail and Amtrak service to the northeast US corridor.
- Housing: On-campus residence halls guarantee first-year international students housing at USD 5,000-6,500 per academic year, with suite-style options for graduates.
- Facilities: The USD 30 million Wellness and Recreation Center (opened 2019, 54,000 sq ft), the Optical Science Center for Applied Research (OSCAR) and the DSU Student Center anchor daily student life.
- Indian community: DSU enrols over 250 international students from 30+ countries, roughly 10% of the total student body, with an active International Students Association on campus.
- Student organisations: 70+ clubs including academic honour societies, cultural groups and Divine Nine Greek chapters.
What Indian students say: The small campus size makes it easy to build relationships with professors and secure research or lab assistantships. Dover itself is quiet, so students planning to work part-time typically use on-campus jobs since off-campus F-1 options are limited.
Delaware State University Scholarships 2027
As per DSU’s Office of Admissions data, the average scholarship recipient received a total award of USD 3,051 (INR 2.88 lakh) in the 2024-2025 cycle. Freshman, out-of-state, returning-student and international awards are administered together with financial aid packages.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Freshman Scholarship | Merit | Amount varies; verify at official page | First-year undergraduates from outside Delaware | Aligns with Fall admission deadline |
| International Freshman Scholarship | Merit + Need | Amount not published; verify at official page | First-year international undergraduates on F-1 visa | Verify at official page |
| Returning Student Scholarship | Merit | Amount varies; verify at official page | Continuing DSU undergraduates in good academic standing | Verify at official page |
[Source: Delaware State University Office of Admissions]
Planning note: Freshman scholarship decisions follow only after the admissions file is complete. Applying 4-6 weeks before the November 1 or February 1 deadline maximises the chance of scholarship review inside the same cycle.
Read More: MBA universities in USA scholarship options
Delaware State University Rankings 2027
Delaware State University does not appear in the QS or THE World University Rankings. As per the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition, DSU ranks #10 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities and #121 in Regional Universities North.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Best Global | 2026-2027: Not ranked | 2025-2026: Not ranked | 2024-2025: Not ranked |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #304 (2026) | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
DSU also holds #4 among public HBCUs in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition and a top-10 spot in Forbes’ inaugural HBCU list. Subject-wise, DSU is ranked #31 in USA for Chemistry and #20 in USA for Social Work per the US News subject rankings 2025.
Key insight: For Indian applicants weighing DSU, the US News HBCU standing matters more than a missing QS or THE rank. Employer recognition in the northeastern US corridor from Philadelphia to Baltimore is solid, and F-1 visa officers accept the US News regional standing as evidence of a genuine degree.
Read More: Delaware State University Rankings Analysis
Delaware State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
As per DSU Career Services reports, graduates land in employment or graduate school at strong rates across nursing, computer science, chemistry and MBA departments.
- Employed or in grad school within 6 months: 87% of DSU graduates
- Average starting salary (undergraduate): USD 48,000 per year (INR 45.26 lakh); computer science and nursing majors clear USD 65,000
- MBA median starting salary: USD 105,636 (INR 99.61 lakh); market median
- Top-earning UG majors: Computer Science around USD 74,448 (INR 70.20 lakh), Nursing around USD 66,900 (INR 63.09 lakh)
- Career support: DSU Career Services runs on-campus recruiting, resume review and internship placement; F-1 STEM graduates get up to 36 months of work eligibility via 12-month OPT plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension
Insider note: Indian MBA graduates from DSU with a STEM bachelor’s background often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension based on the undergraduate degree, giving three years of US work eligibility before the H-1B lottery.
Delaware State University vs Peer Universities
DSU sits in the mid tier of US public HBCUs, priced above Morgan State and NC A&T on headline graduate tuition but backed by AACSB MBA accreditation and STEM research assistantships.
| University | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg Annual PG Tuition (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | #304 | 28,440 / 26.82 lakh | AACSB MBA plus STEM assistantships and small Dover campus |
| Morgan State University | #300 | 18,927 / 17.85 lakh (estimated) | Larger urban Baltimore R2 research campus |
| North Carolina A&T State University | NA | 17,700-18,270 / 16.69-17.23 lakh (estimated) | US News #1 public HBCU with STEM strength |
Peer HBCUs like Morgan State University and North Carolina A&T State University offer lower headline graduate tuition. DSU’s advantage lies in its AACSB-accredited MBA, Applied Optics research programme and Dover’s low cost base, which together give Indian applicants strong two-year value on total spend.
