Nursing Programs in Wilmington, DE

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Wilmington

Rankings help nursing students compare programs based on measurable outcomes, guiding their choice of school. Registerednursing.org is creating the Best Nursing Schools in Wilmington ranking using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion, as these rates indicate graduate readiness for licensure. For our methodology, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates have shown a clear upward trend over the past three years, with a significant improvement between 2022 and 2023.

• 2024: 96.13% average pass rate (155 students)
• 2023: 93.85% average pass rate (195 students)
• 2022: 79.52% average pass rate (166 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates fluctuated annually, with the highest cohort in 2023.

• 2024: 155 graduates
• 2023: 195 graduates
• 2022: 166 graduates

Top Performing School

Based on average pass rates across all available years, the University of Delaware is the top-performing nursing program in the Wilmington area.

• University of Delaware: Average pass rate 89.92% (516 students over 3 years)

Biggest Improvements

The University of Delaware demonstrated substantial growth in pass rates from the earliest to the latest year.

• University of Delaware: Improved by 16.61 percentage points (from 79.52% in 2022 to 96.13% in 2024)

#1

University of Delaware

Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Delaware's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year, campus-based program designed for students who want to become Registered Nurses. Ranked in the top 6% of undergraduate nursing programs nationwide, it offers direct entry for freshmen, so you start nursing courses from day one. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, mentored by practicing nurses. Students benefit from the state-of-the-art Center for Simulation Innovation, which builds critical decision-making skills. Service-learning, study abroad, and undergraduate research are embedded in the program, along with community engagement through the student-founded organization Lori's Hands. For those seeking deeper study, the Nursing Honors program is available. Graduates with a 3.0 GPA receive guaranteed admission to the Master of Science in Nursing, with waived application fees. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring a high-quality education that prepares you for leadership in healthcare.

• CCNE accredited
• 4-Year program
• Complete in four-year program
• Top 6% nursing program nationwide
• Direct entry for freshmen
• Service-learning and study abroad
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• Community engagement through Lori's Hands
• Nursing Honors program available
• Guaranteed admission to MSN for qualified graduates

#2

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN To BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University’s RN to BSN program helps registered nurses build on their clinical experience and prepare for greater responsibility in today’s complex healthcare environment. The curriculum emphasizes communication, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving, with community learning experiences that let students give back while growing professionally. Students can choose online, traditional classroom, or hybrid formats, and many complete the 15-course program in about 18 months while working. The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study, and a dual-credit advantage allows electives to count toward a future MSN. Graduates are ready for roles such as clinical nurse manager and other positions across diverse healthcare settings, supported by a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 18-Month program
• 15 total courses
• Classes start every 8 weeks
• Online and classroom options available
• Accelerated BSN to MSN pathway
• Community learning experiences included
• Pay only for courses needed
• BSN enables nurse manager roles

*Source: IPEDS 2025 postsecondary education data, NCES.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Wilmington, DE

Nursing has evolved over the past decade with RNs being entrusted and authorized to decide on and carry out treatments for patients. You too can enter or advance your career in nursing with an LPN to RN, ADN, or BSN degree. Colleges in Wilmington have made such entry-level programs accessible to those with and without a healthcare background.

LPN to RN Programs

LPNs commonly tend to patients with chronic illnesses such as the elderly but they also provide basic nursing care to patients in doctor’s offices and medical centers. However, Licensed Practical Nurses know they can’t make patient diagnoses or decide on treatments and must instead rely on instructions from RNs or APRNs. Delaware Technical and Community College outside of Wilmington, DE offers an accelerated LPN to RN track that lets dedicated LPNs earn their Associate Degree in Nursing in just over a year.

ADN Programs

If you think you have a mind for medicine and a heart for healing, the profession of nursing may be for you. Delaware Technical and Community College, located 20 minutes outside of Wilmington, offers an Associate Degree in Nursing that readies students to provide hands-on care to patients. As nurses interact with patients more than any other healthcare professionals including doctors, the ADN gives you the training and skills to effectively carry out your duties.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nurses with critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills have more confidence in performing the ordinary and difficult parts of their jobs. Those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing have shown to produce fewer errors and provide overall higher quality of care for patients. The University of Delaware in Wilmington offers a traditional BSN program with a focus on nursing core components as well as specifics such as mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, and public health. Graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Find out more about Delaware Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Wilmington, DE

It’s been shown that patient outcomes improve when nurses hold BSNs. Recognizing the need for more nurses with bachelor’s degrees, colleges in and around Wilmington, DE are offering more working nurse-friendly RN to BSN bridge programs.

RN to BSN Programs

Staff nurses who lack a bachelor’s degree may, despite their years of experience, be overlooked for promotions or the best positions in preferred units. Hospitals and medical centers are pressured to staff up with nurses who hold BSNs. The University of Delaware in Newark has been a pioneer in distance learning since 1993 and offers a fully online RN to BSN program for nurses looking to advance their education.

Find out more about Delaware RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Wilmington, DE

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), particularly nurse practitioners, are performing tasks once limited to physicians such as administering medication and performing patient diagnoses. APRNs are also taking charge of nursing units and leading healthcare policy change to improve patient care. RNs in good standing in Wilmington, Delaware can achieve this APRN status by earning a master’s, post-grad cert or doctorate degree in less time than they may have thought.

MSN Programs

Advance Practice Nurses such as Nurse Practitioners are performing patient evaluations and assessments taking over many duties formerly limited to only doctors. If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, Wilmington University in Delaware has several practitioner-level MSN programs. Designed to be both flexible and affordable, the Family or Adult/Gerontology NP programs include a robust curriculum that puts graduates at the forefront of providing primary care for patients.

Find out more about Delaware Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Current Advanced Practice Nurses seeking to gain practitioner competencies can do so in less time by completing a post-grad certificate rather than earning an additional degree. Offered on a part-time basis in a blend of online and on-campus modalities, Neumann University, located about 25 minutes northeast of Wilmington outside of Delaware, offers an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care post-grad cert. The curriculum is concentrated on patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and holistic treatments.

Find out more about Delaware Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Advanced Practice Nurses are influencing national and regional healthcare policy and having a broad impact on the quality of patient care. Those who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice, the terminal practitioner degree in the field, have the potential to have the greatest impact on policy development. Though it isn’t a career path for everyone, the University of Delaware in Wilmington has a DNP program that focuses on population health, healthcare delivery, and healthcare system management among other far-reaching topics. The program has part- and full-time options.

Find out more about Delaware DNP Programs.