College Costs in Dover, DE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Dover, Delaware. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,770
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$27,390
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,636
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Dover Overview
Population
39,403
Student Population
1,780 (4.5%)
Cost of Living Index
139 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
31/100
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
College Cost Calculator for Dover
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,400
Total After Financial Aid
$96,400
Annual Cost
$24,100
Annual After Aid
$24,100
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,400 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,095 |
| Total Interest | $34,952 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,352 |
Universities in Dover
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | Public | $8,770 |
| Wesley College | Private | $27,390 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Dover | Community | $4,560 |
Dover has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dover vs. National Average
| Category | Dover | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,770 | $10,940 | -$2,170 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,636 | $1,050 | +$586 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139 | 100 | +39 |
Dover's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Dover
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,780 students
Dover has a total population of 39,403, with approximately 1,780 college students (4.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Dover offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dover
$67,985
Starting Salary
6.2%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dover earn a median starting salary of $67,985, which is $32,985 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,400 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,916 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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