College Comparison Tool
It's College Decision Time
From academics and cost to campus life and outcomes, there’s a lot to consider when selecting a college.
How do you help students pick the right college?
Start with these questions.
Encourage students to consider these topics when making their college decision:
Think beyond next year. Choose a college that will prepare you for a successful life.
- What’s the graduation rate?
- What career resources are available?
- What percentage of students are employed or in graduate school upon graduation?
- What percentage of students are accepted into graduate, medical or law school?
Explore our outcomes
You'll be on campus approximately 900 days. Consider where you'll live, learn and grow.
- What is the size of the school?
- How many students live on campus? Do students go home on weekends?
- Is housing available for all four years?
- How many student clubs and organizations are there?
- What’s the retention rate from the first to second year?
- How easy is it to get around campus — and the city?
Explore campus life
To get a truly hands-on education, how will you get beyond the four walls of the classroom?
- Can undergraduates conduct research?
- Do students have capstone projects?
- Are there global opportunities?
- What is the cost to study abroad?
- Do participants graduate on time?
- Is assistance available to find and apply for internships and co-ops?
Explore experiential learning
No matter which degree you pursue, consider how you’ll be supported and encouraged in your studies.
- What is the class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
- What percent of classes are taught by faculty (vs. graduate assistants)?
- What percent of faculty have terminal degrees in their field?
- Are AP, IB, CLEP and transfer credits accepted?
- What academic advising is available?
- Is there flexibility to change majors?
- What academic and learning support resources are available?
- Are bachelor’s plus master’s degrees offered?
Explore our academics
Is cost on your mind? Consider the overall value of each institution - and look for hidden costs.
- Will net tuition (the amount a family pays) stay the same each year?
- Are scholarships and grants guaranteed for all four years? Do the award values change?
- Are there any fees or surcharges?
- Is money provided for textbooks?
- What is the average debt rate upon graduation?
Explore our approach to affordability

UD's retention rate outpaces national averages for four-year public and private institutions.
Points of Pride
UD's graduation rate is more than national private and public four-year institution rates by 10-plus points.
Undergraduate Outcomes