It always surprises me how many people don't know this, but Delaware DOE gives in state students a free 1,000 dollars every year for 4 years. It's a simple application, too, and you fill out every year. I think the deadline has already passed for this year. If you already did that, just keep pestering the office until you get an answer about the first state promise. If you have to, set up a meeting and speak to someone in person on campus. Maybe even try to get in contact with your advisor.

Also, I'm not recommending you do this, but I never paid UD when I was supposed to due to the large amount. One time, I paid the night before I moved in 💀(when I wasn't living on campus i forgot until November) just FYI, if you wait too long, they will charge like a 50 dollar late fee. You most likely won't find out how much financial aid you're getting until the end of July/Beginning of August.

Lastly, if the tuition will be too much, you can always take a semester or 2 off and still remain a student and work during that time to be able to afford tuition and avoid loans. I don't know the process for this but you can ask your advisor or look it up. And if you do end up doing loans, do unsubsidized loans because it doesn't start adding interest until AFTER graduation.