The University of Delaware (UD) is a privately governed, state-assisted land- grant research university located in Newark, Delaware. It is the largest university in Delaware by enrollment, with over 24,000 students as of fall 2023. UD offers a wide range of degree programs including 4 associate programs, 163 bachelor's programs, 136 master's programs, and 64 doctoral programs across its ten colleges and schools. The main campus is in Newark, with additional campuses in Dover, Wilmington, Lewes, and Georgetown. UD is classified as an R1 doctoral university with very high research activity, spending $186 million on research in 2018. The university has a strong focus on undergraduate education but also supports a substantial graduate student body. Its athletics teams are known as the "Fightin' Blue Hens," competing mainly in NCAA Division I sports. UD is highly regarded for programs in science, engineering, business, health sciences, arts, and marine science among others. The university admits students with a need-blind policy for domestic applicants. For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was around 63.5%, with a high freshman retention rate of 91.5% and a graduation rate of 83.6%. The median SAT scores for enrolled freshmen were between 1170–1350, reflecting a competitive admissions profile. UD emphasizes research, experiential learning, global engagement, and personalized education, with professors who actively engage students through innovative teaching methods and field experiences. The institution was founded in 1743 and has a long history as a leading educational and research institution in the region.
