About University of Dayton
The University of Dayton builds tight-knit communities through its Catholic mission and strong engineering reputation. With 8,099 students on a midsize city campus, this research university produces graduates like NFL Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll and humor columnist Erma Bombeck. The school's 74% acceptance rate makes it accessible to solid students, while SAT scores averaging 1261 indicate serious academic preparation. Students particularly value the unique "student neighborhood" where upperclassmen live in houses steps from campus, creating an unusual blend of college and residential life.
The financial picture tells a promising story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $64,240, the average student pays $31,236 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $75,537 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments around $246. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job prospects after graduation.
The Flyers compete in Division I Atlantic 10 athletics with 15 varsity sports supported by over $6.5 million in scholarships. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and the 89% retention rate indicates most freshmen stick around. The campus houses 6,630 students, fostering the close community feel that defines the Dayton experience.
The financial picture tells a promising story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $64,240, the average student pays $31,236 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $75,537 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments around $246. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job prospects after graduation.
The Flyers compete in Division I Atlantic 10 athletics with 15 varsity sports supported by over $6.5 million in scholarships. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and the 89% retention rate indicates most freshmen stick around. The campus houses 6,630 students, fostering the close community feel that defines the Dayton experience.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Dayton built its academic reputation around a powerhouse engineering program that consistently ranks among the nation's top 50. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide hands-on research opportunities from freshman year. The school's 81% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems rooted in its Catholic mission. Beyond engineering, the business school attracts students nationwide, while education and communications programs leverage partnerships with local organizations. Students praise the collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The university's research focus means undergraduates work alongside faculty on modern projects in aerospace, renewable energy, and materials science.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.5%
- Retention Rate
- 88.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,537
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $79,473 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Master | $78,971 |
| Materials Engineering | Master | $76,460 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $73,949 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,340 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,274 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,688 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
Campus Life
The University of Dayton sits 60 miles north of Cincinnati in Ohio's Miami Valley, where students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild springs. With 6,630 housing spots for 8,099 students, about 82% live on campus, creating a residential college atmosphere that extends into the famous student neighborhood. Upperclassmen rent houses in the area surrounding campus, turning entire blocks into an extension of college life.
The 52% male, 48% female student body builds community around Marianist Catholic traditions and Division I basketball games in the arena. Students pack into houses for legendary block parties, especially during March Madness when the Flyers compete in the Atlantic 10. With an 88.75% retention rate, most students stick around for the close-knit feel that comes from living steps away from classmates. Weekend social life revolves around the student neighborhood, intramural sports, and campus ministry activities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, while Dayton's mid-sized city setting provides internships and job opportunities within reach.
The 52% male, 48% female student body builds community around Marianist Catholic traditions and Division I basketball games in the arena. Students pack into houses for legendary block parties, especially during March Madness when the Flyers compete in the Atlantic 10. With an 88.75% retention rate, most students stick around for the close-knit feel that comes from living steps away from classmates. Weekend social life revolves around the student neighborhood, intramural sports, and campus ministry activities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, while Dayton's mid-sized city setting provides internships and job opportunities within reach.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 6,630 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1850
Campus Safety (2023)
137 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 16 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 19 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–36°F
- July Avg
- 65°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 12.3"
Student Demographics
University of Dayton draws an even split between Ohio residents and students from across the country, reflecting both strong local ties and national recognition for its engineering programs. The student body leans slightly male, typical for schools with prominent STEM offerings. As a Catholic institution, UD attracts families seeking faith-based education alongside academic rigor. The relatively low percentage of Pell Grant recipients suggests the school primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families who value the tight-knit community atmosphere that comes with smaller enrollment at a private university.
- Men
- 52.2%
- Women
- 47.8%
- White
- 79.5%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 6.6%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 51.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.5%
Location
Dayton sits in southwestern Ohio, about 55 miles north of Cincinnati and 70 miles west of Columbus. The city of 140,000 residents anchors the Miami Valley region, known for its aviation heritage as the birthplace of flight. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employs over 27,000 people nearby, creating a strong aerospace and defense industry presence. The University of Dayton campus integrates into the city's fabric rather than dominating it like traditional college towns. Students live in the famous "student neighborhood" south of campus, where 79% of upperclassmen rent houses in a close-knit residential area. The region offers urban amenities without big-city congestion. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare University of Dayton with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dayton, Ohio 45469
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,537
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,473
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Dayton?
University of Dayton accepts 74% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1261. The Catholic university draws students who value both academic rigor and strong community bonds.
How much does University of Dayton cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $31,236 despite the $47,600 sticker price. Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,250 and monthly loan payments of $246.
What is University of Dayton known for academically?
The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and is well-known for its engineering programs. Students benefit from hands-on learning at this Catholic research institution founded in 1850.
What are job outcomes like for University of Dayton graduates?
Graduates achieve a 97.2% employment rate with median earnings of $75,537 ten years after graduation. The strong alumni network includes NFL Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll and humor columnist Erma Bombeck.
Where do students live at University of Dayton?
The campus houses 6,630 students with 8,099 total enrollment. Upperclassmen famously live in the student neighborhood, a collection of houses near campus that creates tight-knit community bonds.
Does University of Dayton have Division I athletics?
The Flyers compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference with 15 varsity sports. The athletic program awards $6,549,412 in scholarships to 426 student-athletes.
