University of Delaware vs West Virginia University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Delaware and West Virginia University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Delaware vs West Virginia University at a glance
University of Delaware admits 70.6% of applicants and West Virginia University 89% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $16,337 at University of Delaware and $18,020 at West Virginia University. Six-year graduation rates are 78.3% and 66%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Delaware admits 70.6% of applicants and West Virginia University 89%, so University of Delaware is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $16,337 a year at University of Delaware and $18,020 at West Virginia University; University of Delaware costs $1,683 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,566 at University of Delaware and $15,015 at West Virginia University.
- 78.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Delaware, against 66% at West Virginia University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,800 for University of Delaware and $62,910 for West Virginia University; University of Delaware is $20,890 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $25,000 at University of Delaware and $21,146 at West Virginia University.
- University of Delaware enrolls 19,071 students (large suburb) and West Virginia University 17,385 (small city).
Side by side
University of Delaware and West Virginia University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Delaware | West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 70.6% | 89% |
| Applicants | 34,111 | 17,074 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1190–1370 | 1010–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–32 | 20–26 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $16,337 | $18,020 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,660 | $10,752 |
| Tuition, out of state | $43,220 | $30,432 |
| Cost of attendance | $30,294 | $31,716 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,566 | $15,015 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,783 | $12,394 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $13,801 | $13,965 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $19,669 | $18,398 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,862 | $24,729 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.3% | 66% |
| First-year retention | 92% | 83.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,800 | $62,910 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 | $21,146 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $284 | $240 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,071 | 17,385 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Newark, DE | Morgantown, WV |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Delaware reports 94 bachelor's programs and West Virginia University 92; 56 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
Questions about University of Delaware vs West Virginia University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Delaware or West Virginia University?
University of Delaware is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Delaware admits 70.6% of applicants and West Virginia University admits 89%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Delaware 1190–1370; West Virginia University 1010–1220.
Which is cheaper, University of Delaware or West Virginia University?
University of Delaware has the lower average net price after grants: $16,337 a year at University of Delaware against $18,020 at West Virginia University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,566 and $15,015. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Delaware or West Virginia University graduates earn more?
University of Delaware graduates earn more at the median: $83,800 ten years after entry for University of Delaware and $62,910 for West Virginia University. Median federal debt at graduation is $25,000 and $21,146.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Delaware or West Virginia University?
University of Delaware does: 78.3% of University of Delaware students graduate within six years, against 66% at West Virginia University.
How big are University of Delaware and West Virginia University?
University of Delaware has 19,071 students in Newark, DE and West Virginia University has 17,385 students in Morgantown, WV.