University of Dayton vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Messiah University 12:1.

University of Dayton vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or Messiah University? 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 Messiah University than University of Dayton ($29,408 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 22% lower than at University of Dayton ($13,098 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 16.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $6,900 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at University of Dayton than at Messiah University (about $6,900 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($33,418 vs. $26,576).

University of Dayton vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 60 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

University of Dayton vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at University of Dayton is the same as at Messiah University (74% vs. 74%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $11 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Messiah University and University of Dayton graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dayton students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.