Private Four-Year Universities in Delaware
1. University of Delaware
Overview:
The University of Delaware, located in Newark, Delaware, is a public research university with a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation. While not a private institution, it plays a significant role in higher education in Delaware.
History:
Founded in 1743 as a small private academy, the University of Delaware has evolved into a major public research university. It became a state-assisted institution in 1833 and later joined the University System of Delaware. The university has a proud tradition of serving the community and advancing knowledge through research and scholarship.
Academic Offerings:
The University of Delaware offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its colleges and schools, including arts and sciences, engineering, business, education, agriculture, and public policy. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences.
Student Life:
Student life at the University of Delaware is vibrant and diverse, with over 400 student organizations, clubs, and activities available on campus. From academic clubs to cultural organizations to sports teams, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of the University of Delaware is its commitment to experiential learning and research. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in internships, co-op programs, research projects, and study abroad experiences.
Admissions:
Admission to the University of Delaware is competitive, with a selective acceptance rate. The university looks for students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Admissions criteria include high school GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Alumni:
The University of Delaware boasts a diverse alumni network that includes successful professionals in fields such as business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts. Alumni have gone on to become CEOs, entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists, artists, and leaders in their communities.
2. Wesley College
Overview:
Wesley College, located in Dover, Delaware, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers undergraduate programs in various fields.
History:
Founded in 1873 as Wilmington Conference Academy, Wesley College has a long history of providing a quality education rooted in the liberal arts tradition. It became Wesley College in 1918 and has since grown into a comprehensive institution with a focus on academic excellence and service to others.
Academic Offerings:
Wesley College offers a wide range of academic programs across its divisions and departments, including arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and health professions. The college is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and hands-on learning experiences.
Student Life:
Student life at Wesley College is dynamic and engaging, with over 40 student organizations, clubs, and activities catering to diverse interests and passions. From academic clubs to cultural organizations to sports teams, there are opportunities for students to get involved and make lasting friendships.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of Wesley College is its commitment to community engagement and service learning. The college partners with local organizations and agencies to provide students with opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems and make a positive impact in the community.
Admissions:
Admission to Wesley College is selective, with a competitive acceptance rate. The college looks for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership ability, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Admissions criteria include high school GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Alumni:
Wesley College has a proud tradition of producing successful alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, law, and the arts. Alumni of Wesley College are known for their commitment to service, leadership, and excellence in their professions.
3. Goldey-Beacom College
Overview:
Goldey-Beacom College, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a private college known for its strong programs in business, technology, and healthcare. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
History:
Founded in 1886 as Wilmington Commercial College, Goldey-Beacom College has a long history of providing a quality education focused on practical skills and career preparation. It became Goldey-Beacom College in 1951 and has since expanded its academic offerings and facilities.
Academic Offerings:
Goldey-Beacom College offers a wide range of academic programs across its divisions and departments, including business administration, accounting, finance, management, marketing, computer science, and healthcare administration. The college is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong ties to the business community.
Student Life:
Student life at Goldey-Beacom College is dynamic and supportive, with numerous opportunities for academic, social, and professional growth. The college offers student organizations, clubs, and activities, as well as career services, internships, and networking events to help students succeed in their studies and careers.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of Goldey-Beacom College is its focus on experiential learning and practical skills development. The college offers internships, co-op programs, and hands-on projects that allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems and gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.
Admissions:
Admission to Goldey-Beacom College is selective, with a competitive acceptance rate. The college looks for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership ability, extracurricular involvement, and a strong interest in their chosen field of study. Admissions criteria include high school GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Alumni:
Goldey-Beacom College has a proud tradition of producing successful alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including business, technology, healthcare, and finance. Alumni of Goldey-Beacom College are known for their strong work ethic, leadership skills, and professional success.
4. Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD)
Overview:
Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD), located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a private art and design college offering associate degrees in various disciplines.
History:
Established in 1997, DCAD is a relatively young institution but has quickly gained recognition for its quality art and design programs. It was founded through a partnership between the Pratt Institute in New York City and the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C.
Academic Offerings:
DCAD offers associate degrees in fine arts, animation, graphic design, illustration, interior design, and photography. The college provides a comprehensive foundation in visual arts while also allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Student Life:
Student life at DCAD revolves around creativity and artistic expression. The college offers studio spaces, workshops, and galleries where students can work on their projects and showcase their creations. Additionally, DCAD hosts various art exhibitions, guest lectures, and workshops to enrich the student experience.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of DCAD is its location in downtown Wilmington, which provides students with access to art galleries, museums, and cultural events. The college’s urban setting serves as a source of inspiration and exposes students to diverse artistic influences.
Admissions:
Admission to DCAD is competitive, with a selective acceptance rate. The college looks for students who demonstrate artistic talent, creativity, and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in the arts. Admissions criteria include a portfolio review, high school GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Alumni:
DCAD alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers as artists, designers, animators, illustrators, and photographers. They have exhibited their work in galleries, received awards and accolades, and contributed to the creative industries both locally and internationally.
5. Wesley College
Overview:
Wesley College, located in Dover, Delaware, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers undergraduate programs in various fields.
