What SAT score is good for University of Delaware?

UD's freshman admitted student profile lists a mid-50% SAT range of 1240 to 1390. Because UD is test optional, submit SAT scores only if they make your application stronger.

Is University of Delaware test optional?

Yes. University of Delaware remains test optional. Freshman applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, or indicate that they want to participate in the Test Optional Program.

Does University of Delaware require STARS?

Domestic freshmen applying from a U.S. high school, including traditional U.S. homeschool students, are required to submit high school grades through the Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System, known as STARS.

Does UDel require letters of recommendation?

UD allows up to two optional letters of recommendation for freshman applicants. A recommendation is most useful when it adds context about academic strength, character, major fit or growth that is not obvious from grades alone.

How can I improve my University of Delaware application?

Improve your UDel application by applying before the right deadline, completing STARS accurately, choosing a realistic first and second major, using test optional strategically, writing a clear essay and preparing early for Nursing, Music, Honors or competitive majors.

Udel Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide Udel Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

Q: Is University of Delaware hard to get into?

UDel is moderately selective overall. The recent overall offer rate is around 74%, but admission is not automatic. Competitive applicants should match UD's admitted student profile, complete STARS correctly, meet deadlines and choose a realistic first and second major.

Q: What GPA do you need for UDel?

UD's freshman admitted student profile lists a mid-50% GPA range of 3.68 to 4.22. Students below that range can still apply, but they should show strong course rigor, improvement, a good major fit and a complete application.

Q: What ACT score is good for UDel?

UD lists a mid-50% ACT range of 28 to 32 for admitted students, with ACT ranges derived from SAT equivalencies. If your ACT score is below your overall academic profile, a test-optional application may be better.

Q: What are UDel application deadlines?

UD's freshman application opens August 1. Early Action and Honors College deadline is November 1, Nursing and School of Music priority deadline is December 1, and Regular Admission priority deadline is January 15.

🐔 University of Delaware admissions guide

UDel Acceptance Rate 2026: 74.1% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Application Guide

74.1%

Direct answer: For 2026 planning, the University of Delaware acceptance rate is about 74.1%, based on UD’s Fall 2025 official undergraduate admissions statistics: 41,505 applications and 30,773 offers of admission.

UDel is moderately selective overall, not impossible. But the overall rate can be misleading for Nursing, Honors, Music, Engineering, Business and competitive majors where deadlines, course preparation or extra requirements matter more.

This guide gives the answer first, then the details students actually need: GPA range, SAT/ACT range, test optional rules, deadlines, STARS, application fee, recommendations, scholarships, transfer/international notes and a final checklist.

📊 Acceptance rate 📅 Deadlines 📚 GPA & scores ✅ Checklist

74.1% Acceptance rate

30,773 offers from 41,505 Fall 2025 applications.

3.68–4.22 Mid-50% GPA

UD freshman admitted student profile range.

1240–1390 Mid-50% SAT

Submit only if it improves your file.

28–32 Mid-50% ACT

UD reports ACT range from SAT equivalencies.

Quick navigation

📊 UDel acceptance rate 🎯 In-state vs out-of-state 📅 Deadlines and decision dates 📚 GPA, SAT, ACT and test optional 📄 Requirements and STARS 🏫 Nursing, Honors, Music and majors 💰 Scholarships and cost signals ❓ 10 FAQs

UDel acceptance rate 2026: the number applicants want first

Acceptance rate item	Official-based number	What it means for applicants
Applications	41,505	UD receives a large applicant pool, so submitting a complete application matters.
Offers of admission	30,773	UD admitted/offered admission to a majority of applicants overall.
Estimated acceptance rate	74.1%	Moderately selective overall, but not the same difficulty for every major.
Offer accepted	4,987	Admitted students still compare cost, scholarships and fit before enrolling.
Best interpretation	Not a guaranteed admit	UD still reviews academic preparation, major fit, STARS, deadlines and optional materials.

Simple meaning: A 74.1% rate means UDel is more accessible than highly selective universities, but applicants should not submit a careless application. Nursing, Honors, Music and some STEM/business pathways need stronger preparation.

In-state vs out-of-state UDel admission: what the numbers show

Applicant group	Applications	Offers	Approx. offer rate	Applicant takeaway
Delaware residents	4,240	3,664	86.4%	Strong in-state access, but major preparation still matters.
Nonresidents	37,265	27,109	72.8%	Still accessible, but out-of-state applicants should focus on fit and scholarship strength.
Total	41,505	30,773	74.1%	Use this as the best planning estimate for UDel acceptance rate 2026.

Good news: UDel is not a “lottery school” for most academically prepared applicants. The key is meeting the right deadline, choosing realistic majors and submitting accurate academic records.

