University of Dayton vs Cedarville University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Dayton and Cedarville University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Dayton vs Cedarville University at a glance
University of Dayton admits 65.5% of applicants and Cedarville University 65.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,366 at University of Dayton and $23,335 at Cedarville University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 74.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Dayton admits 65.5% of applicants and Cedarville University 65.3%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,366 a year at University of Dayton and $23,335 at Cedarville University; Cedarville University costs $7,031 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $22,720 at University of Dayton and $18,295 at Cedarville University.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Dayton, against 74.3% at Cedarville University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,775 for University of Dayton and $65,805 for Cedarville University; University of Dayton is $17,970 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Dayton and $20,375 at Cedarville University.
- University of Dayton enrolls 7,682 students (midsize city) and Cedarville University 4,024 (fringe town).
Side by side
University of Dayton and Cedarville University 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 Dayton | Cedarville University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.5% | 65.3% |
| Applicants | 17,262 | 5,223 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1380 | 1130–1360 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–31 | 22–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,366 | $23,335 |
| Tuition, in state | $50,610 | $38,258 |
| Tuition, out of state | $50,610 | $38,258 |
| Cost of attendance | $68,434 | $52,159 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $22,720 | $18,295 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $20,190 | $15,430 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,370 | $17,536 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,601 | $22,853 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,044 | $29,166 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 74.3% |
| First-year retention | 89.1% | 89.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,775 | $65,805 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $20,375 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $232 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,682 | 4,024 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Town: Fringe |
| Location | Dayton, OH | Cedarville, 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 Dayton reports 61 bachelor's programs and Cedarville University 55; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
Questions about University of Dayton vs Cedarville University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Dayton or Cedarville University?
Cedarville University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Dayton admits 65.5% of applicants and Cedarville University admits 65.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Dayton 1200–1380; Cedarville University 1130–1360.
Which is cheaper, University of Dayton or Cedarville University?
Cedarville University has the lower average net price after grants: $30,366 a year at University of Dayton against $23,335 at Cedarville University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $22,720 and $18,295. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Dayton or Cedarville University graduates earn more?
University of Dayton graduates earn more at the median: $83,775 ten years after entry for University of Dayton and $65,805 for Cedarville University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $20,375.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Dayton or Cedarville University?
University of Dayton does: 80.3% of University of Dayton students graduate within six years, against 74.3% at Cedarville University.
How big are University of Dayton and Cedarville University?
University of Dayton has 7,682 students in Dayton, OH and Cedarville University has 4,024 students in Cedarville, OH.