DU vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

DU vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton than DU ($32,794 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dayton are 5.4% lower than at University of Denver ($16,800 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $12,258 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.9% higher at DU than at University of Dayton (about $12,258 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at University of Dayton (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 1.6% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($33,955 vs. $33,418).

DU vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 40 points higher than at University of Dayton (1290).
• Incoming DU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at University of Dayton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at DU (3.72).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

DU vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and University of Dayton? 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 Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $2,301 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($23,699 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($245 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 72%)

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.