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University of Dayton

Dayton, OH Private ยท Urban Est. 1850 udayton.edu
Accept Rate
61.65%
Grad Rate
81.4%
Enrollment
8,099
Avg SAT
1313
Tuition
$47,600
Median Salary
$75,537
Overall Grade
C
B+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Dayton feels like a close-knit, spirited community where you're not just a number. Campus is buzzing with service projects, Flyers pride, and a welcoming Midwestern warmth that makes it easy to find your people.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

61.65%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 131375th Pctl
11951370
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2631
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Apply Early Action by the November 1 deadline to maximize your scholarship opportunities, as Dayton awards merit aid on a rolling basis.","Highlight your involvement in service or leadership in your application, as the university's Marianist values emphasize community and character."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1313
40080012001600
School range: 1195โ€“1370

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Dayton's academic strengths lie in its top-tier engineering and business programs, which are known for hands-on, project-based learning. The university emphasizes undergraduate research and has strong connections to local industries, providing practical experience before graduation.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25.2%
Engineering
20.5%
Health Professions
9.7%
Education
7.6%
Communications
6.2%
Biology & Biomedical
6%
Psychology
4.8%
Social Sciences
3.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2.2%
Criminal Justice
2.1%
Computer Science
2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

81.4%
Graduation Rate
88.8%
Retention Rate
8,099
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$47,600
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$31,236
After financial aid
Total Cost
$64,310
Cost of attendance/year
15.5%
Receive Pell Grants
42.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Dayton

Students enjoy Dayton's vibrant arts and culture scene, with frequent visits to the Oregon District for live music, breweries, and unique restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts love the city's extensive network of bike trails and parks, and there's always a buzz around catching a Dayton Flyers basketball game.

Local Rent Check

$800 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Dayton
Explore Dayton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$190,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $190,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($75,537):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally safe with a visible campus police presence and well-lit pathways. The surrounding neighborhood is typical of an urban campus, so students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High graduation and retention rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Powerful alumni network and career outcomes, especially in engineering and business.
  • โœ“ Vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on community, service, and school spirit.
  • โœ“ Fixed tuition rate provides financial predictability for four years.

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost, though net price is more accessible for many.
  • โœ— Urban setting requires students to be mindful of safety in the surrounding area.
  • โœ— Mid-sized city may not offer the same scale of entertainment as a major metropolis like Chicago or NYC.

Notable Alumni

Erma Bombeck
Legendary humor writer and author whose syndicated newspaper column was read by millions of Americans.
John G. Trump
Electrical engineer and physicist who was a professor at MIT and the uncle of former President Donald Trump.
Chris Smither
Acclaimed American folk and blues singer-songwriter known for his intricate guitar work and poignant lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Dayton is widely recognized for its excellent undergraduate engineering and business programs. It is also known for its strong Catholic, Marianist identity that fosters a community focused on service, ethics, and inclusive education.

With an acceptance rate of 61.65%, the University of Dayton is considered moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1170 and 1370, so applicants should aim to be in this range for a strong chance of admission and merit scholarship consideration.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with over 250 student organizations. Students are deeply engaged in service, school spirit centered around Flyers athletics, and a strong sense of tradition, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

For many students, yes. With an average net price of $31,236 and a 10-year median earnings of $75,537, the degree demonstrates a strong return on investment. The high graduation and retention rates further support the value of the educational experience provided.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Northrop Grumman Deloitte LexisNexis Cincinnati Children's Hospital Air Force Research Laboratory
Smart Start Score
81

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1850
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 8,599
  • In-State Tuition $47,600
  • Zip Code 45469

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 52.2% โ™€ 47.8%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings of $75,537, the degree offers a solid return on investment, especially for in-state students who can leverage the fixed tuition rate. While the sticker price is high, the net price of $31,236 is more manageable, and strong graduation rates suggest a valuable educational outcome.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $47,600
Housing (12 mo) $9,600
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $64,400
With avg financial aid:
$31,236/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.