Admission Philosophy

Admission to Delaware State University is granted to all applicants whose academic and individual qualifications demonstrate a proficiency for success at the University.  All applicants are given equal consideration for admission, without regard to race, creed, national origin or disability.  The University reserves the right to close admission when no further space remains.

Students who wish to secure admission to the University should apply as soon as possible to ensure that space is available. It is advisable for high school students to apply for admission to the University at the conclusion of their eleventh (11th) grade year when final grades for the year have posted.

All degree seeking students must apply formally through the Office of Admissions.  An official notice of eligibility for admission will be sent to each applicant after credentials have been evaluated. If accepted, students must follow the official University enrollment, orientation and registration procedures applicable to academic status.

Admission may be granted to applicants who have a certificate or diploma from an accredited four-year school or senior high school. It is recommended that students seeking admission to the University follow a college preparatory curriculum in high school.  Applicants must produce a satisfactory high school record.  A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale and a 'C' in the 19 minimum course units is required.  Though heavily considered, admission to the University is not granted solely on the basis of grades and test scores.  The University takes a very holistic approach in evaluating applications for admission.  Community service, demonstrated leadership ability, and special talent is also considered when evaluating applications for admission.

The following 19 minimum course units are required:

The test used for admission purposes is the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). The tests taken in December or January of the senior year of secondary school are preferred. Results of tests completed during the junior year are acceptable. Students should submit the three-section SAT or ACT for admission consideration.  Delaware State University requires a minimum SAT score of 800 (math and critical reading sections combined) or better and an ACT composite score of 17 or better.   

Non-Graduates of High School
The University will consider for applicants for admission who have satisfied high school graduation requirements under the General Education Development (GED) test, once they have completed 12 semester hours of transferable college coursework and met the University's transfer admission requirements.  Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their GED certificate with their application and fee to be considered for admission.

Project Success Program
Should an applicant’s grade point average and/or test scores fall below the University’s admission standards, an offer of conditional acceptance may be extended contingent upon the applicant's enrollment in and successful completion of the Project Success Program for conditionally admitted students.  Students are extended this offer at the discretion of the Office of Admissions, as seats in the program are limited.

Program Jumpstart
Program Jumpstart is a six (6) week residential summer and cultural enrichment program that provides a transitional opportunity for first-time freshmen who will enter the University during the fall semester.  Students with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.7 or better are invited to participate in the program.

New Student Orientation
It is mandatory for all new students to participate in New Student Orientation to enroll at the University, which includes registering for classes.  Specifically, new freshmen and transfer students complete the orientation process in the summer immediately preceding their first fall semester or the spring date immediately preceding their first spring semester at the University.  New students may complete and return the form enclosed in their acceptance packet or they may download the form from the University’s web site.  A fee of $150.00 is required for all new freshmen and a fee of $100.00 is required for all new transfer students.  Students will not be allowed to participate in New Student Orientation if they have not paid the fee.

Please note: Admission criteria is subject to change.

Top

Basic Application Procedures for Undergraduate Admission

All persons pursuing a degree must submit the following:

• A completed application
  • An application for undergraduate admission may be submitted online.
• An official high school transcript and college transcript if applicable;
• SAT or ACT test scores; and
• Application fee of $35.00 (non-refundable).

Application Procedures and Policies for Undergraduate Admissions for Transfer Students

Applicants who have previously attended another institution of higher education will be considered for admission at the University.  Transfer students must submit the following:

• A completed online application;
• An official final high school transcript;
• Official transcript(s) from all institutions of higher education attended;
• SAT or ACT test scores if not transferring in 12 credit hours or more at a GPA of 2.0 or better and a grade of at least a "C" in each transferable course; and
• Application fee of $35.00 (non-refundable).

Transfer students should understand the following:

• The Admissions Office will consider applications from students seeking to transfer from two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and universities accredited by their respective regional association.
• Transfer students must submit transcripts from every college or university that they have attended.
• Transfer students with less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA will not be offered admission to DSU.
• College courses that have been completed more than ten years ago will not be accepted automatically for transfer credit. Acceptance of such courses for transfer credit will be at the discretion of the department in which the equivalent course is offered.
• The transcript(s) of each accepted transfer student will be evaluated by the chairperson of the department offering the specific subject(s) of courses transferred.  Courses to be transferred must be equivalent to respective courses at Delaware State University, or they may be given elective credit in the subject or general elective credit.
• Courses will be evaluated by the academic department to determine if or how they might meet the requirements of the DSU General Education Program or of the major program or minor program.
• Credit will not be granted for correspondence courses.
• Courses with grades less than 'C' will not be accepted as transfer credit.  Grades of C- will not transfer.
• Students who have been placed on academic probation at other institutions will not be considered for admission at Delaware State University.
• Students who are currently academically dismissed, suspended, or placed on probation for disciplinary reasons at other institutions are not permitted to enroll for a degree at Delaware State University.  Students must be in "good standing" at the transferring institution.

