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
The University of Dayton posts a solid financial return. You'll pay just over $31,000 a year net, but median earnings ten years out clear $75,000, and the median graduate leaves with about $23,000 in debt , less than one year's salary. That debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy, and the 81.5% grad rate plus 88.75% retention mean you're likely to actually finish and start earning.
Engineering is where the payoff concentrates. Computer, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering all land bachelor's graduates in the high $60,000s to mid $70,000s. Chemical engineering is the standout on cost efficiency: strong pay with the lowest debt of the group, under $23,000. Computer and electrical engineering pay well too, but you'll borrow closer to $26,000, so the net gain is slightly thinner. Dayton sits in a region with an aerospace and manufacturing base, which supports these mechanical and electrical fields.
The risk is that the listed high-earning programs are all engineering. If you enroll in a humanities, arts, or social science major, your outcome could fall well below the $75,000 median, while your net price stays the same. Non-engineering majors carry the most financial uncertainty here.
The net price tiers barely move for lower incomes. If your family earns under $48,000, you'll pay around $25,000 a year , only about $6,000 less than a family earning over $110,000, who pays close to $35,000. The aid does not scale steeply with need, so a lower-income family still faces a real bill.
Dayton is a good fit if you're heading into engineering and can absorb roughly $25,000 net per year. If you're pursuing a lower-earning major or need deep tuition discounting, weigh a cheaper option.
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.