The publication evaluated institutions based on outcomes rather than reputation, focusing on measures such as graduation rates, alumni earnings and student debt. DSU earned the 10th spot on the list.
According to the university, DSU graduates earn a median of $57,700 early in their careers and $96,700 by mid-career.
Provost Patrice Gilliam-Johnson said the rankings emphasize what many students and families consider when choosing a college.
"This one is really looking at what people generally think of as return on investment, right?" she said.
Gilliam-Johnson said the university's financial aid offerings help reduce the cost of higher education for many students.
"Most of our freshmen, the majority of them, come in on what we call the INSPIRE Scholarship, which means that for the four years that they're here, they're able to attend classes tuition-free," she said.
She added that specialized programs, including aviation and nursing, help attract students to the university.
The ranking comes during what Delaware State University described as a record year for enrollment.
More than 6,600 students have enrolled at the university, an increase of 31% since 2020.
The growth reflects a broader trend among HBCUs nationwide, which have seen renewed interest from students seeking academic opportunities, affordability and a sense of belonging, according to the report.