History:
Founded in 1873 as Wilmington Conference Academy, Wesley College has a long history of providing a quality education rooted in the liberal arts tradition. It became Wesley College in 1918 and has since grown into a comprehensive institution with a focus on academic excellence and service to others.
Academic Offerings:
Wesley College offers a wide range of academic programs across its divisions and departments, including arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and health professions. The college is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and hands-on learning experiences.
Student Life:
Student life at Wesley College is dynamic and engaging, with over 40 student organizations, clubs, and activities catering to diverse interests and passions. From academic clubs to cultural organizations to sports teams, there are opportunities for students to get involved and make lasting friendships.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of Wesley College is its commitment to community engagement and service learning. The college partners with local organizations and agencies to provide students with opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems and make a positive impact in the community.
Admissions:
Admission to Wesley College is selective, with a competitive acceptance rate. The college looks for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership ability, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Admissions criteria include high school GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Alumni:
Wesley College has a proud tradition of producing successful alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, law, and the arts. Alumni of Wesley College are known for their commitment to service, leadership, and excellence in their professions.
6. Goldey-Beacom College
Overview:
Goldey-Beacom College, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a private college known for its strong programs in business, technology, and healthcare. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
History:
Founded in 1886 as Wilmington Commercial College, Goldey-Beacom College has a long history of providing a quality education focused on practical skills and career preparation. It became Goldey-Beacom College in 1951 and has since expanded its academic offerings and facilities.
Academic Offerings:
Goldey-Beacom College offers a wide range of academic programs across its divisions and departments, including business administration, accounting, finance, management, marketing, computer science, and healthcare administration. The college is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong ties to the business community.
Student Life:
Student life at Goldey-Beacom College is dynamic and supportive, with numerous opportunities for academic, social, and professional growth. The college offers student organizations, clubs, and activities, as well as career services, internships, and networking events to help students succeed in their studies and careers.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of Goldey-Beacom College is its focus on experiential learning and practical skills development. The college offers internships, co-op programs, and hands-on projects that allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems and gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.
Admissions:
Admission to Goldey-Beacom College is selective, with a competitive acceptance rate. The college looks for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership ability, extracurricular involvement, and a strong interest in their chosen field of study. Admissions criteria include high school GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Alumni:
Goldey-Beacom College has a proud tradition of producing successful alumni who have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including business, technology, healthcare, and finance. Alumni of Goldey-Beacom College are known for their strong work ethic, leadership skills, and professional success.
7. Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD)
Overview:
Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD), located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a private art and design college offering associate degrees in various disciplines.
History:
Established in 1997, DCAD is a relatively young institution but has quickly gained recognition for its quality art and design programs. It was founded through a partnership between the Pratt Institute in New York City and the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C.
Academic Offerings:
DCAD offers associate degrees in fine arts, animation, graphic design, illustration, interior design, and photography. The college provides a comprehensive foundation in visual arts while also allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Student Life:
Student life at DCAD revolves around creativity and artistic expression. The college offers studio spaces, workshops, and galleries where students can work on their projects and showcase their creations. Additionally, DCAD hosts various art exhibitions, guest lectures, and workshops to enrich the student experience.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of DCAD is its location in downtown Wilmington, which provides students with access to art galleries, museums, and cultural events. The college’s urban setting serves as a source of inspiration and exposes students to diverse artistic influences.
Admissions:
Admission to DCAD is competitive, with a selective acceptance rate. The college looks for students who demonstrate artistic talent, creativity, and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in the arts. Admissions criteria include a portfolio review, high school GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Alumni:
DCAD alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers as artists, designers, animators, illustrators, and photographers. They have exhibited their work in galleries, received awards and accolades, and contributed to the creative industries both locally and internationally.
8. Wilmington University
Overview:
Wilmington University, located in New Castle, Delaware, is a private non-profit university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
History:
Founded in 1968, Wilmington University began as a small institution focused on providing affordable and accessible education to working adults. Over the years, it has expanded its academic offerings and campuses, becoming one of the largest universities in Delaware.
Academic Offerings:
Wilmington University offers a wide range of academic programs across its colleges and schools, including arts and sciences, business, education, health professions, technology, and social and behavioral sciences. The university is known for its flexible scheduling options, online programs, and career-focused curriculum.
Student Life:
Student life at Wilmington University is diverse and inclusive, with students coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The university offers student organizations, clubs, and activities, as well as career services, internships, and networking events to help students succeed academically and professionally.
Unique Features:
One unique feature of Wilmington University is its commitment to serving adult learners and non-traditional students. The university offers evening, weekend, and online classes, as well as accelerated degree programs, to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.
Admissions:
Admission to Wilmington University is open to students of all ages and backgrounds. The university has a rolling admissions policy, with multiple start dates throughout the year. Admissions criteria vary by program but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent and any additional program-specific requirements.
Alumni:
Wilmington University has a diverse alumni network that includes successful professionals in fields such as business, education, healthcare, technology, and public service. Alumni have gone on to become CEOs, educators, healthcare administrators, IT professionals, and leaders in their respective industries.