Overview
University of Dallas is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Irving, Texas. The school accepts 58.7% of applicants and enrolls 1,403 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 58.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,285
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,170–1,400
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 1,403
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
University of Dallas requires all students to complete a complete core curriculum that includes philosophy, theology, literature, and natural sciences, so your application should show comfort with challenging texts and abstract thinking. The school's Great Books approach means you'll read primary sources from Plato to Aquinas, making it ideal for students who prefer depth over breadth in their studies.
Your essays should reference specific aspects of UD's curriculum, particularly the Rome campus program where sophomores spend a semester studying Western civilization at the source. Mention how this integrated approach to learning appeals to you rather than writing generic statements about liberal arts education. The school attracts students who see connections between disciplines and can articulate why studying ancient philosophy matters in modern life.
UD operates on rolling admissions, so apply early for the best financial aid consideration. The application includes a required essay asking about your intellectual interests and how they align with the university's mission. Address this prompt seriously since the admissions committee uses it to gauge your fit with their distinctive academic culture.
Campus life centers around Catholic intellectual tradition, though non-Catholic students attend and participate fully. Students here tend to be serious about ideas and comfortable with traditional approaches to education. You'll find classmates who enjoy philosophical debates and see their studies as forming their character, not just their career prospects.
The business program stands out for its ethics focus and strong alumni network in Dallas, while the education program prepares teachers grounded in classical pedagogy. If you're considering graduate school, UD's philosophy and theology programs have excellent placement records at top doctoral programs.
Your application should emphasize intellectual curiosity over extracurricular achievements. Focus on books that have influenced your thinking, ideas you want to explore further, and how you've grappled with big questions. This school wants students who see education as formation, not just information, so craft your essays accordingly.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $25,470/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $50,880
- Students Receiving Aid
- 26%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,285/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 80.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Dallas require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University of Dallas follows a test-optional policy, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not required but can be submitted if they strengthen your application.
What is the application deadline for University of Dallas?
University of Dallas has a rolling admissions policy with priority deadlines of December 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
Does University of Dallas offer Early Decision or Early Action?
University of Dallas offers Early Action with a November 1 deadline, which provides non-binding early admission consideration and scholarship priority.
How many transfer credits does University of Dallas accept?
University of Dallas accepts up to 66 transfer credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours from four-year institutions.