Cleveland State vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleveland State University 16:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Cleveland State vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State University than University of Dayton ($16,230 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cleveland State University are 10.1% lower than at University of Dayton ($15,104 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 278.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $36,152 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 165.5% higher at University of Dayton than at Cleveland State University (about $30,630 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Cleveland State University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 241.2% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($33,418 vs. $9,795).

Cleveland State vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 280 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Cleveland State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 880/1130; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 18/25; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleveland State - Test-free; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Cleveland State vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Cleveland State vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 47%)

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.