Application Procedures for Undergraduate Admissions for International Students

International students are encouraged to begin the admissions process no later than 60 days prior to the start of classes for the semester for which they are applying.  Please understand that failure to timely comply with the following policies could interfere with the timely processing of a student’s application.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required, however, if English is the official language of your country of origin, SAT and/or ACT test scores will be acceptable.  Students should submit the three-section SAT or ACT for admission consideration.  Delaware State University requires a minimum SAT score of 800 (math and critical reading sections combined) or better and an ACT composite score of 17 or better.   The TOEFL score determines the student’s initial level of English proficiency.  Students must submit a satisfactory score of a minimum of 550 on the paper-based test, or a 79-80 on the new internet based TOEFL, 5.5 minimum IELTS score or documentation (i.e., a transcript, certificate of completion of a program, etc.) of satisfactory completion of an intensive curriculum of English instruction. The University will also consider international applicants who have taken the General Education Development (GED) test.  Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their GED certificate with their application and fee to be considered for admission.

If educated outside of the continental United States (U.S.) at a non English speaking institution, transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Service (WES), the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or the Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and forwarded from the evaluating organization to the Office of Admissions. All academic records must be converted into their U.S. education equivalents by a University recognized credential agency, to obtain transfer credit for education completed at non U.S. post secondary institutions.  Transcript evaluations must be submitted sealed from the evaluating organization. PLEASE NOTE:  The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request that transcripts from international English speaking institutions be evaluated by WES or any of the other recognized credential agencies if educational equivalency cannot clearly be determined by the Office of Admissions.

International applicants must also submit an affidavit of Annual Cash Support with the following attachments: 

• Proof of sponsor’s employment on employer’s business stationery;
• Official bank statements in U.S. Dollars no less than two (2) months old; a letter from the bank on letterhead stationary which states the date the account was opened and current balance in U.S. Dollars; or an award letter from the University stating the length of time and amount of the award.
  • International students must not only submit financial documents  that show funds exist to pay the total amount of at least the student’s first year of study, but students’ accounts must be paid in full for the first year of study.  Moreover, except for unanticipated conditions, students must also indicate how they will be supported for the remaining years of his/her program of study. 
• If residing with a friend or relative, the student must submit an Affidavit of Free Room & Board with the following attachments:
  • Copy of the deed, lease or rent receipts and
  • Proof of sponsor’s employment on employer’s business stationery.

Affidavits along with their attachments should be submitted to:  DSU, 1200 N, DuPont Highway, Office of International Student Services, Dover, Delaware, 19901.

In-State Permanent Resident
A student with an Alien Registration Receipt Card (“Green Card”) has been given permanent residence in the United States as an immigrant, refugee or alien and, therefore, may enroll at any University location for full or part-time study.  Tuition costs are determined by location of residency. Verification of permanent residence status is required at the time of application.  Any student without appropriate identification as a permanent resident of Delaware is required to pay out-of-state tuition and fees.

To apply as a student with permanent residency status, please be prepared to submit the following:

• An application for admission signed by the student;
• SAT or ACT scores;
• Sealed original transcripts from secondary and post secondary schools attended; and  
• A notarized copy of permanent resident status; temporary evidence or actual Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card).

To apply as a student with residency status in the State of Delaware, please be prepared to submit the following documents to be used as verification:

• A notarized copy of your Alien Registration Receipt Card (“Green Card”).
• If dependent, proof that your parents or guardian has maintained a continuous residence in the State of Delaware for a period of 12 full consecutive months (verified by a deed or lease and/or W-2 Tax Forms) immediately prior to the first day of classes in the semester or session for which Delaware residency status is claimed.
• If independent, proof that you have maintained continuous residence in the State of Delaware for a period of 12 full consecutive months (verified by deed or lease) immediately prior to the first day of classes in the semester or session for which Delaware resident status is claimed.
  • PLEASE NOTE:  The tax return showing proof that you (or whoever claimed you as a dependent) paid taxes to the State of Delaware for one (1) full year.
• Independent out-of-state resident who has worked in the State of Delaware for at least 12 consecutive months (excluding work study) may qualify for in-state residence classification (verified by W-2 Tax Forms).  
• Voter Registration Card

International Students with a Student Visa
Students who apply to come to the U.S. for the purpose of enrolling at Delaware State University may be issued a Form I-20 A-B Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student by the University after submitting the following documents:

• An application for admission signed by the student;
• Sealed official transcripts from secondary and post secondary schools attended;
• Sealed official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score no more than two (2) years old; and 
• If necessary, an interview, attended by the student’s local sponsor (if applicable), with the Admissions Coordinator for Transfer and International Students.

