University of Dayton
University of Dayton is a private nonprofit university in Dayton, OH ranked #345 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 8,099 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 61.7%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 88.8% first-year retention, and 81.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $31,236, about $14,238 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.0%, roughly 135.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $62,477. That's about $18,789 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Dayton Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Dayton graduates 81.5% of students within six years and keeps 88.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Dayton's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $47,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,640 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,025 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $64,310 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.5% of University of Dayton students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $25,086 to $34,678 depending on family income. Use University of Dayton's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $31,080/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,678/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $62,477
- 10-Year Median Earnings $62,477
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 84.2%
- Employment Rate 92.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Dayton graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Dayton vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Dayton's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Dayton's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Dayton graduates earn $62,477 median, the -50.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-680
- SAT Math 595-690
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 8,099
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 88.8%
- Graduation Rate 81.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of Dayton
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Dayton requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 61.7%, University of Dayton is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 61.7% acceptance rate, University of Dayton is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1195 and 1370 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Dayton undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Finance and Financial Management Services, and Marketing draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 10.2%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 7.8%
- Marketing 7.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 7.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.2%
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 3.9%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.7%
- Biology, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,879
- 2. Chemical Engineering $99,917
- 3. Business/Managerial Economics $97,394
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $96,146
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $93,487
- 6. Civil Engineering $90,774
- 7. International Business $90,570
- 8. Management Information Systems and Services $89,258
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $88,053
- 10. Finance and Financial Management Services $86,861
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $112,830
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $94,779
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $93,642
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (Doctoral Degree) $83,478
- 5. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degree) $82,071
- 6. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $80,124
- 7. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $69,300
- 8. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $59,372
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $59,112
- 10. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $59,102
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $100,879—16% more than Finance and Financial Management Services ($86,861). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $112,830 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Dayton. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 195 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 150 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 143 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 140 graduates)
- Computer Science (Master's Degree, 128 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (60 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- International Business
- Civil Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Special Education and Teaching
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- International/Global Studies
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Computer Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Sociology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Education, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Music
- Mathematics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Chemistry
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Online Master's Degrees (33 programs)â–¼
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Civil Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Chemical Engineering
- Public Administration
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Materials Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, General
- Engineering, General
- Engineering Mechanics
Online Doctoral Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Biology, General
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (22 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Systems Engineering
- Operations Research
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Special Education and Teaching
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Telecommunications Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Applied Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Military Systems and Maintenance Technology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,099
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 52.2%
- Female Students 47.8%
- Caucasian 79.5%
- Asian 1.7%
- Hispanic 6.6%
- Black 5.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Dayton's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Dayton's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Dayton support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Dayton, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.5% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 15.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Dayton support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Dayton, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Dayton offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.0% ROI. Ranked #345 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $31,236 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $62,477 median earnings. With 81.5% graduating within six years and 88.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Dayton's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #345 ranking, University of Dayton competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $31,236 annually, University of Dayton charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 88.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $21,865 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.0% ROI and $62,477 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $21,236+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Dayton ranks #345 of 1971 institutions, with 1102 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 81.5% six-year graduation rate sits 19.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.8% first-year retention is 12.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.0% return on investment is 135.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,477 run about 43% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $31,236 is roughly $11,337 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.8% employment rate within three years sits 24.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,236 is about $11,337 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.5% trails the national share by 17.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of Dayton—a private nonprofit university in Dayton, OH—at B+ overall. It holds a #345 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 88.8% retention and 81.5% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -50.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $31,236 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $64,310.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,074 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $62,477 six years after entry. This is roughly 43% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 92.8% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -50.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
61.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Dayton admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Dayton, OH 45469
- Website udayton.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$770.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate14.6%