University of Dayton Acceptance Rate & Test Scores

Dayton, OH · Private · 4-year

  • Acceptance rate: 65% for fall 2024
  • SAT, middle 50%: 600–690 reading and writing, 600–690 math
  • ACT, middle 50%: 25–31 composite
  • Average net price: $31,551 a year (2022–23)
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Add a test score to compare it with what University of Dayton reported: an acceptance rate of 65% for fall 2024 and an ACT middle 50% of 25–31.

Plan the grades I need

A guide based on reported data, not a prediction. University of Dayton reviews each application.

University of Dayton GPA requirements

University of Dayton requires a high school GPA from first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.

Federal data doesn't include GPA averages, and University of Dayton hasn't published one we could verify, so this page doesn't list an average GPA.

University of Dayton acceptance rate

University of Dayton admitted 14,386 of 21,981 first-year applicants for fall 2024, an acceptance rate of 65%, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

University of Dayton is a private nonprofit 4-year university in Dayton, Ohio, with 7,740 undergraduates.

SAT and ACT scores

Scores of the first-year students who entered University of Dayton in fall 2024 and submitted them. Half of them scored between the 25th and 75th percentiles:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing600640690
SAT Math600650690
ACT Composite252931
ACT English242833
ACT Math252731
9% submitted SAT scores and 27% submitted ACT scores, as University of Dayton reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard estimates an average SAT score of 1335 for admitted students.

Admission requirements

What University of Dayton looks at when it decides on first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024:

Admission factorStatus
High School GPAYour cumulative high school grade point average.Required
High School RecordYour transcript: the courses you took and the grades you earned.Required
RecommendationsLetters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors.Required
College Preparatory ProgramCompletion of a college preparatory curriculum in high school.Considered if submitted
Essay or Personal StatementA personal statement or essay written for your application.Considered if submitted
Test ScoresSAT or ACT scores.Considered if submitted
Work ExperiencePaid or volunteer work.Considered if submitted
High School Class RankYour ranking relative to other students in your graduating class.Not considered
Other TestsOther admission tests, such as the Wonderlic or WISC-III.Not considered
Demonstration of CompetenciesEvidence of specific skills through portfolios, auditions, or other demonstrations.Not considered
Legacy StatusWhether a parent or other relative attended the college.Not considered
Requirements can differ by program and applicant type, so check with University of Dayton's admissions office before you apply.

AP credit

University of Dayton awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.

It also awards credit for life experience, such as work or military service.

Average net price

First-time, full-time undergraduates who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average net price of $31,551 a year at University of Dayton in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Net price is the full cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to get into the University of Dayton?

Somewhat: more than half of applicants got in. University of Dayton admitted 65% of first-year applicants for fall 2024.

What SAT and ACT scores do the University of Dayton students have?

The middle 50% of University of Dayton's fall 2024 first-year students who sent scores had SAT 600–690 in reading and writing and 600–690 in math; ACT composite 25–31, according to what the college reported to the U.S. Department of Education. A quarter scored below that range.

Can a 3.0 GPA get you into the University of Dayton?

GPA alone can't tell you here. University of Dayton admitted 65% of first-year applicants for fall 2024. It requires a high school GPA but hasn't published an average we could verify, so there's no admitted-student GPA to compare a 3.0 against. Your transcript and test scores are the clearer guide.

Does the University of Dayton require the SAT or ACT?

Check University of Dayton's admissions website for the current rule: testing policies change from year to year. University of Dayton was test optional: it considered SAT or ACT scores if you sent them, it said in its report to the U.S. Department of Education (fall 2024). Of its fall 2024 first-year students, 9% sent SAT scores and 27% sent ACT scores.

How important is GPA for getting into the University of Dayton?

A lot: University of Dayton requires high school GPA, high school record and recommendations. It considers college preparatory program, essay or personal statement, test scores and work experience if you send them. It doesn't consider high school class rank, other tests, demonstration of competencies and legacy status. That's what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Dayton?

University of Dayton's acceptance rate was 65% for fall 2024: it admitted 14,386 of 21,981 first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

What GPA does the University of Dayton look for?

University of Dayton requires a high school GPA from first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024. It hasn't published an average GPA we could verify, so we don't list one.

Does the University of Dayton look at legacy status?

No. University of Dayton doesn't consider whether a parent or other relative attended, according to its filing with the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.

Does the University of Dayton give credit for AP exams?

Yes. University of Dayton awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.

How much does the University of Dayton cost after financial aid?

First-time, full-time undergraduates who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average of $31,551 a year at University of Dayton in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.

Before you apply, check the University of Dayton's official admissions site: requirements can differ by program and change from year to year.

Sources

  1. College Navigator: University of DaytonU.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS (2024–25 provisional data): admissions, test scores and admission factors for fall 2024, undergraduate enrollment for fall 2024, net price for 2022–23 and credit policies for 2024–25.
  2. College Scorecard dataAverage SAT: an estimate by the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (June 10, 2026 release).

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