Delaware is a small state with a focused nursing education infrastructure – a few well-regarded institutions producing graduates who feed a healthcare market shaped by major health systems, proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore, and one of the more favorable RN wage environments in the Mid-Atlantic region. The state’s nursing programs are anchored by the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College’s statewide campuses. Delaware is a full member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning Delaware-resident nurses who meet eligibility requirements hold a multi-state license valid across all compact states.
Program options run from ADN degrees through BSN and RN-to-BSN completion, with graduate options available for nurses pursuing advanced practice or leadership roles. Delaware’s proximity to the greater Philadelphia and Wilmington healthcare corridor gives graduates access to a large employment market.
NLC compact membership
Delaware is a full member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. Delaware enacted the enhanced NLC (eNLC) and implemented it on January 19, 2018, when the enhanced compact launched nationwide.
Under the NLC, nurses whose primary state of residence is Delaware and who meet the uniform licensure requirements – including a federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check – receive a single multi-state license valid for practice in all current NLC member states. As of 2026, more than 40 states participate in the compact.
Practical implications: compact licensure is particularly relevant for Delaware nurses given the state’s geography. Delaware borders Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, and nurses frequently work across state lines in the greater Wilmington and Philadelphia healthcare market. Compact membership means a Delaware-resident RN can take per diem or travel assignments in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or any other compact state without filing separate licensing applications.
Note that Delaware has enacted the APRN Compact separately. However, Delaware does not currently issue multi-state APRN licenses – APRNs practicing in Delaware must hold a Delaware-issued APRN license regardless of their compact state home license. Verify current NLC membership and eligibility requirements at nursecompact.com or the Delaware Board of Nursing’s Division of Professional Regulation. For a full guide to licensing rules, see nursing license by state.
Types of nursing programs available
Delaware’s nursing education system covers the core preparation levels, with particular strength at the ADN and BSN levels.
ADN programs (2 years post-prerequisites) Delaware Technical Community College operates ADN programs across three campuses – Dover, Georgetown, and Stanton – making it the primary entry-level RN pathway in the state. ADN graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter practice as registered nurses.
BSN programs (4 years) The University of Delaware and Delaware State University both offer four-year BSN programs. BSN graduates are preferred by major Delaware and regional health systems including ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health.
Accelerated BSN (12–18 months) For candidates with a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN tracks are available at the University of Delaware and through affiliated programs.
RN-to-BSN bridge programs Online and hybrid RN-to-BSN completion programs serve Delaware’s ADN-prepared nursing workforce. The University of Delaware and Delaware State University both offer bridge pathways, along with numerous national online programs that accept Delaware nurses.
MSN programs Graduate nursing education is available at the University of Delaware, covering advanced practice nursing, nursing leadership, and related specializations.
| Program type | Length | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | ~2 years | Prerequisites completed |
| BSN | 4 years | High school diploma |
| Accelerated BSN | 12–18 months | Bachelor’s degree (any field) |
| RN-to-BSN | 12–24 months online | Active RN license |
| MSN | 2–3 years | BSN + RN license |
Admission requirements
Admission requirements follow standard national patterns for ADN and BSN programs, with variation across program levels.
Academic prerequisites: Most programs require Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab), Microbiology (with lab), General Chemistry or Biology, English Composition, Psychology, and Mathematics or Statistics. Science prerequisites must typically be completed within the past 5–7 years with a grade of C or higher.
GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA requirements generally run 2.5–3.0. The University of Delaware’s BSN program is competitive – admitted applicants often present science GPAs of 3.2 and above, given limited cohort sizes. Delaware Technical’s ADN programs have somewhat lower minimums but admit limited cohorts, so competition is high relative to available seats. If your GPA falls below typical thresholds, see our guide on nursing schools that accept lower GPAs.
Entrance exams: The ATI TEAS is widely required for Delaware nursing programs. Some programs also accept the HESI A2. Competitive scores for ADN programs typically fall at the 60th percentile and above; BSN programs may seek higher scores. See ATI TEAS vs. HESI A2 for a full comparison.
Healthcare experience: Many BSN programs recommend documented direct patient care experience – CNA work, EMT certification, or medical volunteering.
Background check and drug screening: Required by all programs and clinical placement sites. Contact the Delaware Board of Nursing for guidance on how prior criminal history affects licensure eligibility.
For a full prerequisites breakdown by program type, see nursing school prerequisites.
Top nursing programs in Delaware
University of Delaware School of Nursing – Newark The University of Delaware’s School of Nursing is ACEN-accredited and offers the state’s most comprehensive BSN program, along with an accelerated BSN track and RN-to-BSN and MSN options. The program has shown strong improvement in NCLEX outcomes – first-attempt pass rates rose from 79.52% in 2022 to 96.13% in 2024, placing it among the most improved programs in the region. UD’s clinical partnerships include ChristianaCare, the state’s largest health system, Nemours Children’s Health, and facilities in the broader Wilmington and Philadelphia metro market. The school’s research integration and academic medical center access make it a strong option for students who anticipate pursuing graduate education.
