General information

Certificate programs

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Financial assistance for certificate programs

Students in University of Delaware certificate programs may be eligible for financial assistance and discounts.

Early registration discount

Register and pay in full on or before the date of the certificate information session and receive a 10% discount. Only one discount can apply to any individual registration.

Payment plan

The registration fee for most certificate programs is due at the time of registration. However, a payment plan is available. Please call 302/831-1138 for details.

Information session discount

Attend an information session to learn more about the certificate program you're interested in. If you register and pay in full at the certificate information session, you receive a 10% discount. Only one discount can apply to any individual registration.

Scholarships and grants [Spring 2010 application deadline: 1/25/2010]

Very limited funding is available for certificate programs on a case-by-case basis. Scholarship applications are available by calling 302/831-2741 or you may download and print the application from the Web. The funds are for partial tuition for returning education adult students with substantial financial need. If there is a history of previous college credits, a transcript must be provided to show good academic standing. Proof of income and an explanation of goals is part of the application process.

Delaware Workforce Investment Board: Individual Training Account (ITA) grants for Continuing Education Students

The Delaware Workforce Investment Board (DWIB) offers students seeking continuing education Individual Training Accounts as part of the Workforce Investment Act to help pay for the cost of a noncredit continuing education training program. Grants are up to $4,000 for noncredit courses. The University of Delaware is a Workforce Investment Act Eligible Training Provider. Applicants are most likely to be eligible for the Individual Training Account grants if they meet the following criteria.

• Are a dislocated worker
• Have been laid off and are unlikely to return to their previous occupation
• Are out of work because their employer went out of business
• Are self-employed no longer because they went out of business due to the economic downturn
• Are currently employed, but are under the Family Income Guideline thresholds
• Bear in mind that eligibility does not guarantee a grant award or the amount of the grant. Case managers also consider experience, education, skills, etc.

Interested students can learn more about the ITA grant program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures by speaking with a case manager at a Delaware Department of Labor One Stop Service Center. Click here for a list of locations in the state. The Wilmington and Newark locations are:

Private credit loans (alternative loans)

Private loans may be available from private credit loan companies to pay for certificate programs. Please contact the ACCESS Center at 302/831-2741 or access-advise@udel.edu to make an appointment in person or by phone to talk to an ACCESS Counselor for more information. Private loans typically require a credit check, have variable interest rates and often require a co-signer. Some of the loans allow deferment until you finish the program. One company providing loans for noncredit/non-degree certificate programs is listed below. For other options you can contact your own bank or credit union, or search online for lending companies providing loans for non-degree/noncredit programs.

• Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan—For UD certificate program students using the online application, use the University of Delaware noncredit code 001431-97.

For more information about any of these financial assistance options, please contact Debbie Farris at 302/831-2741 or dfarris@udel.edu.