University of Dayton vs. Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dayton in Dayton, OH with Penn State Erie Behrend College in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dayton is larger than Penn State Erie-Behrend College based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 3,336 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Penn State Erie Behrend College is in Erie, PA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Erie Behrend College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Penn State Erie Behrend College 12:1.

University of Dayton vs. Penn State Erie-Behrend College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or Penn State Erie-Behrend College? 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 Penn State Erie Behrend College than University of Dayton ($23,764 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Erie Behrend College are 13.8% lower than at University of Dayton ($14,474 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 207.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Erie-Behrend College (about $33,168 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.3% higher at University of Dayton than at Penn State Erie Behrend College (about $22,182 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Penn State Erie Behrend College (95% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 210.6% larger than aid received by Penn State Erie Behrend College students ($33,418 vs. $10,760).

University of Dayton vs. Penn State Erie-Behrend College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dayton or Penn State Erie-Behrend College? 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 Penn State Erie-Behrend College and University of Dayton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 70 points higher than at Penn State Erie-Behrend College (1220).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Penn State Erie-Behrend College (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Penn State Erie Behrend College 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Penn State Erie Behrend College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Penn State Erie-Behrend College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Penn State Erie-Behrend College (3.49).
• Penn State Erie-Behrend College has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 14.5% at Penn State Erie-Behrend College.

University of Dayton vs. Penn State Erie-Behrend College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton and Penn State Erie-Behrend College? 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 Penn State Erie Behrend College's (66%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates ($268 vs. $277).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Erie-Behrend College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 69%)

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.