Delaware State University Department of Nursing – Dover Delaware State University’s BSN program is ACEN-accredited and serves the state’s central and southern communities. The program offers a pathway to nursing practice for students in the Dover area and has consistently reported improving NCLEX pass rates. DSU’s smaller class sizes and accessible faculty support are frequently noted by graduates. The program’s clinical placements include Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover and facilities across Kent and Sussex counties.
Delaware Technical Community College – Multiple Campuses Delaware Tech operates ADN programs at three campuses: Dover, Georgetown, and Stanton (near Wilmington). Each campus program is fully approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing and nationally accredited through ACEN. Delaware Tech’s ADN programs are the primary entry-level RN pipeline for the state and serve students who want an affordable, accessible path to RN licensure before potentially pursuing a BSN completion. In-state tuition is among the most affordable nursing education options in the state.
| School | Location | Degrees offered | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | Newark | BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN | ACEN |
| Delaware State University | Dover | BSN | ACEN |
| Delaware Technical Community College | Dover, Georgetown, Stanton | ADN | ACEN |
NCLEX pass rates and program quality
The Delaware Board of Nursing oversees RN and LPN licensure and monitors NCLEX pass rate data by program. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Delaware-educated candidates have been tracking well, with the University of Delaware reporting a first-attempt rate of 96.13% in 2024 – well above the national average, which has run approximately 82–87% for US-educated first-time test takers in recent years.
Program-specific NCLEX pass rate data can be accessed through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) or the Delaware Board of Nursing. Multi-year trends are more informative than a single year’s data; look for programs consistently above 85% over three or more consecutive years.
Nursing salary expectations in Delaware
Delaware RN salaries sit close to the national average, with above-average performance in the Wilmington metro reflecting its position within the broader Philadelphia healthcare labor market.
| Setting | Approximate annual RN salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington / northern Delaware | $90,000–$105,000 |
| Dover area | $80,000–$92,000 |
| Southern Delaware | $75,000–$88,000 |
| Travel nursing (DE-based) | $85,000–$120,000+ (varies) |
Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS 2024 data places Delaware’s mean annual RN wage at approximately $94,670 ($45.51 per hour), slightly above the national mean of approximately $93,600. Delaware’s position adjacent to the Philadelphia metro – one of the largest healthcare employment markets on the East Coast – gives nurses flexibility to work across state lines under compact licensure, which can expand both employment options and earnings potential.
For a full cost-benefit analysis of nursing education investment, see is nursing school worth the debt?.
Finding the right program
Delaware’s limited program inventory simplifies the decision, but institutional fit and program outcomes remain important.
Accreditation: All three major institutions holding ACEN accreditation is a strong baseline for the state. ACEN-accredited programs meet national standards and support licensure and graduate school eligibility.
NCLEX pass rates: The University of Delaware’s recent improvement to 96.13% is notable. Delaware Technical’s pass rates should be verified directly through the board of nursing, as community college programs can show more year-to-year variability.
Clinical placement geography: Delaware’s compact geography and proximity to Pennsylvania and Maryland means clinical placements may occur outside the state. Consider whether a program’s clinical network includes the settings most relevant to your target specialty.
Cost: Delaware Technical’s in-state ADN tuition is substantially below the University of Delaware’s BSN cost. If your goal is to become an RN as efficiently as possible and pursue a BSN bridge later, the ADN-to-BSN pathway can be more cost-effective. See is nursing school worth the debt? for a full breakdown of return-on-investment by program type.
Regional employment market: Delaware’s position between Philadelphia and Baltimore gives graduates flexibility that nurses in more isolated markets don’t have. ChristianaCare – the state’s dominant health system and one of the larger health systems in the mid-Atlantic – is a major employer for UD and Delaware Tech graduates. Nemours Children’s Health provides pediatric specialization opportunities. Bayhealth serves central and southern Delaware. Nurses with compact licensure can also pursue positions at Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, or Sinai Hospital across state lines without additional licensing steps, which meaningfully expands career mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware a compact nursing state? Yes. Delaware is a full member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. The state implemented the enhanced NLC (eNLC) on January 19, 2018. A Delaware RN license issued to a Delaware resident serves as a multi-state license, valid for practice in all current NLC member states. This is particularly useful given Delaware’s proximity to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Verify current compact status at nursecompact.com.
How long does nursing school take in Delaware? ADN programs at Delaware Technical Community College take approximately two years of full-time clinical coursework after prerequisites are completed. The BSN at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University is four years. Accelerated BSN programs run 12–18 months of intensive full-time study. RN-to-BSN bridge programs for working RNs typically take 12–24 months in an online or hybrid format.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Delaware? Most Delaware nursing programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5–3.0. The University of Delaware’s BSN program is competitive – admitted applicants often present science GPAs above 3.2, given limited cohort sizes. Delaware Technical’s ADN programs may have lower minimums but admit small cohorts, making them competitive relative to available seats. See nursing school GPA requirements for a full breakdown.
How much do RNs make in Delaware? BLS OEWS 2024 data places Delaware’s mean annual RN wage at approximately $94,670, slightly above the national mean of $93,600. Northern Delaware, with its proximity to Wilmington and the greater Philadelphia market, tends toward the upper end of the state range. Compact licensure allows Delaware-resident nurses to take assignments in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other compact states without additional licensing applications. For the full cost-benefit picture, see is nursing school worth the debt?.