When parents send their kids to college in the U.S., the first thing they often notice is the tuition costs.

Calculating the tuition for a four-year college, along with dorm fees and textbook costs, can make you think, "Is it really this hard to send a kid to college?" If you live in Newark, starting with a community college for the first two years is worth considering.

A prominent public two-year college near Newark is Delaware Technical Community College, commonly known as Delaware Tech. It has several campuses in Delaware, and the Stanton Campus is easily accessible from Newark. The campus is located at 400 Stanton-Christiana Road and is close to I-95.

One of the advantages of this school is that the education is quite practical. There are many programs suited for students who want to quickly learn the skills needed for employment rather than just aiming for a college degree. You can choose from various fields, including healthcare, IT, business, and various technical and vocational training programs.

However, the most pressing question is about tuition.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the tuition for Delaware residents is $156.75 per credit hour. For out-of-state students, it is $392.30. If you take more than 15 credits, the basic tuition for Delaware residents for a semester is $2,351.25, while out-of-state students pay $5,884.50. Additional fees include registration fees, student service fees, a $10 technology fee per credit hour, and lab fees depending on the major.

When viewed over a year, the differences become even more apparent. According to the school, the annual net tuition for full-time Delaware residents for the 2026-2027 academic year is $4,702.50. The estimated total direct costs, including books, materials, and lab fees, are around $7,600. Of course, actual living expenses can vary significantly depending on whether you commute from home or live independently.

For Korean parents, this is quite appealing. Instead of spending a large sum right away on a four-year college, you can complete basic courses at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution. However, if you plan to transfer, you can't just take any courses. It's important to first decide on your target college and major and consult on which credits will be accepted while planning your schedule.

If you are a Delaware resident, you should also look into the SEED scholarship. If you meet the requirements, you can receive tuition assistance for degree programs, certificates, or vocational training at Delaware Tech. Since 2021, the age limit has been significantly expanded, opening doors for adult learners as well. However, there are eligibility requirements related to residency and education, and applicants for degree programs will also need to complete procedures like FAFSA. Most importantly, SEED primarily supports tuition, not covering all costs like textbooks and various fees.

So, if you recently immigrated from Korea, don't assume that living in Delaware means everything is free. Especially for those who graduated high school overseas or from another state, there may be restrictions on SEED eligibility, so it's essential to check your own conditions first.

Still, for those looking to change careers in Newark or who find the costs of a four-year college burdensome, Delaware Tech is a very practical option. This applies to those in their 30s and 40s who want to learn an additional skill while working.

In the U.S., attending an expensive college is not the only path to success. Starting your education at a community college before paying tens of thousands of dollars in tuition is, in today's world, a very smart college strategy.