University of Dayton
Dayton, United States
University of Dayton
Dayton, United States
Founded
1850
Institution Type
Private Catholic Research University
Total Students
11,300+
Acceptance Rate
65%
University of Dayton: A Leading Catholic Marianist Research University
University of Dayton: A Leading Catholic Marianist Research University
The University of Dayton (UD) is a private, Catholic research university founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (Marianists) in Dayton, Ohio. It is one of three Marianist universities in the United States and the second-largest private university in Ohio, enrolling approximately 11,300 undergraduate and graduate students.
UD's sprawling campus spans 388 acres on both sides of the Great Miami River and is classified as an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity. The university offers more than 80 academic programs across the arts, sciences, business, education, health sciences, engineering, and law, and is ranked No. 1 nationally for all sponsored materials research and development.
Guided by its Catholic, Marianist mission, UD emphasizes community engagement, service, and educating the whole person. More than 90 percent of undergraduates live in campus housing, making it one of the most residential campuses in the country, fostering a tight-knit and vibrant student community.
Key Milestones
- 1850: Founded as St. Mary's School for Boys by four members of the Society of Mary, opening its doors to 14 primary students from Dayton.
- 1882: Incorporated as a college and empowered by the State of Ohio to confer collegiate degrees.
- 1920: Renamed the University of Dayton, intentionally connecting the institution's identity to the city.
- 1956: The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) was established, which has since grown to manage over USD 130 million in annual research volume.
Academic Structure and Programs
Academic Structure and Programs
The University of Dayton houses five main academic units offering a diverse range of more than 80 undergraduate and 50 graduate and doctoral programs. The university's academic structure is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education grounded in Marianist values of community, service, and intellectual growth.
College of Arts and Sciences
The largest academic unit at UD, offering a broad spectrum of programs across the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and mathematics. The college fosters critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
- Biology
- Political Science
- Human Rights Studies
School of Business Administration
Provides education in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for leadership roles in a global economy. Students may spend a year studying at the University of Augsburg in Germany.
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
School of Engineering
Housed in Kettering Labs, the School of Engineering offers departments specializing in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and cutting-edge research.
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
School of Education and Health Sciences
Prepares future educators, counselors, and health professionals through rigorous academic programs combined with extensive field experience and community partnerships.
- Teacher Education
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant Practice
School of Law
Reestablished in 1974, the School of Law is housed in Joseph E. Keller Hall and offers a Juris Doctor program along with several joint-degree and certificate programs emphasizing practical legal training.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Intellectual Property Law
- Law and Technology
University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI)
One of the nation's leading university-affiliated research organizations, UDRI conducts sponsored research in materials, aerospace engineering, and sensors. UD ranks No. 1 nationally for sponsored materials research and development.
- Materials Engineering Research
- Aerospace Systems Research
- Sensors and Electro-Optics Research
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Application PlatformCommon Application (no application fee)
- High School GPAAverage admitted GPA of 3.77
- SAT/ACT ScoresTest-optional; SAT 1200-1370 or ACT 26-31 if submitted
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for international students
- Additional MaterialsHigh school transcript, counselor recommendation (optional LORs)
Graduate Admission
- Degree RequirementBachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- Standardized TestsGRE or GMAT may be required depending on program
- RecommendationsLetters of recommendation (number varies by program)
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants
Submit your application and all required materials by November 1 for early consideration and priority scholarship review.
Regular admission application deadline for undergraduate applicants seeking fall enrollment.
Last date to submit or resubmit SAT/ACT test scores for scholarship consideration.
Deadline for submitting the FAFSA and financial aid documentation for maximum aid consideration.
Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition and Scholarships
As a private institution, the University of Dayton charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. UD is committed to affordability and was ranked No. 41 among Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2026.
| Expense Category | Undergraduate (Annual) | Graduate (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | USD 50,610 | USD 19,580 (varies by program) |
| Room and Board | USD 17,230 | Varies |
| Books and Supplies | USD 1,000 (estimated) | USD 1,000 (estimated) |
| Personal Expenses | USD 1,125 (estimated) | USD 1,125 (estimated) |
| Total | USD 69,965 (estimated total cost of attendance) | Contact the university for program-specific graduate costs |
Merit Scholarships
The University of Dayton automatically considers all admitted students for merit scholarships based on GPA, test scores (if submitted), and academic rigor. Awards range from USD 17,000 to USD 33,000 per year and are renewable for four years.
- Father Chaminade Scholarship: USD 17,000 - USD 19,000 per year
- President's Merit Scholarship: USD 26,000 - USD 29,000 per year
- Trustees' Merit Scholarship: USD 31,000 - USD 33,000 per year
Need-Based Financial Aid
Approximately 53% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is USD 39,393, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- Average Need-Based Aid: USD 39,393 per year
- Average Net Price: USD 28,899 after aid
- Students Receiving Aid: 93% receive grants or scholarships
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Dayton's campus spans 388 acres on both sides of the Great Miami River in southern Dayton. The campus blends historic architecture, including the iconic Chapel of the Immaculate Conception built in 1869, with modern academic and research facilities.
The iconic centerpiece of campus, completed in 1869, with its distinctive dome and cross standing 95 feet above the ground.
A 125,000-square-foot comprehensive recreation facility featuring state-of-the-art equipment, fitness programming, and wellness resources for students.
Home to the Dayton Flyers basketball program, the modernized arena is among the premier mid-major basketball venues in the country.
Housing and Dining
Residential Life
Over 90% of undergraduates live on campus, making UD one of the most residential campuses in the nation. All first-year students are required to live in a residence hall.
- Residence halls for first-year students including Founders Hall and Marianist Hall
- Apartments for sophomores, juniors, and seniors
- More than 300 university-owned houses in the student neighborhood
Dining Services
UD offers a flexible meal plan system with multiple dining locations across campus, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Flexible meal plans including the Flex Meal Plan and Flyer Express account
- Multiple dining halls and on-campus eateries
- Estimated annual dining cost included in the USD 17,230 room and board figure
Student Life at the University of Dayton
Student Life at the University of Dayton
Student life at UD is vibrant and deeply rooted in community. With a highly residential campus and a strong tradition of service, students enjoy a close-knit environment enriched by over 280 student organizations, community service events, and a passionate athletics culture.
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Discover Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is a mid-sized city in southwestern Ohio known as the birthplace of aviation, honoring the legacy of the Wright Brothers. The city offers a blend of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a growing innovation economy, making it an engaging home for university students.
Aviation Heritage
Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, and has deep ties to aerospace research through nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Innovation Hub
The city's growing tech and innovation ecosystem includes partnerships with GE Aviation and Emerson, which have built research facilities on UD's campus, creating unique opportunities for students.
Affordable Living
Dayton offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas, making it an affordable and practical choice for students managing their budgets.
Transportation Access
Dayton International Airport provides convenient travel options, while the city's central Ohio location offers easy access to Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis within a two-hour drive.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of UD Graduates
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
UD offers an intensive English as a second language program for international students who need to strengthen their English proficiency before beginning degree coursework.
Dedicated support for visa and immigration guidance, cultural adjustment, and academic advising to help international students thrive throughout their time at UD.
Students can study in Asia, Latin America, Western Europe, or Australia through UD's extensive global exchange partnerships, including a year-long program at the University of Augsburg in Germany.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
The University of Dayton is recognized nationally for its strong academic programs, research output, and value. It holds notable positions in multiple ranking systems, particularly for its engineering, business, and materials research programs.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Research | National Science Foundation (NSF) | #1 Nationally |
| Engineering (Graduate) | U.S. News & World Report | #48 |
| Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #41 |
| Entrepreneurship | U.S. News & World Report | #34 |
Features
“Private Catholic research university; top-tier engineering research; strong career outcomes.”
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Location
300 College Park Avenue\nDayton, Ohio 45469\nUnited States
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