Scholarships
inspire scholarship
The Inspire Scholarship is available to incoming Delaware State University freshmen graduating from Delaware high schools who have showed an excellent academic standing. In order to keep the scholarship throughout their time at DSU, they must maintain their academic excellence and complete at least 10 hours of community service per semester.
Learn more about the Inspire Scholarship
in-state freshman scholarships
We encourage all incoming freshmen to apply for scholarships for in-state students. Prospective scholarship recipients may become eligible based upon academic achievement, financial need, group affiliation or some combination of these factors.
learn more about incoming in-state scholarships.
out-of-state freshman scholarships
We encourage all incoming freshmen to apply for scholarships for out-of-state students. Prospective scholarship recipients may become eligible based upon academic achievement, financial need, group affiliation or some combination of these factors.
Learn more about incoming out-of-state freshman scholarships.
Returning and Transfer student scholarships
We encourage all returning and transfer students to apply for scholarships. Prospective scholarship recipients may become eligible based upon academic achievement, financial need, group affiliation or some combination of these factors.
Learn more about returning and transfer student scholarships.
Delaware State Scholarships
The Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) proudly administers nine state-sponsored scholarships designed to help Delaware students pursue their educational goals.
Each scholarship has unique eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines. We encourage you to review all opportunities carefully — you may qualify for more than one! The scholarship portal opens on December 1 of each year.
To apply and track your application and award, visit the Delaware Higher Education Financial Aid Portal.
Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship
A prestigious merit-based scholarship for outstanding high school seniors planning to attend Delaware State University.
Eligibility
- High school seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum SAT score of 1000 (or equivalent ACT score)
- Must enroll full-time at Delaware State University
- Must file the FAFSA by May 15
Award
- Covers full tuition, required fees, room, board, and books
- Renewable for up to three additional years with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- One award is given each year
Charles L. Herbner Memorial Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for high-achieving high school seniors attending an accredited college or university full time.
Eligibility
- High school seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum SAT score of 1290 (or equivalent ACT score)
- Must enroll full-time in an undergraduate program
Award
- $1,250 per year
- Renewable for up to three additional years with a 3.0 GPA
- Approximately 30 awards are offered each year
Career-Based Scholarship
A scholarship for full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree in one of Delaware’s high-need career fields.
Eligibility
- Delaware resident
- Full-time enrollment in a Delaware college or university
- Must meet your school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy
- Must complete a FAFSA by May 15
- Must major in one of the following fields:
- Accounting
- Business Administration (Analytics, Management, or Human Resources)
- Computer Engineering or Computer Science
- Data Science & Analytics
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Management/Administration
- Nursing
- Operations Management
Award
- Amount announced by July 1
- Multiple awards offered across each high-need field
- Funding contingent upon approval by the General Assembly
- Not renewable, but students may reapply each year
Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans and Others
Financial assistance for children (ages 16–24) of Delaware residents who died or were declared missing in action, prisoners of war, or died in the line of duty as state police or transportation employees.
Eligibility
- Delaware resident for at least 3 consecutive years before applying
- Parent must have been a Delaware resident at the time of death or declaration
- Applicant must be between 16 and 24 years old
- Must be the child of:
- A deceased or missing member of the Armed Forces (service-related)
- A prisoner of war
- A fallen Delaware state police officer (service-related)
- A state Department of Transportation employee who died in a job-related incident
Award Priority is given as follows:
- Tuition and fees at a Delaware public college
- Tuition and fees at an out-of-state college, if no similar program exists in Delaware Awards may be prorated and are limited to four years.
Educator Support Scholarship — Undergraduate Programs
Supports Delaware students pursuing undergraduate degrees in education at a Delaware public college in identified teacher shortage areas.
Current Shortage Areas
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Foreign/World Languages
- Immersion/Bilingual Education
- Mathematics (Middle & Secondary)
- Multilingual Learners/ELL Education
- Science (Middle & Secondary)
- Special Education (all areas)
Eligibility
- Delaware resident
- Full-time enrollment in a Delaware college
- Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Must complete a FAFSA by May 15
Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP)
A need-based scholarship supporting Delaware residents pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.
Eligibility
- Delaware resident
- Must file a FAFSA by May 15
- Full-time enrollment in one of the following:
- A Delaware undergraduate program
- An out-of-state undergraduate or graduate program not offered at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, or Delaware Technical Community College
Restrictions
- Not available for minors, certificates, or continuing education programs
- Independent or self-designed majors are not eligible
- Maximum of 5 years of funding for undergraduate or graduate study
Award
- $1,000 per year for undergraduate and graduate students
Educational Support Scholarship — Graduate Programs
For graduate students pursuing education-related careers in Delaware’s critical shortage areas.
Current Shortage Areas
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Foreign/World Languages
- Immersion/Bilingual Education
- Mathematics (Middle & Secondary)
- Multilingual Learners/ELL Education
- School Counseling, Nursing, Psychology, or Social Work
- Science (Middle & Secondary)
- Special Education (all areas)
Eligibility
- Delaware resident
- Full-time enrollment at a Delaware institution
- Part-time students may qualify for a partial award
- Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
Award
- Amount announced by July 1
- Multiple awards offered across shortage areas
- Funding contingent upon approval by the General Assembly
- Not renewable, but students may reapply annually