University of Dayton Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Real cost of attendance and what families actually pay
- Automatic merit scholarships by GPA/test score
- Competitive full-tuition awards and service-based programs
- Honors and leadership scholarships that stack with merit
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~81%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1130–1320
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.6–4.0
Source: University of Dayton Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Dayton at a Glance
Last verified: October 17, 2025
The University of Dayton is a Catholic research university known for its transparent no-fee scholarship policy: every admitted student receives an automatic merit award and pays no application, course, or lab fees after enrollment. Top students compete for the full-tuition Trustees’ Scholarship or the Leadership in Service Award, which can stack on merit aid.
Use this guide to compare award tiers and deadlines so your student can leverage Dayton’s “transparent pricing” model to bring a private education close to public cost.
FAQ
Is Dayton test-optional? Yes — through Fall 2026. Scores are optional and superscored if submitted.
What is the average net price? About $33,048 per year after aid (College Scorecard 2022–23).
Does Dayton charge extra fees? No — tuition covers all course and lab fees for four years.
Do merit awards stack with need-based aid? Yes — merit and need grants can combine up to full tuition.
University of Dayton – Scholarships & Grants 2025–26: https://udayton.edu/affordability/undergraduate/scholarships.php
University of Dayton – Tuition & Fees Overview: https://udayton.edu/affordability/cost/index.php
University of Dayton Common Data Set 2024–25: https://udayton.edu/ir/common_data_set/index.php
U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Net Price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?203517-University-of-Dayton
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Dayton
| Category (2025–26 Estimate) | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $50,610 |
| Housing & Meals (standard on-campus) | $17,610 |
| Total Direct Cost (before aid) | $68,220 |
Note: These totals reflect direct charges billed by the university. Indirect costs such as books (~$1,000), personal expenses (~$2,000–$3,000), and transportation (~$1,000–$1,500) vary by student and are included only for financial-aid budgeting purposes.
That’s what families actually paid after grants and scholarships — no loans included — according to U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (2022–23).
Dayton charges one flat tuition rate for 12–18 credit hours, locked for all four years. Students who complete a campus visit and file the FAFSA by February 1 receive a $1,000 Textbook Scholarship, effectively reducing the annual billed cost to about $67,220.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Who qualifies for the Textbook Scholarship?
Any admitted student who visits campus and submits the FAFSA by February 1.
How much can it save?
Up to $1,000 per year, automatically applied toward course materials.
Do Ohio residents pay less?
No — as a private university, Dayton charges the same tuition for all U.S. students.
University of Dayton — 2025–26 Tuition & Fees: https://udayton.edu/affordability/cost/index.php
University of Dayton — Scholarships & Grants: https://udayton.edu/affordability/undergraduate/scholarships.php
University of Dayton Common Data Set 2024–25: https://udayton.edu/ir/common_data_set/index.php
U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Net Price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?203517-University-of-Dayton
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
The University of Dayton automatically considers every admitted student for merit scholarships. Awards are based on your application—grades, academic rigor, leadership, and (if submitted) superscored test scores. There is no separate scholarship application for these awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Father Chaminade Award | $17,000–$19,000/yr | Admitted first-years, test-optional eligible | No | Yes (maintain GPA) | Often 3.3–3.5 GPA; ACT 24–26/SAT 1160–1240* | Rolling |
| Dean’s Merit Scholarship | $21,000–$23,000/yr | Admitted first-years; holistic review | No | Yes | Often 3.5–3.7 GPA; ACT 26–28/SAT 1240–1310* | Rolling |
| President’s Merit Scholarship | $26,000–$29,000/yr | Admitted first-years, strong academics | No | Yes | Often 3.6–3.8 GPA; ACT 27–29/SAT 1280–1340* | Rolling |
| Trustees’ Merit Scholarship | $31,000–$33,000/yr | Admitted first-years, top academics | No | Yes | Often 3.8+ GPA or top 10%; ACT 29+/SAT 1340+* | Rolling |
*GPA and test score ranges are estimates only. UD does not publish strict cutoffs; bands are based on recent class profiles and representative admitted student data.
Superscore Clarity
Does UD superscore? Yes. Dayton uses your highest section scores from multiple SAT or ACT sittings and combines them to maximize your “superscore.”
