Top 18 Delaware Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Delaware Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Delaware, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 118 scholarships in our database tagged for Delaware. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 18 Delaware Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $37,500. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

Delaware students benefit from two major statewide tuition programs: the SEED Scholarship (covering tuition at Delaware Technical Community College and the UD Associate in Arts Program) and the Inspire Scholarship at Delaware State University. For many students, SEED makes the first two years of college tuition-free, dramatically reducing total degree cost. Local foundations and community organizations in Delaware are also extremely active scholarship providers. Students pursuing high-need fields—especially healthcare and STEM—may qualify for additional state incentives. The best path for Delaware students is to consider starting at Del Tech or UD AAP with SEED, file the FAFSA early, and combine state programs with local scholarships that stack cleanly on top.

Top 18 Delaware Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Delaware scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation

The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Scholarship Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors whose primary residence receives power from one of the 16 electric cooperatives served by VMDAEC. The foundation's mission is to

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: High (~98 min)
2

Delaware Teacher Corps Scholarship

The Delaware Teacher Corps provides financial assistance to Delaware residents pursuing a degree in education to become teachers in Delaware schools. Recipients must agree to teach in a Delaware public school for at least one year for each year of

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
3

Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program

The Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP) provides financial assistance to Delaware residents with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at regionally accredited institutions. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a Delaware resident. Educational Plans: Must

Award: Varies Deadline: May Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
4

Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship

The Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship honors the first African American state Senator in Delaware. It is awarded to Delaware high school seniors who demonstrate academic promise and plan to enroll full-time at Delaware State University. Eligibility Requirements: Residency:

Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
5

Delaware Governors Education Grant for Working Adults

The Governor’s Education Grant for Working Adults provides financial assistance to Delaware residents aged 18-65 who are working while pursuing a college degree or workforce training. This grant supports working adults looking to advance their education and career opportunities. Eligibility

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
6

Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship

The Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship honors the former Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives. It is awarded to high school seniors in Delaware who demonstrate academic excellence and plan to pursue a major in the humanities or social

Award: $1,250 Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
7

Delaware Professional Librarian Scholarship

The Professional Librarian Scholarship provides financial assistance to Delaware residents pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science. This scholarship aims to support individuals dedicated to a career in library science within the state. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be

Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~73 min)
8

Delaware Inspire Scholarship

The Inspire Scholarship provides tuition assistance to Delaware high school graduates who enroll full-time at Delaware State University. This scholarship supports students committed to academic excellence and community service. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a Delaware resident. High School Performance:

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
9

Delaware Nursing Incentive Program

The Delaware Nursing Incentive Program provides financial assistance to Delaware residents pursuing a career in nursing. This scholarship supports students enrolled in nursing programs at accredited institutions and aims to increase the state's healthcare workforce. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~53 min)
10

Delaware Scholarship for Excellence in Career & Technical Education

The Scholarship for Excellence in Career & Technical Education (CTE) supports Delaware students who have excelled in Career and Technical Education programs during high school and plan to pursue further education in a related field. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be

Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~53 min)
11

Delaware Academic Achievement Scholarship

The Academic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to Delaware high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic performance and plan to attend a regionally accredited college or university. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a Delaware resident. Academic Performance: Must have a

Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
12

Delaware Governors Workforce Development Grant

The Governor’s Workforce Development Grant supports Delaware residents seeking to gain new skills or certifications in high-demand industries. The grant provides financial assistance for non-degree programs that lead to employment opportunities. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be a Delaware resident. Educational

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)

Delaware Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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What Scholarships Are Available for Delaware Residents?

Delaware residents have access to a wide range of state-funded, institutional, nonprofit, and community-based scholarships designed to reduce financial barriers and support students at every stage of their academic journeys. These programs help recent high school graduates, adult learners, low-income students, working professionals, and underrepresented groups pursue degrees or career-training programs. Many awards combine academic merit, community involvement, and financial need, ensuring broad eligibility for students across the state.

Key scholarship programs for Delaware residents include:

  • SEED Scholarship: Covers tuition at Delaware Technical Community College and the University of Delaware Associate in Arts Program. This program offers up to six semesters of free tuition for eligible Delaware residents who maintain required GPA and academic progress standards.
  • Inspire Scholarship: Provides up to $3,000 per year for students attending Delaware State University who maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and complete 10 hours of community service each semester.
  • Governor’s Education Grant for Working Adults: Offers tuition support for Delaware residents aged 18+ who work full-time and attend school part-time. This program helps adults upskill or complete unfinished degrees while maintaining employment.

Tip: Apply early. Many Delaware scholarship programs require timely FAFSA submission and may have limited funding cycles.

What Is the Delaware Scholarship Compendium?

The Delaware Scholarship Compendium is a comprehensive online database created by the Delaware Higher Education Office to help students locate scholarships across local, state, and national sources. It features hundreds of opportunities and functions as a centralized directory with detailed eligibility information.

Students can filter scholarships based on:

  • Grade level (middle school, high school senior, undergraduate, graduate)
  • Career interest or intended major
  • Merit-based, need-based, or demographic-specific requirements
  • Institution, county, or geographic location within Delaware

The Compendium is updated annually, making it one of the most important tools for Delaware families maximizing financial aid opportunities.

What Are the Delaware Community Foundation Scholarships?

