Louisville vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Louisville is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (23,065 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Louisville vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Louisville 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 Louisville than University of Dayton ($19,785 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Louisville are 25.1% lower than at University of Dayton ($12,576 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 274.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Louisville (about $36,004 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $13,136.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.7% higher at University of Dayton than at University of Louisville (about $19,658 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $29,482.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Louisville than at University of Dayton (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 127.7% larger than aid received by University of Louisville students ($33,418 vs. $14,677).

Louisville vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Louisville 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 Louisville.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 130 points higher than at Louisville (1160).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Louisville).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Louisville 1040/1270; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Louisville 19/27; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Louisville - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Louisville Feb 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Louisville (3.64).
• Louisville has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.1% at Louisville vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Louisville vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Louisville 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 Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than University of Louisville's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Louisville graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Louisville graduates have a $6,344 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($19,656 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Louisville graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($203 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Louisville students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 58%)

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.