Best RN Programs in Delaware for 2026
Finding the best RN programs in Delaware means looking at a small but real market: five programs, two degree types, and a tuition range that stretches from $2,287 at Delaware Technical Community College to $14,600 at the University of Delaware. This ranking covers both ADN (associate degree) and BSN (bachelor's degree) programs because Delaware does not have enough BSN-only programs to rank them separately. Both degrees lead to RN licensure after passing the NCLEX-RN. The path you choose depends on your timeline, your budget, and what hospitals near you are hiring for.
Hakia analyzed every nursing program in Delaware with available IPEDS data, scoring each on graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. The average graduation rate across ranked programs is 37%, which tells you something honest about how competitive and demanding these programs are. The University of Delaware leads with an 81% graduation rate and a Hakia Score of 90.6. Delaware Tech's Terry campus costs $2,287 in-state and is the strongest value option for students who need a faster, lower-cost path. Three of the five ranked programs are public colleges, which keeps in-state tuition competitive across much of the list.
This page explains what the numbers mean, what to expect from the ADN versus BSN decision, how NCLEX licensure works, and what accreditation status signals about program quality. Use it to narrow your list before you apply, not after.
Key Takeaways on the Best RN Programs in Delaware
- 5 RN programs ranked in Delaware, mixing ADN and BSN degrees because the state has too few BSN-only programs to rank separately.
- In-state tuition runs $2,287 (Delaware Technical Community College-Terry) to $14,600 (University of Delaware) across ranked programs.
- The University of Delaware holds the top Hakia Score at 90.6, driven by an 81% graduation rate, the highest in the state ranking.
- The average graduation rate across all 5 ranked Delaware nursing programs is 37%, well below the national four-year average, reflecting how selective and rigorous these programs are.
- Wilmington University, the only private nonprofit in the ranking, costs $12,570 in-state and carries a 20% graduation rate.
- All RN graduates, ADN or BSN, must pass the NCLEX-RN before practicing as a registered nurse in Delaware.
Hakia's ranking score is built from publicly available data pulled from IPEDS and BLS OEWS. Each program is scored on four factors: graduation rate (a proxy for student support and program rigor), admissions selectivity, in-state cost (lower tuition scores better), and occupational outcomes for the field. No school pays to appear in this ranking. No reputation surveys are used. The score reflects what the data shows, not what a school's marketing department claims.
The 5 Best RN Programs in Delaware, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of DelawareNewark, DE | Public | $14,600 | 81% | 71% | 90.6 |
| 2 | Delaware Technical Community College-TerryDover, DE · online option | Public | $2,287 | 22% | — | 72.7 |
| 3 | Delaware State UniversityDover, DE | Public | $9,050 | 39% | 47% | 72.0 |
| 4 | Delaware Technical Community College-TerryDover, DE · online option | Public | $2,287 | 22% | — | 69.5 |
| 5 | Wilmington UniversityNew Castle, DE · online option | nonprofit | $12,570 | 20% | — | 66.2 |
How the Top RN Programs in Delaware Compare
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
The Top RN Programs in Delaware, Reviewed in Depth
University of Delaware
Newark, DE · Public
Delaware's top-ranked BSN admits freshmen directly into nursing and backs an 81% graduation rate with a guaranteed MSN pathway for graduates with a 3.0 GPA.
- 81% graduation rate
- $14,600 in-state tuition
- Hakia Score 90.6
- Guaranteed MSN pathway for 3.0+ graduates
The University of Delaware School of Nursing offers a traditional, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing that admits students directly into the program as freshmen, no separate nursing application after the first year. The page notes the program is CCNE-accredited and reports a top-6% national ranking for undergraduate nursing programs. Coursework is anchored by UD's Center for Simulation Innovation, Interdisciplinary Education, and Entrepreneurship (CSIIDEE), which provides clinical decision-making skills before students enter mentored clinical experiences across the surrounding region. Service-learning, study abroad, and undergraduate research are built into the curriculum, not treated as optional add-ons.
Among Delaware BSN programs, UD posts the strongest numbers: an 81% graduation rate and a 71% admit rate, which means meaningful selectivity without a lottery-style admission. In-state tuition sits at $14,600; out-of-state students pay $39,190, so Delaware residents get a clear cost advantage. The Hakia Score of 90.6 reflects those outcomes relative to peer programs. Graduates with at least a 3.0 GPA receive guaranteed, fee-waived admission to UD's own Master of Science in Nursing, making this path efficient for anyone who wants to eventually move into an advanced practice or leadership role.
The program fits a traditional student who wants to enter nursing on day one of college, build clinical skills in simulation before hitting hospital floors, and keep a graduate school option open without reapplying elsewhere. The December 1 application deadline is firm, with no early action or rolling admission for the nursing track, so planning ahead is essential.
