Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Delaware 2025
Wilmington University
107 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Delaware
34 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Delaware State University
15 software engineering graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
- 1.Delaware offers 3+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Wilmington University 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)
Software Engineering Education in Delaware: Overview
Delaware offers 3 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 156 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 software engineering programs in the state are led by Wilmington University, University of Delaware, Delaware State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Delaware Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington University | New Castle, DE | Private | $12,270 | — | 76.6 |
| 2 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE | Public | $14,040 | — | 54.6 |
| 3 | Delaware State University | Dover, DE | Public | $8,544 | 73% | 54.4 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Delaware: Side-by-Side
| School | Wilmington | U of Delaware | Delaware State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,270 | $14,040 | $8,544 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | N/A% | 73% |
| Annual Graduates | 107 | 34 | 15 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 65% | 62% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 76.6/100 | 54.6/100 | 54.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Delaware
Delaware offers 3 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Wilmington University, University of Delaware, Delaware State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $78,638 in the Delaware market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Delaware
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Wilmington | $12,270 | N/A% | 107 | 76.6 |
| #2 U of Delaware | $14,040 | N/A% | 34 | 54.6 |
| #3 Delaware State | $8,544 | 73% | 15 | 54.4 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Delaware
For graduate study, Delaware offers 1 master's-level software engineering 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Delaware.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Delaware
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Delaware | $14,040 | N/A% | 30 | 54.1 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Delaware
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Delaware are at Delaware State University ($8,544/year), Wilmington University ($12,270/year), University of Delaware ($14,040/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Delaware's competitive tech salaries.
At Delaware State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,176 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $78,638, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Delaware (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Delaware State | $8,544 | $34,176 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Wilmington | $12,270 | $49,080 | 1.1 years | Private |
| #3 U of Delaware | $14,040 | $56,160 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Delaware
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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.
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,270 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 107 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 76.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 107 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 76.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 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.
University of Delaware
Newark, DE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,040 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 34 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 54.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 34 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (34 graduates), state salary outcomes ($112,340), and selectivity (65% 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 62%
- • Ranking Score: 54.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 15 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.4 / 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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Delaware with strong job growth.
Software Engineering 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 3)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in Delaware FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.