University of Dayton Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at University of Dayton is 61.6%.  Its admission rate is the 22nd lowest in Ohio.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into University of Dayton and can you get accepted?

University of Dayton is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 14,023 out of the 22,747 who applied were admitted.

University of Dayton typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.77. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 14% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into University of Dayton?

62% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of Dayton you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.77 or better
• Earn A- grades in high school
• Score 1280 on the SAT
• Score 28 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into University of Dayton?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into University of Dayton are to have around a 3.77 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as University of Dayton accepts 62% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at University of Dayton is 3.77 on the 4.0 scale. 33% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #7 in Ohio for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since University of Dayton is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of Dayton. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 10% of students submitted SAT scores and 29% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of Dayton?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at University of Dayton is 1280 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1195-1370. Students who get into University of Dayton score in the top 100 percent of all SAT test takers..  University of Dayton ranks #8 in the state of Ohio and #220 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1280 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. University of Dayton regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1195 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1195, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1110, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

University of Dayton is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1280 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1282, you have around a 62% chance of being admitted. A 1370 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 76% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into University of Dayton?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to University of Dayton is 28, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 26 and 31.  The school ranks #7 in Ohio and #237 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 28. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 26 and score in the score in the top 18 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 24.

29 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of Dayton.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of Dayton is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into University of Dayton for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 28 score has around 62% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 78% with a 31 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

53% of University of Dayton freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 24% are in the top ten percent.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Dayton is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of Dayton and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because University of Dayton is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.77 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1280 on the SAT and 28 on the ACT will further lock in your application.