Application for Student Visa
The University issues an I-20 A-B Certificate of Eligibility form to students who qualify for admission.  Students present this form with other documentation to a U.S. Consulate Office in the country where they are applying for a student (F-1) Visa.  Final decision on admission into the U.S. and permitted length of stay is made by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

F-1 Transfer Students
Students with an F-1 visa seeking to transfer to Delaware State University from another U.S. institution must submit the following documents and meet the following criteria:

• A copy of the I-20 from the previous institution;
• An International Student Transfer Form from the institution previously attended indicating that the student is in good standing and is “in-status” as an international student;
• An application for admission signed by the student;
• Sealed official transcripts from secondary and post secondary schools attended;
• Sealed official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score no more than two (2) years old; and 

If necessary, an interview attended by the student’s local sponsor (if applicable) with the Admissions Coordinator for Transfer and International Students may be requested. However, if English is the official language of your country of origin, SAT and/or ACT test scores will be acceptable. Students should submit the three-section SAT or ACT for admission consideration.  Delaware State University requires a minimum SAT score of 800 (math and critical reading sections combined) or better and an ACT composite score of 17 or better.  The TOEFL score determines the student’s initial level of English proficiency.  Students must submit a satisfactory score of a minimum of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer based test, or an 84 on the new international based TOEFL or documentation (i.e., a transcript, certificate of completion of a program, etc.) of satisfactory completion of an intensive curriculum of English instruction. The University will also consider international applicants who have taken the General Education Development (GED) test.  Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their GED certificate with their application and fee to be considered for admission.

Students with Other Types of Visas
Prospective students with a temporary visa status such as J or B (i.e., visitors, business, exchange, etc.) should contact the Office of International Affairs to have their applications approved before registering for classes. Nonimmigrant students, other than F-1 international student visa holders, may take as many credit courses as their admission status permits, as long as the term begins and ends within the duration of stay indicated on the I-94 in their passport.  They are subject to the out-of-state tuition rates.  Refunds will not be issued after the term’s scheduled drop dates. 

Additional Overall Information

• Students with F-1 visas must enroll for a full-time course of study—a minimum of 12 credits hours each term. 
• Priority application deadlines:
  • April 1 for fall (August) enrollment
  • November 1 for spring (January) enrollment
• Information obtained in this process is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed unless required by law.

Top

Online Application

A prospective student may also apply online by accessing the University’s web site. The application fee of $35.00 can also be submitted on-line.  However, all supporting documentation - official transcripts (including high school and any other institutions of higher education), test scores (SAT, ACT, or TOEFL for international students), the completed High School Transcript Request and Evaluation Form and the Additional Application Information form must all be forwarded to the Office of Admissions to complete your admissions packet. The Office of Admission will not evaluate your application until all your complete packet has been submitted.

Top

Campus Visits

The Office of Admissions conducts campus tours. Please call the Office of Admissions Tour Line at (302) 857-6347 or www,desu.edu/tour to schedule a tour. Campus tours are conducted Monday through Friday. Groups are asked to schedule tours at least two weeks in advance. Prospective students are invited to attend Delaware State University’s Open Houses during the fall and spring semesters. These special days provide parents and students with the opportunity to get a closer look at the University, and learn more about the application process, financial aid, scholarships, and campus tours.  Prospective students and their parents also have the opportunity to meet with deans and faculty members.  Check the University web site for dates.

