College Costs in Wilmington, DE 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Wilmington, Delaware. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,280
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$12,036
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,372
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Wilmington Overview
Population
70,898
Student Population
5,155 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
116 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Wilmington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$139,536
Total After Financial Aid
$139,536
Annual Cost
$34,884
Annual After Aid
$34,884
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $139,536 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,584 |
| Total Interest | $50,592 |
| Total Loan Cost | $190,128 |
Universities in Wilmington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | Public | $14,280 |
| Wilmington University | Private | $12,036 |
| Delaware Technical Community College | Community | $4,560 |
Wilmington has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wilmington vs. National Average
| Category | Wilmington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,280 | $10,940 | +$3,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,372 | $1,050 | +$322 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 100 | +16 |
Wilmington'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 Wilmington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,155 students
Wilmington has a total population of 70,898, with approximately 5,155 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wilmington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wilmington
$53,209
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wilmington earn a median starting salary of $53,209, which is $18,209 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $139,536 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,963 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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