University of Dayton vs. Carnegie Mellon

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dayton in Dayton, OH with Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carnegie Mellon University is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (15,888 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carnegie Mellon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Carnegie Mellon University 5:1.

University of Dayton vs. Carnegie Mellon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon ($32,794 vs. $35,552).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dayton are 7.5% lower than at Carnegie Mellon University ($16,800 vs. $18,166).
• Carnegie Mellon University is 34.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $17,106 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.8% higher at Carnegie Mellon than at University of Dayton (about $17,106 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Carnegie Mellon University (95% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carnegie Mellon University students is 44% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($48,107 vs. $33,418).

University of Dayton vs. Carnegie Mellon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dayton or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon and University of Dayton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carnegie Mellon University (1540) is 250 points higher than at University of Dayton (1290).
• Incoming Carnegie Mellon students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at University of Dayton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Carnegie Mellon University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Carnegie Mellon University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Carnegie Mellon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027; Carnegie Mellon Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carnegie Mellon students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Carnegie Mellon (11.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 45.7% at Carnegie Mellon.

University of Dayton vs. Carnegie Mellon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton and Carnegie Mellon? 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).

• Carnegie Mellon University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $45,400 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($268 vs. $271).
• More Carnegie Mellon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dayton students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.