Top

Applicant Classification Definitions

Delaware Resident
A student who is a resident of the State of Delaware or whose parent(s) are residents of the State of Delaware is considered a resident of the State. If a Delaware resident graduated from an out-of-state high school, proof of residency must be submitted in order to avoid out-of-state tuition.  Original (or notarized copies) of two (2) of the following items can be submitted to show proof of residency:

• A completed U.S. Tax Return from the previous year
• A State of Delaware Driver’s License or Identification Card
• A State of Delaware Vehicle Registration Card
• A State of Delaware Voter Registration Card

Applicants should indicate residency on their application for admission to the University.  Applicants who are minors are considered to be resident applicants if their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have been residents of Delaware for at least one (1) year. Adult applicants (at least 24 years of age) are considered to be residents of Delaware if they have been residents of the State for at least one (1) year prior to the date of their initial quest for admission to the University.

A student, who may have been admitted into the University at non-residency or out-of-state status, may apply for a change in residency status after being enrolled at the University for 12 consecutive months.  A student seeking a change in residency status should complete a Request for Change of Residence Form and submit an original or notarized copy of two (2) of the following supporting documents to the Office of the Registrar:

• A completed U.S. Tax Return from the previous year
• Lease or deed 

Note:  The aforementioned does not apply to international students.

Non-Resident
A student who is not a resident of or whose parent(s) are not residents of the State of Delaware.

International
A student who is not a citizen or immigrant (permanent resident) of the United States of America. International students who are not U.S. citizens or immigrants should have a completed admission application on file three months prior to the beginning of the term in which they intend to enroll.

Top

Early Bird Program

The Early Bird Program is for juniors and seniors attending high school in the State of Delaware who wish to earn college credit while still attending high school.  In order to qualify for the program, students must be recommended by their high school principal.  Interested students should contact their high school counselor for instructions, obtain a letter of recommendation from their principal, and have written approval from their parents. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better is also required. Early Bird applicants may enroll for no more than six (6) credit hours per semester.  Please be mindful that if you enroll in a science course, a one-hour accompanying lab is required.  The cost for this program is consistent with the University’s published fees.  Students whose cumulative high school grade point averages are 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale are entitled to six (6) hours of free tuition per semester. All students will still be responsible for fees—technology, parking, etc.  Students may not enroll in the Early Bird program if they have graduated from high school or will graduate within the term.  All applications should be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Top

Part-Time Students

Part-time students are admitted and enroll as degree seeking students but, take less than twelve credit hours per semester.

Top

Reinstatement of Former Students

Students wishing to return to the University after a voluntary or involuntary absence of three (3) or more years must formally reapply to the University through the Office of Admissions. All other returning students should contact the academic department dean or chairperson in the major declared at the time of separation for academic advisement and registration procedures.  If undeclared at the time of separation, students should contact the Office of Mentoring and Advising.  Returning Delaware State University students who have attended other colleges since their last enrollment at Delaware State University must have official transcripts.

Top

Veterans in Continuing Education Programs

All eligible persons desiring to receive educational assistance through the Veteran’s Administration are required to apply for admission to the University as degree-seeking candidates.

Top

Advanced Placement and Advanced Credit

• New freshmen that have had the opportunity to do advanced work while in high school may receive college credit for advanced placement work.  Applicants bear the responsibility of informing the Office of Admissions of the AP courses they have taken and the number of transferable credit hours earned.
• The University offers advanced credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Requests for CLEP credit should be made to the Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Office of Testing.

Top

Articulation Agreements

The University has Articulation agreements with selected regionally accredited two-year institutions. The intent of the articulation agreement is to facilitate the smooth transfer of students enrolled in a degree program or associate degree graduates to the upper (junior) level of corresponding major programs at Delaware State University. The basic terms of the Articulation require that the associate degree graduates meet the following admission standards:

• Complete an associate degree with a minimum of 60 semester hours, exclusive of developmental course work and 'D' course work.
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale as calculated by the transfer college.
• Follow the appropriate program of study as agreed upon by both Delaware State University and the transfer college.
• The associate degree holder will not be required to take college entrance exams (neither SAT, nor ACT) prior to transfer to Delaware State University.

In order to complete the baccalaureate degree, a student who transfers under this agreement may be required to take no more than 68 additional credits unless:

• The student changes his/her program upon entering Delaware State University.
• The combination of additional General Education Requirements, if any, and the requirements of the student’s major at Delaware State University totals more than 68 credits.

Under the terms of the articulation agreement, transfer students will be subject to the same requirements as “native” students unless waived. Native students refers to  students who began their undergraduate education at Delaware State University.

Top

Dual Admissions Program

Delaware Tech (DTCC) and Delaware State University (DSU) offer dual admission for students enrolled in DTCC - DSU Connected Degree programs. Connected Degree programs are those associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs that have a current articulation agreement signed by Delaware Tech’s and the University’s Presidents. A list of Connected Degree programs may be obtained from your DTCC advisor or counselor; or by visiting the Delaware State University or DTCC web site. Dual Admission provides services to help students smoothly transfer to DSU to pursue their bachelor’s degree after DTCC graduation.

