University of Delaware — Attraction in Newark

We believe that college is a necessity and is a crucial part of a person’s life and development.

This is a phenomenal university. My daughters received their bachelor’s degrees from UDEL and we are very satisfied. One got a bachelor’s in biology. She went on to get her degree in forensics at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She now works at Dover Air Force Base. She also studied in Spain for as semester as part of the study abroad program. About a third of undergraduates opt to spend time in another country. My other daughter got her degree in English with a minor in Women’s Studies. She is working on her master’s in School Counseling.

It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,420 (fall 2020), with a ranking in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities of #93. Its in-state tuition and fees are $15,020; out-of-state tuition and fees are $36,880. (It pays to live in the state, we do.) We did need to take out student loans, but they are manageable. They admit Delaware residents whose academic records predict success, and about 65 percent who apply will be accepted. About half (45-55 percent) of all out-of-state applicants are admitted.

There are more than 400 student clubs and organizations on the school’s lush campus in downtown Newark. One of my daughters belonged to Riot Act, an improvisational entertainment group. That was an important experience that helped shaped her character.

Freshmen must live on campus, unless they commute from a parent's local home. One daughter lived off campus in a house with 3 roommates, while the other chose to live at home. When students want to leave campus, Wilmington is about 12 miles away. Philadelphia is a 45-mile drive and Baltimore is 55 miles away. The University of Delaware ran the nation's first study abroad program in 1923, and, these day

UDEL offers more than 150 graduate degree programs. In addition to its main location in Newark, the university has campuses throughout Delaware.

I could go on and on. I have only touched the surface describing UDEL. They also have an amazing sports program and sports center, as well as a well known...

My Amazing Experience at the University of Delaware! I can't say enough good things about my time at the University of Delaware. Choosing a college is a huge decision, and I feel so lucky that I ended up here. It truly has been the perfect place for me to grow, learn, and make lifelong friends.

The academics are top-notch. I was challenged in my classes, but the professors were always so supportive and accessible. They're not just experts in their fields; they genuinely care about their students' success. I always felt like they were invested in me and my future, which made a huge difference. The variety of programs and research opportunities available is incredible, and I felt well-prepared for my career path long before graduation.

Beyond the classroom, the campus itself is just beautiful. Walking through the Green is something I never got tired of. There's always something happening on campus, from club activities and sporting events (Go Blue Hens!) to concerts and festivals. It has a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, but it still feels like a close-knit community. I found my people here and made memories I'll cherish forever.

Newark is also the perfect college town. Main Street has everything you need—great coffee shops for studying, amazing restaurants, and cute shops. It's all right there, within walking distance.

If you're looking for a university that offers a fantastic education, a lively and welcoming campus culture, and a true sense of community, I wholeheartedly recommend the University of Delaware. It's an experience I wouldn't trade...

I don't even know where to start. The University of Delaware has given me nothing but pure hardships. I graduated from UD in 2025, and I wish I could say I had a positive college experience — but I didn’t. The university failed me in multiple ways: socially, academically, and systemically.

The school felt cliquey and dominated by Greek life. If you weren’t in a frat or an athlete, it was extremely hard to make friends or feel included as a guy. I came in hopeful and left socially disconnected, despite trying to join clubs, intramurals, and stay involved.

My junior year, I was placed in an ON CAMPUS apartment with a student who was later arrested for drug dealing. For months, my roommates and I suffered from loud parties, indoor smoking, and threatening behavior. One of his friends even banged on my door at 5AM while screaming and high on cocaine. Despite reaching out to housing multiple times, nothing was done until things escalated into a safety risk. I failed a key finance class that semester and received no support from the university afterward — no counseling, no academic forgiveness, no apology, nothin.

UD promotes itself as a place of support and opportunity. But in my experience, the culture was cold, the administration was unresponsive, and students outside the clique were ignored. There’s so much more I wish I could say, but reliving it all is mentally and emotionally exhausting, but hey I still...