University of Dayton
University of Dayton — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Dayton at a Glance
The University of Dayton (UD) is a private, Catholic research university in Dayton, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, it is one of three Marianist universities in the US and the second-largest private university in Ohio. Its campus is located in southern Dayton and spans 388 acres on both sides of the Great Miami River. The campus is noted for the Immaculate Conception Chapel and the University of Dayton Arena.
1850
176 years old
$939M
$938.7 million (2025)
11,378
8,192 undergrad · 3,186 grad
968
388 acres
Identity
Is University of Dayton Worth It?
University of Dayton offers moderate value at $29,533/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $75,537, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 81% graduation rate means roughly 19% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of Dayton compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 of 22 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Louis University | 58 | $24,398 | $70,783 |
| #2 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #3 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #4 | Mercer University | 44 | $23,847 | $58,354 |
| #5 | Bryant University | 44 | $41,219 | $90,008 |
| #6 | Seton Hall University | 39 | $31,446 | $70,196 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Dayton's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Dayton
The highest-earning program at University of Dayton is Chemical Engineering at $69,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at $23,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Chemical Engineering graduate from University of Dayton earns $69,900, while a Health/Medical Preparatory Programs graduate earns $23,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Chemical Engineering graduates carry $26,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,533/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | $69,900 | $69,900 | $26,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $67,300 | $67,300 | $25,989 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $66,400 | $66,400 | $26,750 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $63,800 | $63,800 | $24,715 |
| Civil Engineering | $59,200 | $59,200 | $26,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $58,800 | $58,800 | $27,000 |
| International Business | $54,500 | $54,500 | $25,967 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $54,200 | $54,200 | $25,536 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $52,100 | $52,100 | $26,392 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $51,800 | $51,800 | $23,500 |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $50,600 | $50,600 | $21,000 |
| Marketing | $44,600 | $44,600 | $26,000 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $43,500 | $43,500 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $38,500 | $38,500 | $25,697 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $38,100 | $38,100 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $37,700 | $37,700 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,400 | $36,400 | $25,000 |
| International/Global Studies | $34,300 | $34,300 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $34,300 | $34,300 | $25,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,100 | $34,100 | $22,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,800 | $29,800 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $28,400 | $28,400 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General | $27,800 | $27,800 | $27,000 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $23,800 | $23,800 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dayton, OH
- Student Body
- 7,682 students
- Admission Rate
- 65%
- Graduation Rate
- 81%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,533
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $75,537
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250