Dual Admission Services
Dual Admission provides eligible students with the following services:

1. Admission to DSU while you are completing your associate degree, provided you comply with
   requirements.
2. Academic advisement and University information at meetings during the fall and spring semesters at each DTCC campus provided by the University about your connected degree which will lead to a bachelor’s degree program.
3. Priority pre-registration in University courses for your first University semester after Delaware Tech graduation.
4. Locked-in bachelor’s degree requirements for the specific Connected Degree program in effect at the time you enter the Dual Admission program. You have the choice of completing bachelor’s degree requirements in effect at the time you signed the Intent- to-Enroll form or of completing new requirements that may go into effect after that time. If a required course is no longer offered, the University will designate a substitute course. However, neither the number of credit hours nor the number of semesters required for degree completion will be increased.
5. Guaranteed placement in University residence halls, if desired, provided you comply with established residence policy and application procedures.

Dual Admission Eligibility
If you are enrolled in a Delaware Tech – DSU Connected Degree program, you can be conditionally admitted into the University and the designated bachelors degree program provided you:

• Sign a non-binding, Intent-to-Enroll Form any time after enrolling in the Delaware Tech Connected Degree program and before attaining 30 college credits at Delaware Tech or another college or university
• Complete the Delaware Tech associate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Do not attend another institution between the time you graduate from Delaware Tech and formally enroll at the University
• Formally enroll in the University within one year of Delaware Tech associate degree completion.
• Complete other regular University admissions and Connected Degree requirements. You must inform your DSU advisor in your last semester at Delaware Tech of your planned date of enrolling at DSU and filling out a short form. You must do this by January 31st if your final semester is spring or September 15th if your final semester is fall.
• Comply with the appropriate enrollment deadlines determined by the University. Financial aid forms must be submitted by February 28th for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester. If you wish to live on campus, the application form and deposit must be received by March 30th for the fall semester and November 1st for the spring semester. You must arrange for Delaware Tech to send your transcript within one week after your graduation. Be sure to send it to DSU Admissions Office, Attn: Dual Admissions.

You will be ineligible for Dual Admission, and the benefits that stem from this program, if you:

• Fail to complete the associate degree portion of the Delaware Tech/University Connected Degree program
• Fail to adhere to the provisions of the Connected Degree program or the provisions of this agreement
• Withdraw in writing your Intent-to-Enroll.

If you are ineligible for Dual Admission and desire University admission, you may apply for admission under the University’s regular transfer admissions process.

DTCC - DSU Connected Degree Programs

• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Human Resources
• Social Work
• Business Administration/General Management
• Math Education
• Nursing

Scholarships Available to DTCC Graduates

Students from Delaware Technical and Community College who are transferring to Delaware State University will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. To qualify for the scholarship, the transferring students must have completed an Associate's Degree with at least a 2.5 grade point average and must enroll at DSU with at least a 12-credit hour course schedule.

The scholarship compliments the Dual Admission process that allows students who meet the above criteria to be automatically enrolled at as juniors at DSU into a connected degree program. However, the scholarship is also available to other Delaware Tech students who are not a part of that specific program.

For more information, contact the DSU Office of Admissions at (302) 857-6351.

Once Accepted to the University

After acceptance to the University, each student is required to complete the following enrollment steps:

1. Attend New Student Orientation.
2. Submit a complete 'Student Health Form" which includes health history, immunization record (including dates for MMR#1, MMR#2 & PPD), and a recent physical examination signed by a current medical provider. International students must also present proof of health insurance prior to enrolling. 
3. Submit a final official high school transcript, which depicts graduation, to the Office of Admissions by the University's published deadline. Upon evaluation of the final high school transcript, the Admissions Committee may rescind admission for students who have not successfully completed the University’s Minimum Course Unit Requirements or whose GPA falls below a 2.0 cumulatively.
4. Continue to demonstrate a record of exemplary personal conduct.

Top

Admission Inquiries

The Office of Admissions administers all matters relating to the admission of undergraduate students to the University. All inquiries about admission requirements and applications for admission should be addressed to:

Delaware State University
Office of Admissions
1200 North DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
304.857.6351
800.845.2544 (toll free)
302.857.6352 (fax)
admissions@desu.edu

Top