Lake Forest College vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL 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 Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Forest College is located in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Forest College 13:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Lake Forest College vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College than University of Dayton ($31,225 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Forest College are 24.4% lower than at University of Dayton ($12,700 vs. $16,800).
• Lake Forest College is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $7,262 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Lake Forest College than at University of Dayton (about $7,262 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 18.6% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($39,630 vs. $33,418).

Lake Forest College vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is the same as at University of Dayton (1290).
• Incoming Lake Forest College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at University of Dayton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Lake Forest College (3.62).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Lake Forest College vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Lake Forest College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $53,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Forest College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 78%)

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.