About

About University of Dayton

catholic marianist universityhigh research activityengineering and business focuslarge private doctoraltest optional admissions

University of Dayton is a private research university in Dayton, OH, known for its catholic marianist university, high research activity, and engineering and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 74%, UD is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,996 students each year. UD is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1158–1363, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. UD offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $33,068 per year; the sticker price of $62,510 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Dayton acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

74%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1261
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.25 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1158 – 1363 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Dayton

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
University of Dayton is a Catholic Marianist institution where community, service, and faith are central to campus life. If any of your extracurriculars or personal values connect to service, social justice, or community building, weave that into your essays and activities list to show genuine alignment with the school's mission.
Demonstrated Interest
UD is well known for its tight-knit residential community, especially the student neighborhood around campus. Visit in person or attend one of their virtual info sessions and mention specific things you engaged with, such as a particular college within the university or a campus tradition, when you write your supplemental materials.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Dayton actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$63k/yr$21.7k
30k-48k~$63k/yr$21.6k
48k-75k~$63k/yr$24.2k
75k-110k~$63k/yr$26.9k
110k+~$63k/yr$33.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

82%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$62k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,403
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Dayton Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch