Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit, open-access and accredited institution that serves the unique needs of working adults seeking advancement through higher education. Our diverse degree and certificate programs prepare students for the global marketplace through experience-rich curricula delivered by expert practitioners. Student success is supported through flexible formats, including 100% online options, and affordable tuition rates that are consistently lower than those of regional competitors.
Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private university with its main campus in Wilmington Manor, Delaware, with a New Castle street address. It was founded in 1968 as Wilmington College by educator Dr. Donald E. Ross. As of 2016, the university served a total student body of 20,522 undergraduate and postgraduate students in nearly 100 degree and certificate programs. The university's programs are offered at its main campus in historic New Castle as well as at six additional campuses in Delaware, several partnership locations in New Jersey, and a single partnership location in northeastern Maryland.
Wilmington University was founded just outside historic New Castle, Delaware, in 1968 by Dr. Donald E. Ross, who served as the institution's president until 1977. The school began with a charter class of 194 students in 1968; between 1979 and 2006, the university grew to more than 10,000 students under the leadership of president Dr. Audrey K. Doberstein. Doberstein was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women in 2011 in recognition of her contributions to Wilmington University and the community. The university now offers graduate and doctoral degrees, and serves more than 20,000 students enrolled annually in online and on-campus classes at campuses in three states.
Founded as Wilmington College, the institution officially became Wilmington University on September 10, 2007, after the approval of the board of trustees and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The name was changed to reflect the emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit, open-access and accredited institution dedicated to serving traditional students embarking on new academic journeys and nontraditional students seeking career advancement.
Committed to offering affordable, convenient and flexible options, the University offers a broad range of online and in-person degree and certificate programs that prepare students for the global marketplace through experience-rich curricula delivered by expert practitioners.
The University embraces user-friendly transfer processes, meaningful internship opportunities, and productive partnerships with corporations.
200+
degree and certificate programs
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17:1
student-to-faculty ratio
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88%
of graduates rate their program as good or excellent
degree graphic
2021-2022 Degrees Awarded
1,725
Undergraduate
1,804
Graduate
197
Doctoral
Tuition Comparison
Average rates from the top 23 private 4-year universities in the region
WilmU 2022-2023 Rates
Leader Since 2007
Nationally recognized for excellence in online learning*
Globe
Global Online Campus
150+
programs 100% online
92%
of students utilize online learning
74%
complete their program 100% online
Top Choice For Degree Completion
Globe
Transfer up to 90 credits
Accepts many courses for transfer credit
Rolling admissions
Thousands of students choose WilmU for bachelor’s degree completion
Total Enrollment: 20,258
Undergrad: 12,824
Full-Time: 23%
Part-Time: 77%
Graduate: 6,824
Full-Time: 24%
Part-Time: 76%
Doctoral:
782
Wilmington University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #331-440. Its tuition and fees are $11,750. Wilmington University is a private institution that was founded in 1968. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,230 (fall 2020), and the setting is Suburban.
