Ohio University vs University of Dayton: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Ohio University and University of Dayton, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Ohio University vs University of Dayton at a glance
Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and University of Dayton 65.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,666 at Ohio University and $30,366 at University of Dayton. Six-year graduation rates are 65.1% and 80.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and University of Dayton 65.5%, so University of Dayton is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,666 a year at Ohio University and $30,366 at University of Dayton; Ohio University costs $9,700 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,142 at Ohio University and $22,720 at University of Dayton.
- 65.1% of students graduate within six years at Ohio University, against 80.3% at University of Dayton.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $61,938 for Ohio University and $83,775 for University of Dayton; University of Dayton is $21,837 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,475 at Ohio University and $19,500 at University of Dayton.
- Ohio University enrolls 19,633 students (distant town) and University of Dayton 7,682 (midsize city).
- Ohio University is a public college and University of Dayton is a private nonprofit college.
Side by side
Ohio University and University of Dayton in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Ohio University | University of Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 85% | 65.5% |
| Applicants | 21,733 | 17,262 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1090–1290 | 1200–1380 |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–28 | 25–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,666 | $30,366 |
| Tuition, in state | $14,582 | $50,610 |
| Tuition, out of state | $25,796 | $50,610 |
| Cost of attendance | $31,615 | $68,434 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,142 | $22,720 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,643 | $20,190 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,141 | $21,370 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,188 | $26,601 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,609 | $36,044 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 65.1% | 80.3% |
| First-year retention | 83.9% | 89.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $61,938 | $83,775 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,475 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,633 | 7,682 |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Town: Distant | City: Midsize |
| Location | Athens, OH | Dayton, OH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Ohio University reports 97 bachelor's programs and University of Dayton 61; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Questions about Ohio University vs University of Dayton
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Ohio University or University of Dayton?
University of Dayton is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and University of Dayton admits 65.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Ohio University 1090–1290; University of Dayton 1200–1380.
Which is cheaper, Ohio University or University of Dayton?
Ohio University has the lower average net price after grants: $20,666 a year at Ohio University against $30,366 at University of Dayton. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,142 and $22,720. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Ohio University or University of Dayton graduates earn more?
University of Dayton graduates earn more at the median: $61,938 ten years after entry for Ohio University and $83,775 for University of Dayton. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,475 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Ohio University or University of Dayton?
University of Dayton does: 65.1% of Ohio University students graduate within six years, against 80.3% at University of Dayton.
How big are Ohio University and University of Dayton?
Ohio University has 19,633 students in Athens, OH and University of Dayton has 7,682 students in Dayton, OH.