University of Dayton vs. OWU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than OWU based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 1,525 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Ohio Wesleyan University is in Delaware, OH (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Ohio Wesleyan University 12:1.

University of Dayton vs. OWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or OWU? 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 Wesleyan University than University of Dayton ($23,006 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Wesleyan University are 12.6% lower than at University of Dayton ($14,684 vs. $16,800).
• Ohio Wesleyan University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $4,748 more per year; $53,888.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at OWU than at University of Dayton (about $4,748 more per year; $53,888.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Wesleyan University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Wesleyan University students is 36.1% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($45,481 vs. $33,418).

University of Dayton vs. OWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 60 points higher than at OWU (1230).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at OWU (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Ohio Wesleyan University 1105/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Ohio Wesleyan University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; OWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027; OWU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at OWU (3.54).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than OWU (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 12.6% at OWU.

University of Dayton vs. OWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton and OWU? 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 Wesleyan University's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than OWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than OWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OWU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OWU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 80%)

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.