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry
Dover, DE · Public · online option
At $2,287 in-state tuition per year, Delaware Tech's ACEN-accredited ADN is the lowest-cost path to RN licensure eligibility in the state.
- $2,287 in-state tuition
- ACEN-accredited program
- LPN and paramedic advanced placement available
- Hakia Score 72.7
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry campus offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, a two-year degree that prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The program runs five semesters and is available across three Delaware Tech campuses: Dover (Terry), Newark (Stanton), and Georgetown (Owens). Licensed Practical Nurses and nationally certified Paramedics may qualify for advanced placement, shortening the path further. The program carries full approval from the Delaware Board of Nursing and is nationally accredited by ACEN.
The financial case is straightforward: in-state tuition is $2,287 per year, the lowest among ranked Delaware nursing programs. Out-of-state students pay $5,718. Admission is competitive, meaning completion of prerequisites does not guarantee a seat, and students should plan to meet with a program advisor early. The Hakia Score of 72.7 reflects a 22% graduation rate, which is the honest tradeoff for an open-access community college serving a broad applicant pool. Graduates who want to advance are positioned to use articulation agreements that connect the ADN to baccalaureate and master's programs.
This program is the right choice for working adults or career-changers who need to minimize upfront cost, who already hold an LPN or paramedic credential, or who want to earn RN licensure eligibility in the shortest time and at the lowest price before deciding whether to pursue a BSN later through an RN-to-BSN bridge.
Delaware State University
Dover, DE · Public
Delaware State's BSN combines a 47% admit rate with $9,050 in-state tuition and strong faculty mentorship grounded in simulation and direct community clinical work.
- $9,050 in-state tuition
- 47% admit rate
- ACEN Continuing Accreditation
- Hakia Score 72.0
Delaware State University's Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing on its Dover campus. The program is accredited by ACEN, with the most recent board decision being Continuing Accreditation. Students train in smart classrooms and simulation labs equipped with electronic medication carts and computerized monitoring systems. Clinical hours extend into public clinics, schools, and assisted-living facilities, with the program explicitly emphasizing real-world, community-based experience over purely hospital-centric preparation. Outstanding students may be invited to join Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society's Tau Beta Chapter.
The numbers make Delaware State a viable middle-ground option. In-state tuition is $9,050, well below UD and well above the community college options. Out-of-state cost is $19,014. The admit rate of 47% signals genuine selectivity. The graduation rate stands at 39%, and the Hakia Score of 72.0 reflects those combined factors. The program's small institutional enrollment of 5,327 supports the higher faculty-to-student interaction the page specifically highlights.
Delaware State is a practical fit for students who want a four-year BSN with hands-on simulation and community clinical access, prefer a more selective but still accessible public institution, and need a cost point between the flagship university and a community college. HBCU mission and smaller campus culture are meaningful draws for some students weighing this option.
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry
Dover, DE · Public · online option
Delaware Tech's online RN-to-BSN completes a bachelor's degree for working nurses at $2,287 in-state tuition with ACEN Continuing Accreditation across four campuses.
- $2,287 in-state tuition
- Fully online RN-to-BSN format
- ACEN Continuing Accreditation
- Hakia Score 69.5
Delaware Technical Community College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an online RN-to-BSN program built exclusively for licensed registered nurses who are already practicing and want to earn a baccalaureate credential without stopping work. The program is offered college-wide with academic counseling available at Dover, Georgetown, Stanton, and Wilmington campuses. The curriculum is fully online and structured around four semesters of coursework, capped by a six-credit capstone. Two courses include a clinical component focused on population health and nursing leadership, requiring in-person engagement. The program carries ACEN Continuing Accreditation.
Cost is the defining advantage: in-state tuition is $2,287 per year, and out-of-state is $5,718, making this one of the most affordable ACEN-accredited RN-to-BSN pathways available. The Hakia Score is 69.5, with a 22% graduation rate reflecting the broader completion profile of the institution. For an RN who is already licensed and employed, the graduation rate context differs from a pre-licensure program: the barrier is schedule and persistence, not clinical qualification. The curriculum covers nursing informatics, population and community health, health policy, evidence-based practice, and a language and culture elective requirement that includes options like Spanish for Healthcare Workers.
This program is the clearest fit for Delaware-based RNs who hold an ADN or diploma, are working in acute care or community health, and need a fully online, low-cost path to a BSN that accommodates a full-time work schedule. The curriculum's emphasis on leadership, advocacy, and health equity aligns with roles in supervisory or public health settings.
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE · nonprofit · online option
Wilmington University's RN-to-BSN runs as few as 15 courses in 18 months at $1,317 per course, with new cohorts starting every 8 weeks.