Does this affect scholarships? Yes—superscores are valid for both admission and scholarship awards. Students may receive larger merit packages if their superscore matches a higher award tier.
If I apply test-optional? That’s fine. No score is required for consideration, but a superscored result will only help if submitted.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to submit test scores? No—Dayton is test-optional. Grades and course rigor are enough, but high test scores can improve your offer.
Is there a separate application? No—the admission application is used for scholarship review.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes—merit scholarships can stack with need-based and outside scholarships, up to cost-of-attendance limits.
Are these renewable? Yes—up to four years with satisfactory academic standing (usually full-time enrollment and GPA requirements).
https://udayton.edu/affordability/undergraduate/first-year-merit.php
https://udayton.edu/apply/undergraduate/first-year
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
For 2025–2026, the University of Dayton does not publish any university-level competitive scholarships above the standard automatic merit awards. Most scholarship opportunities are merit-based and awarded at the time of admission via holistic review. Specialized awards, such as service or affiliation scholarships, are detailed in the Hidden Gems section.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive scholarships listed | — | Dayton does not offer separate major competitive scholarships for the entering class beyond automatic merit | — | — | — | — |
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Are there university-wide competitive scholarships at Dayton? No. For 2025–2026, only automatic merit scholarships are awarded to all admits; additional funds described in “Hidden Gems” require special eligibility, not a separate university-wide application.
Where can students find more awards? Students should check program, department, and campus service scholarship listings for additional opportunities.
Do any awards require extra applications? Not at the university-wide (flagship) level for the incoming class; see departmental and special population awards for details.
https://udayton.edu/affordability/undergraduate/first-year-merit.php
https://udayton.edu/apply/undergraduate/first-year
🎖️ Honors College
The University Honors Program (UHP) at Dayton offers high-achieving students a selective pathway with small classes, advanced research, and global learning opportunities. Admission is based on both academic metrics and a holistic review of your achievements and leadership profile.
What a Typical Dayton Honors Student Looks Like: High school GPA around 3.8+ or top 10%, with ACT 29+ or SAT 1340+ if submitted. Rigor (AP/IB/Honors), leadership, and service are key.
Honors Program Perks:
- Priority registration and smaller Honors-only courses
- Extensive faculty mentorship (research, thesis)
- Funding for global programs (Oxford, Hull Fellowships)
- Dedicated Honors housing and living-learning communities
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berry Summer Thesis Institute | $2,000 stipend + housing + up to $1,500 for research | Honors sophomores with thesis project & mentor | Yes—application due Feb | No (summer only) | Honors students doing research/thesis | Early Feb |
| Hull International Fellowships | Project reimbursement (varies) | Honors students pursuing global/service projects | Yes—deadlines Oct 15/Feb 7 | No (project funding) | Honors students engaging in global/service learning | Oct 15/Feb 7 |
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic? Students with a 3.8+ GPA/top 10% class rank and ACT 29+/SAT 1340+ are eligible for automatic designation; others considered holistically.
Does Honors delay graduation? No—requirements fit typical 4-year plans.
Are there scholarships? Yes—exclusive funding, such as Berry and Hull, is available for undergraduate research and global experience.
How do I apply? Automatic consideration with UD application; fellowship and summer program apps have their own early-spring deadlines.
https://udayton.edu/honors/about/index.php
https://udayton.edu/honors/current/berry.php
https://udayton.edu/honors/current/hull.php
⭐ College Specialty
Dayton isn’t just another private Catholic university—it’s a nationally recognized research school with strong engineering and innovation programs. Families looking at careers in aerospace, materials, or business leadership will find a well-connected campus that invests heavily in applied research and partnerships.
Standout Program: Aerospace Engineering — ranked among the Top 75 nationally by U.S. News (2024). UD’s close partnership with GE Aerospace through the EPISCenter gives students unique research and co-op opportunities right in Dayton.
- Materials Engineering & Research — Dayton is home to the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), a national leader in materials and sustainment research, securing more than $260M annually in sponsored research.
- Entrepreneurship — Consistently ranked in the Top 50 undergraduate entrepreneurship programs by The Princeton Review.
- School of Business Administration — Recognized statewide for producing industry-ready graduates in accounting and finance; AACSB-accredited.
- Human Rights Studies — One of the first undergraduate programs of its kind in the U.S., with strong national recognition in social justice education.