Butler vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with University of Dayton in Dayton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dayton is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Butler vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or University of Dayton? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Dayton than Butler ($32,794 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Butler University are 2.2% lower than at University of Dayton ($16,430 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Butler (about $1,580 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at University of Dayton than at Butler University (about $1,580 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $47,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at University of Dayton (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($33,418 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or University of Dayton? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Dayton and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 30 points higher than at Butler (1260).
• Incoming Butler students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at University of Dayton (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Butler vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and University of Dayton? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Butler University's (72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dayton students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.