UD Seeks More State Funds for Scholarships

The University of Delaware asked state budget officials for additional money for its First State Promise scholarship program and other capital projects.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Financial Aid

UD Seeks More State Funds for Scholarships

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Should Delaware increase state funding for University of Delaware financial aid?

University of Delaware President Laura Carlson requested an increase in the state's contribution to the First State Promise scholarship program during a budget hearing with the Office of Management and Budget. UD currently receives $7.5 million from the state for the program, which supports about 1,700 Delawareans each year.

Why it matters

Inflation is stretching the First State Promise program, and financial need among UD students has grown by $8 million since 2022. The request signals how state budget decisions could affect college access for Delaware families.

UD requested $2.5 million more for First State Promise on top of the current $7.5 million, a request made against a state operating contribution of $148.8 million last year. Whether the state will approve the increase has not been determined.

The players

University of Delaware

The public research university in Newark, Delaware, is the state's largest institution of higher education and runs the First State Promise program.

Laura Carlson

Carlson is the president of the University of Delaware and presented the institution's funding requests to state budget officials.

The details

Carlson also asked for $1.5 million to expand nursing and teacher education programs in Kent and Sussex counties, and $35 million in capital requests. First State Promise covers tuition and fees for families earning under $75,000, full tuition, fees and housing for families earning under $35,000, and partial aid for families earning under $100,000.

Since 2022: Financial need among UD students grew by $8 million.
Last year: The state contributed $148.8 million to UD's operating budget.
Fiscal year 2027: UD received $15 million from the capital budget.
Fiscal year 2028: UD requested $20 million for building repairs and $10 million for a new dairy facility.

Program Trajectory

The request asks the state to expand the First State Promise program, which has been the state's primary tuition assistance vehicle for Delaware students. Its current $7.5 million state allocation is being tested by rising financial need among students.

Families earning under $100,000 could see changes in aid eligibility depending on whether the state approves the requested increase to the First State Promise program. Families should watch the state budget process for decisions affecting tuition assistance.

The takeaway

State budget decisions on scholarship funding directly determine whether rising college costs translate into access for Delaware students. Families weighing college plans should check current First State Promise eligibility thresholds and any budget updates from the state.