- 18-month accelerated completion track
- $1,317 per 3-credit course
- CCNE-accredited BSN
- Same tuition in-state and out-of-state ($12,570/yr)
Wilmington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed for working registered nurses through its RN-to-BSN completion program. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and runs in three formats: traditional classroom, online, and hybrid. The New Castle campus and a fully online option are both available, with classes starting every 8 weeks. Admission requires an RN license or enrollment in an accredited ASN program leading to licensure. A Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE pathway lets students use RN-to-BSN electives toward a WilmU MSN program, compressing the timeline to graduate credentials.
For most RNs entering with an associate degree, the accelerated option runs 15 courses at roughly two courses per 8-week block, finishing in approximately 18 months. Tuition is charged per course at $1,317 for a typical 3-credit course, and students pay only for the courses required to complete the degree. In-state and out-of-state tuition are identical at $12,570 annually, making it equally accessible regardless of where an RN holds licensure. Wilmington University enrolls approximately 13,746 students university-wide. The program carries a 20% graduation rate, which is characteristic of working-adult completion programs where stop-out is common. The Hakia Score of 66.2 reflects the program's positioning as an access-focused completion path. Nationally, BLS data puts the median annual wage for registered nurses at $97,550, and a BSN increasingly satisfies hospital employer requirements for advancement into clinical leadership roles.
The curriculum weaves in community learning experiences where students volunteer locally, building population-health skills alongside clinical knowledge. The program also connects RNs to a professional network of nurses and healthcare practitioners, which the school positions as a leadership and career development resource for nurses targeting clinical manager or advanced practice roles.
What RN Programs Cost in Delaware (And What You Get Back)
In-state tuition for RN programs in Delaware ranges from $2,287 at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry to $14,600 at the University of Delaware. That $12,313 gap matters, but so does what you are paying for. The University of Delaware's 81% graduation rate means most students who start the program finish it. At Delaware Tech, a 22% graduation rate means the majority do not complete the program, which affects the real cost calculation: a cheaper program that takes you longer or that you do not finish is not actually cheaper.
The national median wage for registered nurses is $97,550 per year, according to BLS OEWS data. That figure is the same regardless of which school you attended or whether you hold an ADN or a BSN at entry. Where you feel the difference is in hiring: some hospital systems, particularly Magnet-designated facilities, require or strongly prefer BSN nurses. So while the ADN is a faster, lower-cost route to licensure, a BSN can open doors that an ADN does not, especially if you plan to move into management or specialty practice later.
If you are weighing cost first, Delaware Tech at $2,287 in-state is the clear value option. If you are optimizing for completion and long-term career positioning, the University of Delaware at $14,600 in-state has data to back up the premium. Delaware State University sits in the middle at $9,050 in-state with a 39% graduation rate and a Hakia Score of 72, a reasonable mid-tier option for students who do not qualify for Delaware or cannot absorb the higher tuition.
NCLEX-RN Licensure: What Every RN Program Graduate Must Do
No matter which RN program you complete in Delaware, you cannot practice as a registered nurse until you pass the NCLEX-RN, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The exam tests clinical judgment across a broad range of patient scenarios. Completing an accredited nursing program makes you eligible to sit for the exam; passing it makes you an RN.
NCLEX pass rates vary by program, and they are one of the most honest proxies for program quality available. A program where most graduates pass on the first attempt is preparing students well. A program where pass rates consistently lag the national average is worth scrutinizing before you enroll. Delaware's Board of Nursing publishes annual pass rate data. Ask any program you are considering for their first-attempt NCLEX pass rate before you apply. Programs that cannot or will not share this number are telling you something.
The NCLEX-RN changed its format in 2023, moving to Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which emphasizes clinical reasoning over recall. The best nursing programs have updated their curricula accordingly. When you evaluate programs, ask specifically how they prepare students for NGN-style questions, not just whether they cover the content areas.
Accreditation: CCNE vs ACEN for Delaware Nursing Programs
Accredited nursing programs in Delaware hold approval from one of two national bodies: CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), which accredits BSN and graduate programs, or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), which accredits programs at all levels including ADN programs. Both are nationally recognized. Both signal that a program meets defined standards for faculty, curriculum, resources, and student outcomes.
The practical difference: CCNE only accredits baccalaureate and higher-degree programs, so ADN programs at community colleges fall under ACEN (or state board approval). If you are enrolled in an ADN program and later want to pursue a BSN-completion or RN-to-BSN program, that transition is smoother when both programs are regionally accredited and the sending program is ACEN-approved. Unaccredited programs are rare but do exist; avoid them. Some employers and most graduate programs will not accept degrees from institutions without recognized accreditation.
