University of Dayton: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Dayton, Ohio · Private nonprofit · Moderately selective · CDS 2024-2025
Ranked #121 (tie) in National Universities; Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs #128 (tie), Business Programs #149 (tie), Computer Science #193 (tie), Economics #185 (tie)U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2027
Admission figures come from the 2024-2025 Common Data Set published by University of Dayton.
Is University of Dayton a reach, target or safety for your student?
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University of Dayton is a private nonprofit university in Dayton, Ohio that admits about 65% of applicants, making it a moderately selective school. The average family pays about $29,533 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Mechanical Engineering, Finance and Financial Management Services and Marketing, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 12.1 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University of Dayton is a private institution located in Dayton, Ohio with a moderately selective admissions profile. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Dayton admits about half to three-quarters of applicants, with an overall admission rate of 65%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1335 and an ACT composite around 26. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $29,533 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for University of Dayton?
University of Dayton admits students with a wide GPA range, but most successful applicants present an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher with a college-prep curriculum.
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SAT and ACT scores University of Dayton typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 600–690, with an EBRW midpoint near 615. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 25–31. A score at or above this school's 75th percentile materially improves your child's odds, particularly when paired with a rigorous course load.
| 25th percentile | n/a |
| 50th percentile | 1335 |
| 75th percentile | n/a |
| 25th percentile | 25 |
| 50th percentile | 26 |
| 75th percentile | 31 |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Test-optional for incoming first-time college students; submit scores if they reflect your ability.
- • Checked for Fall 2027 applicants on University of Dayton's admissions site. Policies change; confirm before you apply.
How much does University of Dayton actually cost?
Published tuition is $49,140 for in-state students and $49,140 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $16,800 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $29,533 per year, and that is the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 16% of students receive Pell Grants.
| Average net price (after aid) | $29,533 |
| Financial aid forms | FAFSA only (no CSS Profile)College Board 2026-27 list |
Most popular majors at University of Dayton
The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Dayton, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Mechanical Engineering, Finance and Financial Management Services and Marketing. Across all programs, University of Dayton confers roughly 1,066 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Mechanical Engineering program report a median income of about $93,487 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 214 | $93,487 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 186 | $86,861 |
| Marketing | 168 | $79,547 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 141 | $71,532 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 111 | n/a |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 103 | $48,689 |
| Psychology, General | 79 | $57,080 |
| Biology, General | 64 | $64,526 |
Is University of Dayton safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Dayton disclosed 93 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 12.1 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 50 violent offenses and 7 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
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Common questions parents ask about University of Dayton
What GPA do I need for University of Dayton?
University of Dayton admits students with a wide GPA range, but most successful applicants present an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher with a college-prep curriculum.
What SAT or ACT score does University of Dayton typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 600–690, with an EBRW midpoint near 615. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 25–31.
How much does University of Dayton actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Dayton after grants and scholarships is $29,533 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $49,140. Budget against the net figure.
Is University of Dayton realistic for my child?
University of Dayton admits 65% of applicants, so 600–690 SAT Math is target range and below 600 is a reach. Then check the $29,533 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Dayton?
University of Dayton accepts about 65% of applicants. That makes it a moderately selective school.
Is University of Dayton test-optional?
Yes. University of Dayton is test-optional for Fall 2027 applicants, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
Is University of Dayton a public or private school, and where is it located?
University of Dayton is a private nonprofit institution located in Dayton, Ohio.
What are the most popular majors at University of Dayton?
The largest undergraduate majors at University of Dayton by annual graduates are Mechanical Engineering, Finance and Financial Management Services and Marketing. The school awards about 1,066 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is University of Dayton safe? What is its campus crime rate?
University of Dayton reported 93 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 12.1 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by University of Dayton, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers