University of Dayton vs. Kent State

Comparable Facts

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

Kent State University at Kent is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (26,374 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Kent State University at Kent is in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Kent State University at Kent 20:1.

University of Dayton vs. Kent State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or Kent State? 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 Kent State University at Kent than University of Dayton ($21,278 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Kent are 17.9% lower than at University of Dayton ($13,794 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 271.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kent State (about $35,908 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $13,232.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.9% higher at University of Dayton than at Kent State University at Kent (about $26,058 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $23,082.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton as at Kent State University at Kent (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 231.7% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($33,418 vs. $10,076).

University of Dayton vs. Kent State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dayton or Kent State? 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 Kent State and University of Dayton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 160 points higher than at Kent State (1130).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Kent State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Kent State University at Kent 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Kent State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027; Kent State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Kent State (3.61).
• Kent State has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 20.3% at Kent State.

University of Dayton vs. Kent State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton and Kent State? 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 Kent State University at Kent's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Kent State graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kent State University at Kent graduates have a $175 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($25,825 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Kent State graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($267 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 46%)

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.