The University of Dayton is a mid-sized private Catholic research university in Dayton, Ohio, founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary and now one of the largest Catholic research universities in the country. Unlike Ivy-tier schools chasing single-digit acceptance rates, UD admits roughly two-thirds of applicants while still holding Carnegie R2 "high research activity" status, anchored by the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) — a sponsored-research operation worth more than $2.5 billion with over 640 full-time researchers. For students who want a private, research-active US university experience without needing a near-perfect application, UD is exactly the kind of realistic, high-volume target most international applicants actually need.
Acceptance Rate: What We Actually Know
UD's undergraduate acceptance rate is approximately 65%, making it considerably more accessible than elite private universities while retaining genuine research credentials and strong regional employer recognition, particularly in engineering and business. A university-wide graduate acceptance rate isn't published — it varies by department, and applicants should focus on meeting their specific program's requirements rather than chasing a single number.
Tuition & Living Costs
UD charges one flat tuition rate regardless of residency, since it's a private university with no in-state/out-of-state distinction.
| Level | Tuition/Year (USD) | Living Expenses/Year | Total Cost of Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $51,910 | $22,310 | $74,220 |
| Graduate (varies by program) | ~$32,000 | ~$15,000 | ~$47,000 |
UD's automatic merit scholarships can reduce undergraduate costs by up to $34,000/year for qualifying admits — a significant offset against the sticker price, awarded automatically at admission with no separate application. Graduate costs vary substantially by school; Engineering and Business master's programs generally run higher than Arts and Sciences.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate:
- UD Application (via Common Application or UD's own portal)
- Official secondary school transcripts with certified English translations
- Proof of English proficiency (unless exempt)
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional for most applicants)
- Financial documentation for I-20 visa processing
- $50 application fee
Graduate:
- Graduate application via UD's admissions portal
- Official transcripts showing a completed four-year bachelor's degree
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation (varies by program)
- Resume/CV
- English proficiency scores (unless exempt)
- GRE/GMAT only required by specific programs (e.g. Master of Finance-STEM, select Education/Health Sciences, and select PhD programs) — most programs don't require it
Deadlines: Fall (May 1 undergrad / June 1 most grad programs, rolling), Spring (November 1, rolling), plus a Summer grad intake (March 1). UD uses rolling admission, so applying early improves your odds of a spot and better scholarship consideration.
How to Get In
- Lean on test-optional admission if your SAT/ACT isn't strong. Most UD applicants don't need to submit standardized test scores at all — a stronger academic transcript and application narrative can carry more weight.
- Apply early in the rolling cycle. UD doesn't use a single hard deadline; earlier applicants get earlier decisions and first access to merit scholarship funds.
- If your English score is close but short, use UD's Intensive English Program (IEP) instead of just resitting a test. This is a genuine conditional-admission-style bridge (see below) — a real differentiator from most private universities of UD's caliber.
- Target engineering or business if you want a strong regional employment pipeline. UD's location in Ohio's Miami Valley, next to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, means its School of Engineering and Business programs feed directly into aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing employers.
- Check STEM designation on your target graduate program. Many of UD's engineering master's programs are STEM-designated, unlocking a 3-year OPT window after graduation — a major practical advantage for international students planning to work in the US after their degree.
English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE & Duolingo
| Test | Undergraduate (minimum) | Graduate (minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 (recommended 6.5) | 6.5 (recommended 7.0) |
| TOEFL iBT (traditional scale) | 70 | 80 |
| TOEFL iBT (redesigned scale, from Jan 2026) | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 60 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | 110 |
Applicants who completed secondary or postsecondary study at an English-medium institution, or who hold a qualifying exemption, may be waived from testing — UD's admissions office evaluates exemption requests case by case.
Conditional Admission — UD's Intensive English Program (IEP)
UD's Learning Teaching Center runs an Intensive English Program that functions as a genuine conditional-admission pathway: academically qualified applicants who fall short of the direct-entry English score can still be admitted to UD, complete IEP coursework, and then transition straight into their degree program without a fresh application cycle. This is a meaningful differentiator from elite private universities that offer no such bridge at all — if you're close to UD's minimum but not quite there, this route can be faster and more certain than repeatedly resitting an external test.
Career Outcomes & Campus Life
UD's six-year undergraduate graduation rate is approximately 80%. Top employers recruiting from UD include GE Aerospace, Emerson, Procter & Gamble, L3Harris Technologies, Fifth Third Bank, and UDRI itself, which directly employs graduate students and recent graduates on sponsored research projects.
Campus life centers on UD's distinctive student neighborhoods, where most undergraduates live in university housing within a tight-knit campus footprint. UD Arena hosts a well-known Atlantic 10 Division I basketball program, and with over 250 student organizations — including a dedicated International Student Association — engineering and business clubs frequently connect directly with regional aerospace and defense employers. Notable alumni include former Google CFO George Reyes, Hall of Fame MLB manager Tony La Russa, and actor Mark Consuelos.
FAQ
What is UD's acceptance rate? Approximately 65% for undergraduates — considerably more accessible than elite private universities while retaining Carnegie R2 research status.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for UD? Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 70 (redesigned scale 4.0). Graduate: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 (redesigned scale 4.5). PTE and Duolingo are also accepted at both levels.
Does UD offer conditional admission if my English score is below the requirement? Yes — UD's Intensive English Program lets academically qualified applicants be admitted, complete IEP coursework, and move into their degree program without reapplying.
What does UD cost for international students? $51,910/year undergraduate tuition (~$74,220 total cost of attendance with housing and living expenses), reducible by up to $34,000/year through automatic merit scholarships. Graduate tuition ranges roughly $27,000–$37,000/year depending on program.
Is UD a good choice for engineering students planning to work in the US after graduating? Yes — many engineering master's programs are STEM-designated (3-year OPT window), and UD's location next to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base gives direct access to aerospace and defense employers through UDRI.
Is the GRE or GMAT required? No, not for most programs — only specific programs like the Master of Finance-STEM and select Education/Health Sciences and PhD programs require it.