University of Dayton SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Dayton is fairly accessible, but the admitted-student profile is still strong: a 3.79 average GPA and a 24–31 ACT range. Your goal should be to show you fit that academic level, and if you submit scores, aim toward the upper end of the range to strengthen your case.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Dayton facts and stats
The University of Dayton is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 7,740. Dayton has an 89% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 80%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
Dayton, OH
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Key University of Dayton application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Dayton, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and reserve the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes that can create superscoring opportunities. Because Dayton’s Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are November 1, the October SAT or September ACT is generally the last retake that should arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Dayton’s tuition and fees are $49,140, with 60% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $27,583, and students should submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
University of Dayton’s listed cost of attendance is $65,940, including $49,140 in tuition and fees and $16,800 for room and board. About 60% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $40,802. Merit aid is substantial, averaging $27,583, with listed scholarships including awards up to $33,000 and the Anthony Munoz Scholarship requiring ACT 18+ and GPA 3.00+. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,189.
Student life at University of Dayton
70% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 5% of men join fraternities, and 11% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHAcceptance rate: 32.2%
Ashland University
Ashland, OHAcceptance rate: 76.4%
SAT: 1050–1280
ACT: 20–25
ETI Technical College of Niles
Niles, OHAcceptance rate: 100%
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OHAcceptance rate: 75.7%
SAT: 1068–1263
ACT: 22–28
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