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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Wilmington, Delaware State, U of Delaware
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $8,544 to $14,040/year
Delaware State offers the most affordable option at $8,544/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 1 master's in Delaware
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Chemours, DuPont
Tech hubs in Wilmington and Newark
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 10+ cities across Delaware
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Delaware Data Science programs
We rank 4 accredited data science programs in Delaware using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Data Science Degree Programs in Delaware Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Delaware
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Delaware by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Delaware
Program Landscape
Delaware ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Wilmington, Delaware State, U of Delaware, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Delaware data science programs earn a median salary of $95,489, 3% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Wilmington, Newark, Dover metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Chemours.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,544 to $14,040 annually, with an average of $11,618/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 73%, with the highest reaching 73%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Delaware's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Delaware, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Delaware
Program Landscape
Delaware offers 1 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Delaware, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Delaware earn a median salary of $112,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Wilmington, Newark, Dover creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Chemours actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $14,040/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Delaware's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Delaware
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $11,618/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $29,045/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,905/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $69,708 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $17,426 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Delaware
State Aid Programs
Delaware offers exceptional financial aid opportunities for students pursuing data science degrees through both state and federal programs. The SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship is a flagship initiative that covers tuition for qualifying high school graduates attending Delaware Technical Community College, making it an affordable pathway into higher education (Delaware Department of Education). This program, combined with federal financial aid through FAFSA, creates multiple funding streams for eligible students. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities detailed at (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state scholarships, Delaware institutions offer institutional aid packages tailored to data science students. The Delaware SEED Scholarship & Transfer program facilitates seamless transitions from two-year to four-year institutions, ensuring financial support continues as students advance their education (Delaware SEED Scholarship & Transfer). University of Delaware and Wilmington University both provide merit-based scholarships and need-based aid to qualified applicants. Students should also explore professional scholarships through industry partners like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, which have significant operations in Delaware and often support STEM education initiatives. Visit the College Scorecard at (College Scorecard) to compare net price calculators across institutions and understand true out-of-pocket costs.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Delaware
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Delaware. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Data Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Delaware metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $124K |
| Newark | $118K |
| Dover | $112K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Delaware
Find data science jobs in Delaware. These major employers across Delaware metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Wilmington
DEData Science Jobs in Newark
DEData Science Jobs in Dover
DETransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Delaware
State Transfer System
Delaware's statewide transfer system is designed to help seamless progression from community college to four-year institutions, making higher education more accessible and affordable. The Delaware SEED Scholarship & Transfer program (https://education.delaware.gov/) enables students to begin their data science education at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry, Delaware's only two-year institution (IPEDS), before transferring to bachelor's degree programs at University of Delaware or Delaware State University. Articulation agreements between these institutions ensure that credits earned at Delaware Tech count fully toward bachelor's degrees, eliminating the loss of credits that can occur with non-aligned transfers.
How Transfers Work
The SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship (https://delawarestudentsuccess.org/) covers tuition at Delaware Tech for qualifying high school graduates, making the associate's pathway particularly affordable. Students completing an associate's degree in data science or related fields (such as computer science) can then transfer to complete their bachelor's degree, adding two more years of coursework. This pathway is especially valuable given that Delaware Tech's average tuition is $4,575, compared to $9,053 for public four-year in-state institutions (IPEDS). For additional context on related technical programs, explore data analytics in Delaware and computer science in Delaware to understand complementary transfer options.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Delaware?
Industry & Workforce
Delaware offers a focused and accessible pathway into data science education with 5 institutions currently offering programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state's data science landscape includes 3 bachelor's programs and 2 master's programs, producing 137 bachelor's completions and 37 master's completions annually (IPEDS). This concentrated ecosystem means students benefit from smaller class sizes and more direct access to faculty compared to larger states, while still having multiple reputable options to choose from.
Salary Outlook
Delaware's top-ranked institutions, particularly the University of Delaware at the bachelor's and master's levels, position the state competitively within the broader data science education landscape. Students graduating from Delaware programs are well-positioned for careers in the state's major employment hubs, particularly in Wilmington, Newark, and Dover, where leading employers such as ChristianaCare, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase actively recruit data science professionals. Delaware's reasonable tuition costs, with public in-state four-year averages at $9,053, make quality education accessible without excessive debt burden. For additional context on how Delaware's programs compare nationally, explore best bachelor's programs nationally and most affordable programs nationally.
Regional Tech Hubs
Beyond data science, Delaware's broader tech and analytics ecosystem supports career development. Consider exploring related fields through data analytics in Delaware, machine learning in Delaware, and computer science in Delaware to build a comprehensive skill set in the digital economy.
Data Science Program Availability in Delaware
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Delaware
Employment Outlook
Delaware's data science job market is supported by a diverse employer base concentrated in major metropolitan areas. The state's economy centers around the Wilmington-Newark metro area in Northern Delaware and the Dover region in Kent County, where financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors drive demand for data science talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Delaware's professional and business services sector continues to expand, creating opportunities for data scientists across multiple industries. The state's relatively compact geography makes commuting between job centers feasible, with major employers like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and ChristianaCare actively recruiting data professionals.
Salaries by Metro
Recent program completion data shows strong educational pipeline development in the state. Delaware institutions awarded 137 bachelor's degrees and 37 master's degrees in data science during the 2023 academic year, according to IPEDS data. This demonstrates sustained investment in workforce development, with 5 institutions across the state offering data science programs at various levels. The University of Delaware leads with 52 completions, while Wilmington University graduated 107 students at the bachelor's level. Career pathways are further supported by professional development resources available through the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data, which tracks demand patterns across Delaware's key employment centers. Students interested in understanding broader career trajectories can explore national best programs and affordable options to benchmark their educational choices.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Delaware
Online Programs
0 available in Delaware
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 84
- Median Tuition
- $36,800
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $32,900
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $9,200
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 71
- Median Tuition
- $47,600
Data Science Degree Programs in Delaware: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Delaware?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Delaware?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Delaware?
Are there online data science degree programs in Delaware?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Delaware?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Delaware?
How long do data science degree programs take in Delaware?
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Delaware?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Delaware salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.