University of Cincinnati vs University of Dayton: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Cincinnati and University of Dayton, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Cincinnati vs University of Dayton at a glance
University of Cincinnati admits 85.3% of applicants and University of Dayton 65.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,917 at University of Cincinnati and $30,366 at University of Dayton. Six-year graduation rates are 75% and 80.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Cincinnati admits 85.3% of applicants and University of Dayton 65.5%, so University of Dayton is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $24,917 a year at University of Cincinnati and $30,366 at University of Dayton; University of Cincinnati costs $5,449 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,848 at University of Cincinnati and $22,720 at University of Dayton.
- 75% of students graduate within six years at University of Cincinnati, against 80.3% at University of Dayton.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $60,832 for University of Cincinnati and $83,775 for University of Dayton; University of Dayton is $22,943 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at University of Cincinnati and $19,500 at University of Dayton.
- University of Cincinnati enrolls 29,882 students (large city) and University of Dayton 7,682 (midsize city).
- University of Cincinnati is a public college and University of Dayton is a private nonprofit college.
Side by side
University of Cincinnati 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 | University of Cincinnati | University of Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 85.3% | 65.5% |
| Applicants | 25,775 | 17,262 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1160–1370 | 1200–1380 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–29 | 25–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,917 | $30,366 |
| Tuition, in state | $14,394 | $50,610 |
| Tuition, out of state | $29,728 | $50,610 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,026 | $68,434 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,848 | $22,720 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,178 | $20,190 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $20,592 | $21,370 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,884 | $26,601 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,546 | $36,044 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 75% | 80.3% |
| First-year retention | 85.4% | 89.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $60,832 | $83,775 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 29,882 | 7,682 |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Cincinnati, 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
University of Cincinnati reports 96 bachelor's programs and University of Dayton 61; 44 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Questions about University of Cincinnati vs University of Dayton
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Cincinnati or University of Dayton?
University of Dayton is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Cincinnati admits 85.3% of applicants and University of Dayton admits 65.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Cincinnati 1160–1370; University of Dayton 1200–1380.
Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati or University of Dayton?
University of Cincinnati has the lower average net price after grants: $24,917 a year at University of Cincinnati against $30,366 at University of Dayton. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,848 and $22,720. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Cincinnati or University of Dayton graduates earn more?
University of Dayton graduates earn more at the median: $60,832 ten years after entry for University of Cincinnati and $83,775 for University of Dayton. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Cincinnati or University of Dayton?
University of Dayton does: 75% of University of Cincinnati students graduate within six years, against 80.3% at University of Dayton.
How big are University of Cincinnati and University of Dayton?
University of Cincinnati has 29,882 students in Cincinnati, OH and University of Dayton has 7,682 students in Dayton, OH.