University of Delaware – Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics
Overview
The Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics at the University of Delaware is the premier MBA program in the state. Located in Newark, Delaware, the program is known for its flexibility, offering both full-time and part-time MBA options. The program’s strengths lie in finance, healthcare management, and business analytics, reflecting the state’s strong financial services and healthcare sectors. Students benefit from the college’s partnerships with leading companies and organizations, providing valuable internship and employment opportunities. Lerner’s curriculum is designed to develop leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to succeed in an increasingly competitive business environment.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #78
- Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 620
- Top Hiring Companies: JPMorgan Chase, DuPont, Barclays, Bank of America, ChristianaCare, EY
- Average Starting Salary: $90,500
Notable Alumni
- Richard F. Heck: Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry
- Susan Stroman: Broadway Director and Choreographer
- Edward Breen: CEO of DuPont
- John Hynansky: Founder and CEO of Winner Automotive Group
Wilmington University – College of Business
Overview
Wilmington University offers a flexible and career-focused MBA program that caters primarily to working professionals. The program is designed for both full-time students and those who wish to pursue their degree on a part-time basis. Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University’s MBA emphasizes practical business skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. The program’s specialties include organizational leadership, finance, and healthcare administration. Wilmington’s small class sizes and personal attention provide a supportive learning environment, while its strong ties to local businesses and industries offer excellent networking opportunities.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waiver available based on experience and undergraduate GPA)
- Top Hiring Companies: ChristianaCare, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, AstraZeneca, Nemours Children’s Health System
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- John Carney: Governor of Delaware
- Lynne Ann DeSanto: CEO of Nemours Children’s Health System
- Fred C. Sears II: President of Delaware Community Foundation
- Sally Green: Senior VP of Operations, Citi
Goldey-Beacom College
Overview
Goldey-Beacom College offers a highly affordable and flexible MBA program in Wilmington, Delaware. Known for its personalized education, Goldey-Beacom is a great option for students who want a close-knit academic environment. The MBA program focuses on delivering core business knowledge with specializations in financial management, human resource management, and international business. The school’s commitment to keeping tuition affordable while maintaining high academic standards makes it a popular choice for professionals seeking career advancement without the burden of excessive student debt. The program is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals through its evening and online class offerings.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 500 (GMAT waiver available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Capital One, DuPont, Chemours, WSFS Bank, JPMorgan Chase
- Average Starting Salary: $78,000
Notable Alumni
- Dan Young: CEO of Young Capital Group
- David T. Wojciechowski: VP of Client Services, Bank of America
- Jennifer Ranji: Delaware Cabinet Secretary
- John Baker: CFO of Beebe Healthcare
Delaware State University – College of Business
Overview
Delaware State University (DSU) offers a robust MBA program with a focus on leadership and entrepreneurship. Located in Dover, Delaware, DSU is a historically Black university (HBCU) that provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The MBA program emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, particularly in its concentrations in marketing, project management, and global leadership. DSU’s MBA is designed to offer flexibility to working professionals, with evening and online courses. The program prepares students for leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, with a strong focus on serving underrepresented communities and fostering economic development.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 520 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Delaware State Government, Bank of America, DuPont, AstraZeneca
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Stephen Smith: CEO of First State Community Loan Fund
- Willie E. May: Former Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Dr. Tony Allen: President of Delaware State University
- Norman Oliver: Former Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Widener University Delaware Law School – MBA/JD Dual Degree
Overview
Widener University’s Delaware Law School offers a unique MBA/JD dual degree program that combines business education with legal training. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, the program is ideal for students who want to gain expertise in both fields and pursue careers that bridge business and law. This dual degree program is particularly relevant in Delaware, given the state’s prominence as a corporate legal hub. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, including internships at top law firms, corporations, and government agencies. The dual degree equips graduates with the skills to manage legal and business challenges at the executive level.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked (For MBA portion)
- Number of Students: ~40 (Dual Degree Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waived for JD applicants)
- Top Hiring Companies: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, DuPont, JPMorgan Chase, Delaware Courts, Pfizer
- Average Starting Salary: $120,000 (Combined degree holders)
Notable Alumni
- Randy Holland: Former Delaware Supreme Court Justice
- Kathleen Jennings: Attorney General of Delaware
- Pauline Schneider: Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP
- Brian Selander: Former Chief Strategy Officer at The Whistle
Delaware MBA Programs: Key Themes
Strong Focus on Finance and Corporate Law
Delaware is known as the corporate capital of the United States, making MBA programs in the state especially appealing for those interested in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. Schools like the University of Delaware and Widener University Delaware Law School have strong programs that connect students with top legal and financial firms in the state, offering excellent internship and job placement opportunities.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
Many of Delaware’s MBA programs, particularly those at Wilmington University, Goldey-Beacom College, and Delaware State University, are designed to accommodate working professionals with evening, weekend, and online class options. This flexibility makes these programs ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers while balancing other commitments.
Emphasis on Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Several MBA programs in Delaware emphasize leadership development and entrepreneurship, reflecting the state’s support for small businesses and innovation. Delaware State University, for instance, places a particular focus on preparing students to become leaders in their communities and industries, with a strong commitment to fostering economic growth in underrepresented areas.