Delaware State University fits Indian applicants who want an accessible US public HBCU with an AACSB-accredited MBA priced at USD 28,440 (INR 26.82 lakh) per year, a total investment MBA graduates can recoup through the USD 105,636 median starting salary. The OPT and STEM OPT extension pathway gives Indian master’s students meaningful US work eligibility for F-1 visa holders after graduation.
DSU is not the right choice for Indian applicants chasing Ivy League or high-visibility research brands, since the university does not appear in QS or THE World rankings. Applicants prioritising the lowest headline tuition among public HBCUs should evaluate North Carolina A&T State University alongside DSU.
Delaware State University FAQs
Ques. What master’s programmes does DSU offer beyond MBA and MSW?
Ans. Delaware State University offers 26 master’s degrees across five colleges. Popular options for Indian students include MS Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, MS Applied Chemistry, MS Applied Optics, MS Food Science, MS Animal Science, MS Physics, MS Agriculture, MEd Educational Leadership and MS Natural Resources. Most STEM tracks are OPT-eligible with the 24-month STEM extension, and research assistantships are available in Optics and Neuroscience labs.
Ques. How many hours can Indian F-1 students work at Delaware State University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Delaware State University may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and 40 hours per week during official university breaks. Off-campus employment requires Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training authorisation from the Designated School Official. On-campus roles include library, dining services, IT help desk and departmental graduate assistantships.
Ques. Does Delaware State University require GRE or GMAT for the MBA?
Ans. The DSU MBA programme lists GMAT, GRE or MAT scores as part of the standard graduate admission requirement. The College of Business may waive the test for applicants with a bachelor’s GPA of 3.0 or higher, or with five plus years of managerial work experience. Indian applicants should confirm current waiver rules directly with the graduate admissions office before paying test fees.
Ques. What is the DSU application fee for Indian international students?
Ans. The application fee at Delaware State University is USD 35 (INR 3,301) for undergraduate applicants and USD 50 (INR 4,715) for graduate and doctoral applicants. The fee is non-refundable and payable online through the DSU application portal by credit card. Fee waivers are occasionally offered for participants of specific graduate school fairs and partner recruitment events.
Ques. Can Indian students use Delaware State University’s English Language Institute instead of TOEFL?
Ans. Yes. Delaware State University’s English Language Institute accepts F-1 visa students without TOEFL or IELTS scores. Completing the ELI programme satisfies DSU’s English proficiency requirement for degree admission. This is a valid pathway for Indian applicants from vernacular-medium schools, applicants who cannot secure a qualifying test date in time, or those who need conditional admission converted to full status.
Ques. Which credential evaluation service does DSU require for Indian transcripts?
Ans. Delaware State University requires either World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators course-by-course evaluations for every Indian bachelor’s and master’s transcript. WES processing takes 7 to 20 business days from document receipt. Indian applicants should factor this timeline into their plan and start the evaluation at least 8 to 10 weeks before the DSU deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
Ques. Does Delaware State University offer conditional admission with low IELTS?
Ans. Yes. Indian applicants who meet the academic minimum but fall short of TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 can receive conditional admission contingent on completing the DSU English Language Institute. On successful ELI completion students transition into their degree programme without a fresh application. The pathway preserves F-1 visa continuity from ELI enrolment through the full degree.
Ques. How many international students are enrolled at Delaware State University?
Ans. Delaware State University enrols over 250 international students from more than 30 countries on F-1 visas each academic year. International students represent approximately 10% of DSU’s total enrolment of about 4,352 across the Dover, Wilmington and Georgetown campuses. Indian applicants join a small but active International Students Association with dedicated support from the Office of International Student Services in Dover.
Delaware State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 17,064 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL - 79 | IELTS-6.5 |
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Delaware State University comparison
| University Name | Delaware State University | Howard University | University of Delaware |
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| Collegedunia Score | - Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | - Out of 10 |
| Overall Ranking | - |
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| Acceptance Rate | 59.0 % | 0.0 % | 69.0 % |
| Exam Score | - | ||
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Delaware State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Delaware State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.desu.edu/apply-now
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Delaware State University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Delaware State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4454 | 2711 | 1743 | - |



















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