University of Dayton vs. ONU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dayton in Dayton, OH with Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dayton is larger than ONU based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Ohio Northern University is in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Ohio Northern University 13:1.

University of Dayton vs. ONU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University than University of Dayton ($25,941 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Northern University are 13.1% lower than at University of Dayton ($14,604 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 23.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ONU (about $9,340 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at University of Dayton than at Ohio Northern University (about $9,340 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Northern University than at University of Dayton (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 20.7% larger than aid received by Ohio Northern University students ($33,418 vs. $27,696).

University of Dayton vs. ONU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is the same as at ONU (1290).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at ONU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Ohio Northern University 1175/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Ohio Northern University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; ONU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027; ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• ONU has a higher acceptance rate (74.4%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 19.9% at ONU.

University of Dayton vs. ONU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton and ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University's (65%).
• Graduates from Ohio Northern University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,200 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than ONU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ONU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ONU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

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.