UD Seeks $2.5M More for First State Promise

Delaware students from families earning under $100,000 could see changes to scholarship aid if the state approves the added funding.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Financial Aid

UD Seeks $2.5M More for First State Promise

Live Poll

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

The University of Delaware asked state budget officials for additional funding, including $2.5 million more for the First State Promise scholarship program, which covers tuition and fees for students from families earning less than $75,000 a year. The request was made during a budget hearing with the Office of Management and Budget.

Why it matters

Inflation and rising student financial need, which has grown by $8 million since 2022, are stretching the First State Promise program. For Delaware families near the program's income limits, the state's decision on this request will shape how much help is available next year.

First State Promise pays full tuition, fees, and housing for families earning below $35,000 and partial aid for families earning below $100,000, with full tuition and fees covered below $75,000. The program currently receives $7.5 million from the state and supports about 1,700 Delawareans each year.

The players

University of Delaware

A public research university in Newark that receives state operating and capital funding and runs the First State Promise scholarship program for eligible Delaware students.

Laura Carlson

The president of the University of Delaware, who presented the university's request for increased state support for the First State Promise program.

Office of Management and Budget

The Delaware state agency that reviews agency budget requests and advises on state spending decisions that affect public universities and their tuition-affordability programs.

The details

UD presented its funding requests during its budget hearing with the Office of Management and Budget, which reviews requests before state budget decisions are made. The First State Promise money flows through the university's financial aid to eligible students whose family incomes fall within the program's tiers. The university also requested $1.5 million to expand nursing and teacher education programs in Kent and Sussex counties, and $10 million to build a new dairy facility at its Newark farm site, which it plans to pair with a federal Agricultural Research Facilities Act application.

Since 2022: Financial need among UD students has grown by $8 million.
Last year: The state's contribution to UD's operating budget was $148.8 million.
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 the dairy facility.

Education Landscape

The request comes as states face rising college costs and growing demand for need-based aid, and it tests whether Delaware will expand its own tuition-assistance program as enrollment and need grow. It is a funding request, not a settled budget change, so the outcome will show whether the state treats its flagship scholarship as a priority in future budget cycles.

If you are a Delaware family considering the University of Delaware, check the First State Promise income thresholds of $35,000, $75,000, and $100,000 and ask the school's financial aid office how the program applies to your situation. Because the funding request is still pending, confirm current eligibility and award amounts directly with the university before making enrollment decisions.

The takeaway

The central insight is that state scholarship programs depend on annual budget decisions, and rising need can quickly outpace them. Delaware families who may qualify should ask the financial aid office which First State Promise tier applies to them and watch the state budget outcome before assuming the same level of help.