Delaware
Rank #45
In-state tuition$16,470
Out-of-state$39,340
4-year sticker$65,880
All states
2025-26
Delaware vs Maryland College Cost
Maryland has lower in-state tuition by $4,990/yr.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
Delaware vs Maryland side by side
Maryland
Rank #27
In-state tuition$11,480
Out-of-state$27,910
4-year sticker$45,920
Maryland has lower in-state tuition
$4,990 per year cheaper ($19,960 over 4 years, tuition only). Net price after financial aid may differ—use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
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Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
Key takeaways — college cost comparison
- Maryland has lower in-state tuition by $4,990/yr ($19,960 over 4 years). Delaware: $16,470. Maryland: $11,480.
- Delaware ranks #45 nationally; Maryland ranks #27 (lowest = #1).
- Out-of-state differs by $11,430/yr.
- Room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) is not included in tuition figures.
- Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check /529-calculator for deduction/credit details.
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators.
Delaware vs Maryland: in-state tuition comparison
Maryland has lower in-state tuition: $11,480/yr (rank #27) vs $16,470/yr (rank #45) in Delaware. That's a $4,990 annual gap, or $19,960 over 4 years (tuition only, before aid).
Room & board is not included. Add US average room & board ($13,900/yr) to estimate COA: Delaware ≈ $30,370/yr; Maryland ≈ $25,380/yr.
These are sticker prices from College Board. Net price after federal Pell Grants, state aid, institutional scholarships, and merit awards is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Out-of-state tuition: Delaware vs Maryland
Delaware out-of-state: $39,340/yr (premium +$22,870). Maryland: $27,910/yr (premium +$16,430). Difference: $11,430/yr, or $45,720 over 4 years.
Out-of-state premiums fund the portion of costs not subsidized by state taxpayers. Students from neighboring states sometimes qualify for regional tuition exchange programs that reduce or waive the premium.
Community college costs in Delaware and Maryland
Delaware public 2-year in-district: $4,945/yr. Maryland: $5,068/yr. Starting at community college and transferring after 2 years cuts total 4-year costs significantly.
Many students complete general education requirements at community college and transfer to a 4-year institution with junior standing, saving tens of thousands in tuition. Verify transfer pathways and articulation agreements with your target 4-year school.
529 plan tax benefits: Delaware vs Maryland
Both Delaware and Maryland residents can open 529 college savings plans. State tax benefits vary: some states offer unlimited deductions, others cap deductions at $1,000–$10,000/yr, and a few offer flat tax credits instead of deductions.
Use our /529-calculator to compare Delaware (DE) and Maryland (MD) tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and evaluate superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers under SECURE 2.0 Act rules.
Who this comparison helps
- Families comparing Delaware and Maryland for college relocation decisions.
- High school students weighing in-state vs out-of-state tuition in Delaware or Maryland.
- 529 savers in Delaware or Maryland setting contribution targets based on tuition trends.
- Guidance counselors comparing public college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs (this comparison covers public 4-year and 2-year only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
College cost comparison checklist
- Compare in-state tuition: Delaware $16,470 vs Maryland $11,480.
- Out-of-state: Delaware $39,340 vs Maryland $27,910.
- Four-year sticker: Delaware $65,880 vs Maryland $45,920 (tuition only).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
- Check 529 plan tax benefits in Delaware and Maryland using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Delaware vs Maryland college cost FAQs
Maryland has lower public 4-year in-state tuition by $4,990 per year. Delaware: $16,470/yr in-state (rank #45). Maryland: $11,480/yr in-state (rank #27). Out-of-state tuition differs by $11,430/year.
Delaware out-of-state averages $39,340/yr, and Maryland averages $27,910/yr—a $11,430 gap. Out-of-state premiums: Delaware +$22,870, Maryland +$16,430.
Four years of sticker tuition (no room & board): Delaware ≈ $65,880 in-state, Maryland ≈ $45,920 in-state. Add room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check our /529-calculator for state-by-state deduction/credit details. Delaware: DE. Maryland: MD.
No. These are published sticker tuition and fees for public 4-year in-state and out-of-state. Net price after grants, scholarships, and state aid is typically lower. Local flagship and regional campus costs also vary.
Delaware public 2-year in-district: $4,945/yr. Maryland: $5,068/yr (tuition + fees, no room/board).
Most state financial aid programs are limited to residents attending in-state public institutions. A few states (e.g., DC TAG) allow portability. Check your home state's higher education agency for out-of-state eligibility rules.
No. You can keep your existing 529 plan or roll it over to another state's plan. You may lose state tax benefits if you move, but federal tax-free growth and withdrawals remain. Consult a tax advisor for your situation.
Maryland has lower in-state tuition ($4,990/yr), but net price after aid may differ. Compare state financial aid programs, 529 tax benefits, and institutional aid packages using college net price calculators.