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Cleveland State University vs University of Dayton

Cleveland State University is a public university in Cleveland, OH, and University of Dayton is a private university in Dayton, OH. University of Dayton is the more selective of the two, admitting about 65% of applicants against 91% at Cleveland State University. Cleveland State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,764 a year against $29,533 at University of Dayton. About 81% of students graduate at University of Dayton, compared with 50% at Cleveland State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Dayton alumni earn a median of about $75,537, against $52,131 for Cleveland State University.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public

University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,969
7,682
Acceptance rate
91%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1130
1200–1380
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,764
$29,533
Full cost / yr
$27,159
$65,881
In-state tuition
$12,988
$49,140
Out-of-state tuition
$18,510
$49,140
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,958
$21,736
$30k - $48k
$13,561
$21,595
$48k - $75k
$14,727
$24,155
$75k - $110k
$15,690
$26,871
Over $110k
$20,378
$33,731
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
81%
Freshman retention
70%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,625
$62,477
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,131
$75,537
Median debt at graduation
$21,797
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
16%
First-generation students
38%
10%
International students
6%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cleveland State University or University of Dayton harder to get into?
University of Dayton is harder to get into. It admits about 65% of applicants, compared with 91% at Cleveland State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cleveland State University or University of Dayton?
Cleveland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,764 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,533 at University of Dayton. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cleveland State University and University of Dayton?
Before aid, Cleveland State University costs about $27,159 a year and University of Dayton about $65,881. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cleveland State University or University of Dayton?
Cleveland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,958 there, against about $21,736 at University of Dayton. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cleveland State University or University of Dayton?
Cleveland State University is the larger of the two, with about 8,969 undergraduates against 7,682 at University of Dayton.
Does Cleveland State University or University of Dayton have a better graduation rate?
University of Dayton has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 50% at Cleveland State University.
Do graduates of Cleveland State University or University of Dayton earn more?
University of Dayton alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,537 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,131 for Cleveland State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cleveland State University and University of Dayton require SAT or ACT scores?
Cleveland State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Dayton is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cleveland State University and University of Dayton look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1130 at Cleveland State University and 1200–1380 at University of Dayton. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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