State approval is a separate matter from national accreditation. Every nursing program in Delaware must be approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing to grant graduates eligibility to sit for the NCLEX. Accreditation from CCNE or ACEN goes further, subjecting the program to external peer review on an ongoing basis. When comparing nursing programs, confirm both: state board approval and national accreditation status.
ADN vs BSN: Choosing Between RN Programs in Delaware
This ranking includes both ADN and BSN programs because Delaware does not have enough BSN-only nursing programs to build a meaningful state ranking from BSN programs alone. That is not a workaround. It reflects what the Delaware nursing education market actually looks like. And for most prospective students, the ADN versus BSN question is real and consequential, so addressing it directly is more useful than pretending every program on the list is a four-year degree.
An ADN takes roughly two years and leads to RN licensure after passing the NCLEX. A BSN takes four years (or about two years if you already hold an associate degree and complete an RN-to-BSN bridge). ADN programs are cheaper and faster. Delaware Tech's in-state tuition of $2,287 is the lowest in the ranking. The tradeoff is hiring flexibility: the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that a growing share of hospitals, particularly Magnet-recognized systems, require BSN nurses for certain positions. Delaware's major health systems are moving in that direction.
If you are choosing between paths in Delaware right now, the ADN at Delaware Tech is the lowest-cost entry to RN licensure in the state. But plan your next step before you graduate. Many hospitals will pay for RN-to-BSN completion programs for licensed nurses they have already hired. The ADN is a door, not a ceiling. The BSN programs at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University are the better long-term play if you can absorb the cost and the longer timeline.
Wilmington University, the private nonprofit in this ranking at $12,570 in-state, has a 20% graduation rate and a Hakia Score of 66.2. That combination means you are paying near-BSN prices at a completion rate well below the public options. Compare that carefully before enrolling.
Online and Accelerated RN Programs: Who They Fit
Delaware's nursing programs are largely campus-based and clinical-heavy by design. RN programs require hands-on clinical hours that cannot be completed remotely. What varies is how much of the didactic coursework (lectures, coursework, exams) can be done online or in a hybrid format. Some programs structure their nursing programs so working adults can complete most classroom content asynchronously while attending clinicals at local partner sites.
Accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) are a separate category aimed at students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. ABSN programs compress the BSN into 12 to 18 months of full-time, intensive study. If you have a prior degree and want the fastest possible path to RN licensure at the BSN level, an ABSN is worth investigating. Not every Delaware school offers this format. If local options are limited, regional ABSN programs in Pennsylvania or Maryland are within reach for Delaware residents and may offer in-region tuition rates depending on the institution.
RN-to-BSN programs are relevant for anyone who completes an ADN first. These programs allow licensed RNs to earn a BSN while working, typically in 12 to 24 months. Delaware State University and Wilmington University both have nursing infrastructure that may support this pathway. If you start at Delaware Tech and earn your ADN, an RN-to-BSN program is a realistic next step without leaving your current job or clinical setting.
RN Salary and Career Outlook: What the Numbers Actually Show
The national median salary for registered nurses is $97,550 per year, according to BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data. That figure does not change based on which nursing program you attended in Delaware. It is the national field median, and your actual salary will depend on your setting, your years of experience, your specialty, and your degree level over time. Delaware wages for RNs follow regional cost-of-living patterns and tend to track slightly above the national median given the state's proximity to Philadelphia and Wilmington's hospital market.
The BLS projects registered nurse employment to grow 6% through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. The main driver is an aging population and increased demand for preventive care and chronic disease management. Nursing is not a shrinking field. The question is not whether there will be jobs; it is which jobs will be available to you based on your credentials. BSN nurses have broader access to hospital positions, specialty certifications, and management tracks. ADN nurses enter the workforce faster and at the same entry-level pay, but may hit a ceiling sooner at facilities that require a BSN for advancement.
Delaware's geographic position matters here. Wilmington-area health systems are competitive employers, and the Philadelphia metro market is a short commute for nurses in New Castle County. That regional context means Delaware nursing program graduates are not limited to in-state employers. Completing one of the best RN programs in Delaware puts you in a strong regional labor market, not just a small-state one.
RN Programs in Delaware: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete RN programs in Delaware?
What is the difference between an ADN and a BSN for registered nurse licensure?
Are online RN programs worth pursuing?
What NCLEX pass rate should I look for in a nursing program?
How much do RN programs in Delaware cost?
Is accreditation required for nursing programs in Delaware?
Can I become a registered nurse in Delaware with an ADN?
What is the job outlook for registered nurses in Delaware?
How We Rank RN Programs in Delaware
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many community colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: clinical placement quality, NCLEX pass rates, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.