Most Affordable Nursing Programs in Delaware (2026)
11 nursing programs at Delaware schools and campuses list tuition — the lowest is Wilmington University's RN to BSN at $13,600 total. Online programs from 42 more out-of-state schools also enroll Delaware residents, from $8,100.
Key takeaways for Delaware tuition
- Tuition at Delaware schools and campuses ranges from $13,600 to $90,400 total.
- Compare tuition against the school's board-reported NCLEX pass rate — the cheapest program is not always the best value.
Compare tuition and financial aid for Delaware nursing programs
| Program | Delivery | Length | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $13,600 |
| Wilmington UniversityMSN — Nursing LeadershipOnline · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $20,300 |
| Delaware State UniversityMSN — Nurse EducatorOnline · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $22,000 |
| University of DelawareMSN — Nurse EducatorOnline · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $26,600 |
| Delaware State UniversityMSN — Family Nurse PractitionerHybrid · 36 months | Hybrid | 36 mo | $28,000 |
Partner programs in Delaware.
Directory totals below remain the source. These listings are sponsored.
Sponsored · Disclosure
More Delaware nursing programs by tuition
| Program | Delivery | Length | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of DelawareMSN — Family Nurse PractitionerHybrid · 36 months | Hybrid | 36 mo | $42,500 |
| Delaware State UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)On Campus · 48 months | On Campus | 48 mo | $43,000 |
| University of DelawareBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)On Campus · 48 months | On Campus | 48 mo | $50,000 |
| Wilmington UniversityDoctor of Nursing Practice — Family NPHybrid · 42 months | Hybrid | 42 mo | $55,000 |
| University of DelawarePhD in Nursing ScienceOn Campus · 48 months | On Campus | 48 mo | $55,000 |
| University of DelawareDoctor of Nursing Practice — Family NPHybrid · 42 months | Hybrid | 42 mo | $90,400 |
Source: MyNursingSchools program directory totals as of 2026-08-21. Programs without published tuition are omitted. Net price after aid may differ — confirm with each school.
Cheapest online programs open to Delaware residents
These schools are based outside Delaware but enroll residents online. Clinical hours are still completed locally, and some programs charge out-of-state rates — confirm with the school.
| Program | Delivery | Length | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University SystemRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $8,100 |
| Florida State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,000 |
| University of South FloridaRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $9,600 |
| University of Alabama at BirminghamRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,600 |
| American Public University SystemMSN — Nursing LeadershipOnline · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $9,720 |
| Ohio State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,900 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel HillRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $10,200 |
| Capella UniversityRN to BSN (FlexPath)Online · 18 months | Online | 18 mo | $10,400 |
| Arizona State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $10,570 |
| University of CincinnatiRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $10,800 |
Getting the Best Value from Nursing School in Delaware
Affordable is not the same as cheapest. The best-value program in Delaware is the one with the lowest cost per outcome — weigh tuition against the NCLEX first-time pass rate and job placement, not sticker price alone. A public in-state BSN or a community-college ADN with a strong pass rate often beats a rock-bottom program that graduates fewer of its students.
Net price is what matters, so stack aid against the sticker. Pell Grants, Delaware state nursing scholarships, and hospital tuition reimbursement (RN-to-BSN is frequently employer-funded) move the real cost far more than a small difference in listed tuition. File the FAFSA before you enroll to see your true out-of-pocket number.
Measure payback, not price. At Delaware’s average RN wage a well-chosen program typically pays for itself within a few years — so a mid-priced degree that gets you licensed and hired quickly can be the better financial decision than the cheapest option on the page.
Career Outlook for Delaware Nurses
Affordability is only half the equation — demand and earning ceiling determine how quickly a program pays for itself.
At or near the 6% national average. Demand remains stable across most specialties.
Per hour (BLS). Overtime and travel nursing contracts pay a significant premium above this base.
Delaware grants full independent practice to NPs — no physician oversight required, maximizing earning potential for MSN/DNP graduates.
Job growth and hourly rate: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. NP practice authority: AANP 2024.
Already licensed? Next credentials for Delaware nurses
Pass rates and sticker price are for the first license. Working RNs in Delaware often stack an online RN-to-BSN, then an NP specialty. Online RN-to-BSN options serving Delaware include Walden University at $27,710 listed total tuition in our directory. Delaware grants nurse practitioners full practice authority: NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications — including controlled substances — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing, without a required physician collaboration agreement.
- Bridge for working RNsRN-to-BSN programs in Delaware
Employer-funded bridges are common. Directory listed totals include Walden University at $27,710.
- Nurse practitionerFNP programs in Delaware
Delaware is a full-practice NP state (AANP). Family NP is the mainstream primary-care specialty.
- NP specialtyPMHNP programs in Delaware
Psychiatric-mental health NP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses planning advanced practice in Delaware.
Related Pages
How much does nursing school cost in Delaware?
What are the cheapest nursing schools in Delaware with financial aid?
Are affordable nursing programs in Delaware as good as expensive ones?
How strong is the nursing job market in Delaware?
What are the prerequisite requirements for nursing programs in Delaware?
Compare nursing programs in Delaware
- All nursing programs in Delaware
- Online nursing programs in DelawarePrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in DelawarePrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in DelawareSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Delaware
- ADN programs in DelawareAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in DelawareFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.