At $31,236/yr net price, University of Dayton graduates earn $75,537/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,537/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,236 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,537/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,537/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,086/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,118/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,840/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,080/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,678/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $79,473 | |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Materials Engineering | Master | $76,460 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $26,090 |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $73,949 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,340 | $106,940 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,274 | $22,999 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $26,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,688 | $23,758 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
81.5% of students at University of Dayton graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Dayton delivers solid financial returns driven by its strong engineering programs, with graduates earning a median $75,537 annually against $23,250 in debt. Your payback timeline looks manageable, especially if you pursue one of the university's engineering specialties.
The engineering programs justify the $31,236 annual net price. Electrical and manufacturing engineering graduates earn nearly $80,000, while materials and computer engineering also crack $74,000. These salaries provide comfortable debt service in Dayton's affordable job market, where major employers like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and local manufacturers actively recruit UD graduates.
The financial picture dims outside engineering. With only 15.52% of students receiving need-based aid, you'll likely pay close to sticker price unless you qualify for merit scholarships. The university's Catholic identity and smaller size limit the breadth of high-paying career paths compared to larger research universities.
You face geographic risk if you want to leave Ohio after graduation. While UD's engineering reputation travels well, other programs carry less national recognition. The 81.5% graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees, but nearly one in five don't finish.
This school works financially if you're targeting engineering or can secure substantial merit aid. The tight-knit campus culture and strong alumni network in Ohio provide career advantages that boost earning potential beyond raw salary data. Skip University of Dayton if you're undecided on major, need significant financial aid, or want maximum career flexibility across different regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Dayton worth the cost compared to other schools?
University of Dayton graduates earn $75,537 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for a $31,236 yearly cost. The school's 81.5% graduation rate is above average, though the relatively high acceptance rate of 74% suggests less selectivity than top-tier institutions.
What are the best paying majors at University of Dayton?
Engineering programs offer the strongest ROI at University of Dayton, with electrical engineering graduates earning around $79,473 and manufacturing engineering graduates earning $78,971. Non-engineering majors typically see much lower starting salaries that may not justify the full cost.
How much debt do University of Dayton students typically graduate with?
The median debt load at University of Dayton is $23,250, which is manageable relative to graduate earnings of $75,537. However, students in lower-paying majors outside of engineering may struggle more with debt repayment.
Does University of Dayton provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
With a net price of $31,236 after aid, University of Dayton's costs remain high for many families. The school does offer merit aid, but middle-income students often find the financial aid insufficient to make attendance affordable.