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58.7%Acceptance
$50,880Tuition
1,403Students
68%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$58,285Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of Dallas

The University of Dallas builds its reputation on rigorous Catholic liberal arts education with deep dives into philosophy, theology, and Western civilization. With 1,403 students in Irving, this intimate university has produced notable graduates like JavaScript creator Brendan Eich and political commentator Linda Chavez. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates a seminar-style learning environment where professors know every student's name. Students here engage with the Great Books and participate in mandatory core curriculum that spans literature, history, and classical languages.

Students pay an average net price of $25,470 after aid, despite the $50,880 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $58,285 ten years out, making the typical monthly loan payment of $245 manageable for most. With median debt at $23,117, students graduate with reasonable borrowing levels. The 75% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their financial obligations successfully.

The student body tilts 55% female and draws from a mix of Texas residents (55%) and out-of-state students seeking the school's distinctive Catholic intellectual tradition. The 69.87% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor that defines campus culture. Students compete as the Crusaders in 13 NCAA Division III sports, with 223 total athletes representing about 16% of enrollment.

Academics & Faculty

University of Dallas builds its Catholic liberal arts education around a rigorous Core curriculum that every student must complete. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can guide them through challenging philosophical and theological texts. Students dive deep into Western civilization through required courses in philosophy, theology, literature, and history. The university's Rome campus program sends most students abroad for a semester of immersive study. With a 69.87% four-year graduation rate, students typically finish on time despite the demanding curriculum. The school particularly excels in philosophy, theology, and classics programs. Small class sizes foster intensive discussions about great books and enduring questions that define the liberal arts tradition.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
59.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
69.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
68.0%
Retention Rate
80.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,285
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Master $91,744
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $77,966
Accounting and Related Services. Master $60,878
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $48,432
Economics. Bachelor $47,260
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $35,060
History. Bachelor $33,281
Theological and Ministerial Studies. Bachelor $28,598
Psychology, General. Bachelor $26,896

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Dallas sits in Irving, just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, giving students easy access to internships and culture in the nation's ninth-largest city. With housing capacity for 932 students and total enrollment of 1,403, about two-thirds of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. Texas heat dominates most of the year, so pack plenty of sunscreen and light clothing, though you'll need a jacket for brief winter months.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Campus revolves around the Core Curriculum, which every student takes regardless of major, creating shared intellectual experiences in philosophy, theology, and Western civilization. Students often gather in the student center or participate in the school's 13 varsity sports programs. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through daily Mass and service opportunities. Weekends might include trips to Dallas museums, Rangers games, or exploring the city's food scene. The 80.65% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this close community.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
932 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1956

Campus Safety (2023)

20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 2 2 2 0
Dating Violence 3 2 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 0 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–57°F
July Avg
77°–96°F
Annual Precipitation
38.3"
Annual Snowfall
1.7"

Student Demographics

University of Dallas draws students seeking a rigorous Catholic liberal arts education rooted in Western thought. The student body of 1,403 reflects the school's regional appeal, with just over half coming from Texas. Students arrive with strong academic credentials, averaging 1285 on the SAT. The campus attracts slightly more women than men, typical for liberal arts institutions emphasizing humanities and philosophy. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. This mix creates a community united by shared intellectual and spiritual values rather than economic background.
Men
44.7%
Women
55.3%
White
56.4%
Black
3.1%
Hispanic
27.9%
Asian
7.3%
In-State Students
54.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.4%

Location

The University of Dallas sits in Irving, Texas, just 10 miles west of downtown Dallas. This puts students in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, one of the nation's largest urban areas with over 7 million residents. Irving itself houses major corporate headquarters and the Dallas Cowboys' training facility. The flat North Texas landscape offers hot summers and mild winters typical of the region. Students have easy access to Dallas's business district, cultural venues, and internship opportunities through the city's extensive DART light rail system. The suburban setting provides a quieter campus environment while maintaining urban connectivity. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare University of Dallas with similar schools in the region.
Address
Irving, Texas 75062-4736
First UD Professors nine Cistercians
First UD Professors nine Cistercians
Carpenter Hall front
Carpenter Hall front
SB Hall with Braniff Tower
SB Hall with Braniff Tower

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,285
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,044
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,400
Loan Repayment Rate
75.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$245/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,117

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Dallas?

University of Dallas accepts 58.7% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1285. The school attracts students serious about Catholic liberal arts education, particularly those interested in philosophy and theology. With only 1,403 students enrolled, the admissions process focuses on finding students who fit the university's mission of integrating faith and reason.

How much does University of Dallas cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Dallas is $25,470, lower than the sticker price of $50,880 for tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,372 on average. About 34% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,231, helping make this Catholic education more accessible.

What is University of Dallas known for academically?

University of Dallas built its reputation on a rigorous Core Curriculum emphasizing Western civilization, philosophy, and theology. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio allows for intimate seminars and close mentorship. The school requires all students to study abroad in Rome, creating a distinctive educational experience rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition.

What are the career outcomes for University of Dallas graduates?

University of Dallas graduates earn a median salary of $58,285 ten years after graduation with a 92.7% employment rate. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor of the curriculum. Alumni like JavaScript creator Brendan Eich demonstrate how the school's liberal arts foundation prepares students for diverse career paths.

Where is University of Dallas located and what is campus life like?

University of Dallas sits in Irving, Texas, part of the Dallas metropolitan area, with housing for 932 students. The small size of 1,403 students creates a tight-knit community where 80.7% of freshmen return for sophomore year. The Crusaders compete in NCAA Division III with 13 varsity sports and 223 total athletes.

Does University of Dallas require all students to study abroad?

University of Dallas mandates that all students spend a semester at its Rome campus, making it one of the few schools with a universal study abroad requirement. This program reinforces the school's commitment to Western civilization and Catholic intellectual heritage. The Rome experience is central to the university's identity since its founding in 1956.