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) manages over 300 donor-funded scholarship programs supporting students from all three Delaware counties. Awards target students entering healthcare, engineering, teaching, business, the arts, and skilled trades.

DCF scholarships may prioritize:

  • Financial need
  • Academic performance
  • Leadership and community involvement
  • Specific high schools, counties, or family backgrounds
  • Career goals or majors

Many DCF awards are renewable, and some offer multi-year funding. Students can apply through a centralized application portal, making it easier to be matched with multiple opportunities at once.

What Scholarships Are Available at the University of Delaware?

The University of Delaware (UD) offers a robust selection of merit-based and need-based scholarships for new freshmen, transfer students, and current undergraduates. Many awards are automatically considered during the admissions review, while others require supplemental applications.

UD scholarships include:

  • UD Trustee Scholarship: Awarded to exceptional incoming freshmen who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. Highly competitive and renewable.
  • Blue Hen Success Grant: Need-based support aimed at helping students resolve financial emergencies that might delay progress toward graduation.
  • Honors College Scholarships: Dedicated awards for students admitted to UD’s Honors College based on academic distinction.
  • Associate in Arts Program Scholarships: Provides support for students pursuing the two-year AAP degree pathway before transitioning to the Newark campus.

Are There Scholarships for International Students at Delaware State University?

Yes. Delaware State University (DSU) offers multiple institutional scholarships tailored for international students, helping to offset non-resident tuition and living expenses.

Common DSU international awards include:

  • Global Partnership Scholarship: Reserved for students from DSU’s partner institutions abroad, encouraging global academic exchange.
  • International Merit Scholarships: Based on GPA and academic potential. Renewable for students who maintain strong performance.
  • Private and External Scholarships: International students may apply for awards through international foundations, embassy programs, or global scholarship platforms.

Tip: International students should apply early and consult DSU’s international student advising office for guidance on applications and visa requirements.

What Scholarships Are Available from the Delaware Department of Education?

The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) oversees several important statewide scholarships targeting academic excellence, high-need professions, and public service commitments.

Key DOE scholarships include:

  • Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship: Offers $1,250 annually to students majoring in humanities or social sciences who demonstrate strong academic achievement.
  • Teacher Education Scholarship: Awards $5,000 per year to students pursuing teaching degrees who commit to teaching in Delaware public schools upon graduation.
  • B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship: Provides full tuition at the University of Delaware for students demonstrating exceptional academic excellence.
  • Herman M. Holloway, Sr. Scholarship: Covers tuition, room, board, and fees at Delaware State University for academically outstanding students.

Tip: Some DOE scholarships require service commitments after graduation—review requirements carefully before applying.

Who Is Eligible for the SEED Program in Delaware?

The Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship is one of Delaware’s signature tuition programs and an extremely popular choice for families seeking affordable pathways to higher education.

To qualify for SEED, students must:

  • Be Delaware residents graduating from an in-state high school
  • Maintain a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5
  • Enroll full-time at Delaware Tech or the UD Associate in Arts Program
  • Meet all academic progress requirements throughout enrollment

SEED covers up to six semesters of tuition and is renewable for students who remain eligible.

Tip: SEED provides a cost-effective pathway for students planning to later transfer into bachelor’s programs.

What Scholarships Are Available for Adult Learners in Delaware?

Delaware offers several programs designed specifically for adults returning to college, pursuing career changes, or completing unfinished degrees. These awards support flexibility, part-time enrollment, and workforce alignment.

Top adult student scholarships include:

  • Governor’s Education Grant for Working Adults: Provides tuition for Delaware residents aged 18+ who work part-time or full-time while attending school.
  • Delaware Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funding: Supports adults pursuing training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Employer Tuition Assistance: Many Delaware employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that can be combined with state grants.

These programs increase educational access for adults balancing school, family, and employment responsibilities.

What Local and County-Based Scholarships Exist in Delaware?

Delaware students can also access dozens of county- and community-based scholarships funded by local organizations.

Examples include:

  • New Castle County Scholarships: Awards from local civic groups, Rotary Clubs, and foundations supporting students in northern Delaware.
  • Kent County Community Foundation Scholarships: Supports students pursuing degrees in agriculture, business, STEM, or community service-related fields.
  • Sussex County Scholarships: Local awards for residents of southern Delaware, including programs supporting first-generation students and vocational training.

Many local awards have smaller applicant pools, increasing the likelihood of receiving funding.

What Scholarships Are Available for First-Generation College Students in Delaware?

Delaware hosts several programs supporting students who are the first in their family to attend college.

These programs include:

  • Inspire Scholarship: Helps many first-generation students at Delaware State University by reducing tuition costs.
  • Delaware Futures Scholarship: Supports low-income and first-generation youth through mentoring, academic assistance, and financial aid.
  • First-Generation Foundation Grants: Private grants offered through community nonprofits and Delaware-based philanthropic groups.

These programs often include mentoring and academic support in addition to financial aid.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available in Delaware?

Delaware offers targeted scholarships for students entering high-demand fields such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and healthcare.

STEM-focused awards include:

  • Delaware STEM Council Scholarships for high-achieving students entering science and technology programs.
  • Corporate STEM Scholarships from companies like DuPont, Incyte, and AstraZeneca.
  • Healthcare and Nursing Scholarships through Delaware hospitals and medical foundations.

These scholarships help expand Delaware’s STEM workforce and attract students into critical industries.

College Scholarships By Category

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