UDel application deadlines and decision dates

Timeline item	Date	Who should care
Application opens	August 1	All first-year applicants.
Early Action + Honors College deadline	November 1	Students who want earlier review and Honors consideration.
Nursing deadline	December 1	Nursing applicants must submit completed application and materials by 11:59 p.m.
School of Music priority deadline	December 1	Music applicants who need audition scheduling priority.
Regular Admission priority deadline	January 15	Students applying regular admission and scholarship review.
Early Action and Honors decisions	By January 31	EA applicants. Honors decision may be separate from admission.
Nursing decisions	By February 15	Nursing applicants.
Regular admissions decisions	Mid-March	Regular applicants, including School of Music applicants.

Deadline warning: Applications submitted after 11:59 p.m. on November 1 for Early Action/Honors are considered on a space-available basis. Nursing has its own December 1 completed-materials deadline.

UDel GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?

Good GPA for UDel

3.68–4.22 is UD’s mid-50% freshman admitted-student GPA range. Below the range is possible, but your major choice, rigor and grades must make sense.

Good SAT for UDel

1240–1390 is the mid-50% SAT range. Submit if it helps; skip if your transcript is stronger and you prefer test optional.

Good ACT for UDel

28–32 is the mid-50% ACT range. UD notes ACT ranges are derived from SAT equivalencies in the same band.

Honors profile

UD Honors lists a stronger profile: 4.24–4.51 GPA, 1350–1460 SAT, and 30–34 ACT.

Should you apply test optional?

Your situation	Recommended choice	Why
Your SAT is 1240–1390 or higher	Consider submitting	It matches or exceeds UD’s admitted-student range.
Your ACT is 28–32 or higher	Consider submitting	It supports your academic readiness.
Your score is below the range but GPA is strong	Consider test optional	Your transcript may tell the better story.
You apply to math/science-intensive major	Submit strong evidence	Scores, AP, IB, dual enrollment or strong coursework can help show readiness.
You have nontraditional/narrative records	Scores can be useful	UD encourages extra academic evidence when traditional grades are limited.

UD test codes: SAT code 5811; ACT code 0634. Applicants can self-report SAT/ACT scores, or choose the Test Optional Program.

UDel application requirements: what to prepare

Common App or Coalition App Required application essay $75 non-refundable fee STARS academic record Test optional choice SAT/ACT scores if submitted Up to 2 optional recommendations Final transcript after enrollment Audition if Music Special deadlines if Nursing

Recommended high school preparation

Subject	UD suggested years	Applicant tip
English	4 years	Strong writing helps the essay and college readiness.
Mathematics	3 years, Algebra 1 or higher	Engineering, business and science applicants should go beyond the minimum when possible.
Science	3 years, including 2 labs	Nursing, health and STEM applicants should show lab-science strength.
History/Social Sciences	3 years	Useful for social science, policy, education and humanities pathways.
Academic electives	3 units	Use electives to support your intended major when possible.
Total	16 units	Meeting the minimum is not the same as being competitive for every major.

STARS detail: Domestic freshmen from U.S. high schools and traditional U.S. homeschool applicants must submit STARS after applying. EA applicants should submit STARS by Nov. 1; Regular Decision by Jan. 15.

STARS: the detail many applicants miss

STARS question	UD answer	What to do
Who must submit STARS?	Domestic freshmen applying from U.S. high school or traditional U.S. homeschool curriculum.	Complete it through the My Blue Hen Home checklist after you begin the application.
When should I submit?	By your application deadline: Nov. 1 for EA, Jan. 15 for Regular Decision.	Do not wait for UD to receive it later; submit and link it properly.
Can I just send my transcript?	UD says it will not review high school transcripts in lieu of STARS for this purpose.	Use your transcript to enter accurate information into STARS.
What if I enroll?	Final official high school transcript with graduation date is required by July 15.	Make sure your self-reported grades match official records.
Can STARS errors hurt me?	Yes. Errors may affect admission status and merit awards.	Check grades, courses and test scores before submitting.

Programs where the overall 74.1% rate can be misleading

Nursing

Completed applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1. Nursing decisions are released by Feb. 15.

Honors College

Apply Early Action by Nov. 1. Honors decisions are separate and Honors profile ranges are higher than the general admitted profile.

School of Music

Music has a Dec. 1 priority deadline and audition scheduling. Apply early to receive audition access and better scheduling options.

Engineering and Business

UD advises students planning engineering or business to complete at least pre-calculus before graduation.

Major strategy: UD lets applicants list a first and second choice major. Use the second choice carefully; do not choose something random.

UDel scholarships and cost signals

Out-of-state freshmen are reviewed for merit scholarships using application materials. UD says a separate application is not required for these out-of-state freshman merit scholarships.

