Drake vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA 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 Drake based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Drake vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake 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 Drake University than University of Dayton ($29,565 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 25.9% lower than at University of Dayton ($12,452 vs. $16,800).
• Drake University is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $2,990 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.1% higher at Drake than at University of Dayton (about $2,990 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 6.2% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($35,498 vs. $33,418).

Drake vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake 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 Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 60 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Drake (3.7).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Drake vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton and Drake graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Dayton and Drake graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drake 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.