African Americans make up about 70 percent of the some 3,000 students enrolled. Graduate students number about 300. Out-of-state enrollment at the university is limited to 30 percent. The numbers of men and women pursuing bachelor's degrees are about equal. About a quarter of the undergraduates are over the age of 25.

The academic calendar is divided into semesters. Undergraduate studies are conducted through schools of arts and sciences, professional studies, business and economics, and education. In addition to the more traditional disciplines in these schools, the university has programs in agriculture and natural resources, airway science, engineering technologies, vocational education, home economics, criminal justice, library science, social work, and nursing. A five-year engineering program is available in conjunction with the University of Delaware. Delaware State University grants master's degrees in education, business administration, social work, biology and biology education, chemistry and applied chemistry, physics and physics teaching, and science education. More than half of the full-time faculty hold doctorates.

Fraternities and sororities are very popular among students. Other extracurricular activities include performance groups, the student-run newspaper, intramural sports, the campus radio station, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and student government. The annual exhibit of student artwork is well attended. A variety of enrichment experiences is provided by the university's Cultural Improvement Program. Varsity sports teams, nicknamed the Hornets, participate in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (except in football, in which they compete in Division I-AA). School colors are red and blue.