Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Delaware 2025
University of Delaware
137 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Wilmington University
107 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Delaware State University
15 computer science graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
- 1.Delaware offers 4+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Delaware leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Delaware software developers earn median $112,340 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Wilmington, Newark, Dover
- 5.Cost of living index: 102.4% of US average (above average)
Computer Science Education in Delaware: Overview
Delaware offers 4 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 275 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, with major employers including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Chemours.
With a median software developer salary of $112,340 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 102.4% compared to the US average, Delaware offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by University of Delaware, Wilmington University, Delaware State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Delaware Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE | Public | $14,040 | — | 73.4 |
| 2 | Wilmington University | New Castle, DE | Private | $12,270 | — | 72.3 |
| 3 | Delaware State University | Dover, DE | Public | $8,544 | 73% | 52.8 |
| 4 | Delaware Technical Community College-Terry | Dover, DE | Public | $4,575 | — | 34.9 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Delaware: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Delaware | Wilmington | Delaware State | Delaware Technical... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,040 | $12,270 | $8,544 | $4,575 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | N/A% | 73% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 137 | 107 | 15 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | N/A | 62% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 73.4/100 | 72.3/100 | 52.8/100 | 34.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Delaware
Delaware offers 3 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Delaware, Wilmington University, Delaware State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $78,638 in the Delaware market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Delaware
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Delaware | $14,040 | N/A% | 137 | 73.4 |
| #2 Wilmington | $12,270 | N/A% | 107 | 72.3 |
| #3 Delaware State | $8,544 | 73% | 15 | 52.8 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Delaware
For graduate study, Delaware offers 1 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Delaware. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Delaware reaching $146,042 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond Delaware.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Delaware
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Delaware | $14,040 | N/A% | 13 | 47.5 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Delaware
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Delaware are at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry ($4,575/year), Delaware State University ($8,544/year), Wilmington University ($12,270/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Delaware's competitive tech salaries.
At Delaware Technical Community College-Terry, a 4-year degree costs approximately $18,300 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $78,638, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Delaware (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Delaware Technical... | $4,575 | $18,300 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Delaware State | $8,544 | $34,176 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Wilmington | $12,270 | $49,080 | 1.1 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Delaware
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Delaware, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Delaware
Newark, DE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,040 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 137 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 73.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 137 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (137 graduates), state salary outcomes ($112,340), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Delaware offers both BA and BS Computer Science degrees with the BA program emphasizing liberal arts education alongside technical skills. The program requires foreign language proficiency and broad exposure to creative arts, humanities, history, and social sciences while developing computational problem-solving abilities.
Admission Prerequisites
- •precalculus
- •4 years English
- •3 years Mathematics (Algebra 1 or higher)
- •3 years Science (2 must include lab)
- •3 years History/Social Sciences
- •3 academic electives
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 91% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,270 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 107 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 72.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 107 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 72.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (107 graduates), state salary outcomes ($112,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Delaware State University
Dover, DE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,544 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 62%
- • Ranking Score: 52.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 15 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($112,340), and selectivity (62% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Delaware State's Computer Science program offers small class sizes for close faculty collaboration and ABET-accredited education. Students develop both technical coding skills and career-advancing soft skills like communication and problem-solving, with opportunities to apply expertise across diverse industries through senior capstone projects.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry
Dover, DE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,575 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 34.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 16 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 34.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($112,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Wilmington, Newark, Dover
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($112,340 median)
- You want to work at companies like JPMorgan Chase or Bank of America
- You prefer Delaware's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Delaware's 4)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Delaware FAQ
Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Delaware-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Delaware salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.