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Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships may be merit-based or need-based.

  • Merit-based scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership, or other accomplishments.
  • Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need and require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Scholarship Sources

Delaware State University – Office of Financial Aid
Students seeking need-based scholarships must complete the FAFSA, available each year beginning October 1. To receive priority consideration, students should submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline (for example, March 15 for the 2026–2027 academic year).

Delaware State University – Office of Admissions
The Office of Admissions offers scholarships for first-year, transfer, and international students. Some scholarships are awarded automatically based on admission criteria, while others require a separate application. Scholarships may be renewable each year, provided students continue to meet the specified renewal requirements.

Delaware State University Athletics: If you are a student-athlete, your eligibility for scholarships may be affected by NCAA regulations and institutional policies. To learn more, please the Student-Athletics guidelines or contact the Athletics Department for additional information.

Institutional / External Scholarship Policy

Students who receive external scholarships or tuition benefits from outside sources—such as a parent’s employer, private or non-profit organizations, corporations, state grants, or veterans’ benefits—may see an adjustment to their institutional aid.

If the total amount of institutional funding (from Delaware State University) combined with external resources exceeds the “direct cost” for the semester, the University will reduce the merit-based and/or need-based institutional aid by either the amount of the tuition benefit or the amount exceeding the direct cost.

Please note that Delaware State University institutional grants, such as Aid for Needy Students, are NOT refundable. These awards will be reduced if the total of all scholarship funds and other financial resources exceeds the total direct costs (tuition, fees, and other applicable charges).