Scholarship	Typical amount offered	Applicant note
UD Trustee Scholarship	$12,500–$15,000 per year	Competitive; based on UD review of applicant materials.
UD Presidential Scholarship	$10,000–$12,000 per year	Strong academics and application quality matter.
UD Provost Scholarship	$8,500–$12,000 per year	Final awards can vary by student.
Delaware Scholar Award	$6,500–$7,500 per year	Use deadlines and application completeness seriously.
Blue Hen Scholarship	$1,500–$2,500 per year	Even smaller awards help reduce net cost.

Scholarship tip: Strong STARS accuracy, course rigor, grades, test scores if helpful and a polished application can matter for merit review.

International and transfer applicants: quick answers

International freshmen

Application opens Aug. 1. Honors deadline is Nov. 1, Nursing/Music priority deadline is Dec. 1, and direct freshman admission priority deadline is Jan. 15.

English proof: Meeting a minimum score does not guarantee direct admission; UD may require additional evidence or an English pathway.

Transfer applicants

Suggested transfer deadlines: Spring Nov. 1 and Fall Jun. 1. Music transfer audition deadline is Jan. 15.

Important: Transfer major requirements vary, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Common mistakes that hurt UDel applicants

Only looking at the 74.1% rate: It does not explain Nursing, Honors, Music or competitive major review.
Missing STARS: Domestic freshmen must submit and link it correctly.
Entering wrong grades: STARS errors can affect admission and merit awards.
Ignoring Dec. 1 deadlines: Nursing and School of Music have special timing.
Submitting weak scores: UD is test optional, so use scores strategically.
Choosing a random second major: Your second choice should still fit your academic record and goals.
Waiting for the final day: Portal, fee, STARS and recommendation issues can delay completion.
Not applying by Jan. 15: Regular priority deadline also matters for scholarship review.

Final UDel application checklist

Know the acceptance-rate reality Use 74.1% as the best 2026 planning estimate, but check your major-specific risk.

Choose first and second major carefully Pick majors that match your courses, grades and interests.

Pick the correct deadline Nov. 1 for Early Action/Honors, Dec. 1 for Nursing/Music priority, Jan. 15 for Regular priority.

Complete Common or Coalition application Include the required essay and pay the $75 non-refundable application fee.

Submit and link STARS Enter grades accurately and submit by your application deadline.

Make a test-optional decision Submit SAT/ACT only if it improves your application.

Add optional recommendations only if useful Up to two letters can help if they add real context.

Check My Blue Hen Home Confirm materials are received and fix missing items quickly.

Official University of Delaware links and sources

The useful details are already summarized above. Use these official links only for final verification, live applications and current policy checks.

UD Freshman Admissions

Deadlines, admitted-student profile, application steps, test optional, STARS and program notes.

Open Freshman Admissions

UD Quick Facts

Official Fall 2025 admissions statistics used for the 74.1% acceptance-rate estimate.

Open UD Quick Facts

STARS Instructions

Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System requirements and deadlines.

Open STARS Guide

Preparing to Apply

UD’s timeline, essay advice, test optional notes and senior-year planning.

Open Preparing to Apply

International Admissions

International freshman deadlines, English proficiency and application pathway notes.

Open International Admissions

Scholarships for Out-of-State Freshmen

Merit scholarship ranges and out-of-state freshman scholarship review details.

Open Out-of-State Scholarships

FAQs about UDel acceptance rate 2026

What is the UDel acceptance rate for 2026?

For 2026 planning, the University of Delaware acceptance rate is about 74.1%, based on Fall 2025 official statistics of 41,505 applications and 30,773 admission offers.

Is University of Delaware hard to get into?

UDel is moderately selective overall. Many prepared applicants are admitted, but Nursing, Honors, Music and some competitive majors need stronger preparation and earlier deadlines.

What GPA do you need for UDel?

UD’s freshman admitted profile lists a mid-50% GPA range of 3.68 to 4.22. Honors lists a higher mid-50% GPA range of 4.24 to 4.51.

What SAT score is good for UDel?

UD’s freshman admitted profile lists a mid-50% SAT range of 1240 to 1390. Honors lists 1350 to 1460.

What ACT score is good for UDel?

UD’s freshman admitted profile lists a mid-50% ACT range of 28 to 32. Honors lists 30 to 34.

Is UDel test optional?

Yes. University of Delaware remains test optional. Applicants may submit SAT/ACT scores or choose the Test Optional Program.

What are the UDel freshman application deadlines?

Application opens August 1. Early Action and Honors deadline is November 1, Nursing and School of Music priority deadline is December 1, and Regular priority deadline is January 15.

Does UDel require STARS?

Domestic freshmen from U.S. high schools and traditional U.S. homeschool applicants are required to submit high school grades through STARS.

Does UDel require recommendation letters?

UD allows up to two optional recommendation letters. Submit them only if they add meaningful academic, personal or major-fit context.

How can I improve my UDel application?

Apply before the right deadline, complete STARS accurately, choose realistic first and second majors, use test optional strategically, write a clear essay and prepare early for Nursing, Music or Honors.