Skip to content

University of Dayton vs Denison University

University of Dayton is a private university in Dayton, OH. Denison University is a private university in Granville, OH. Denison University admits about 17% of applicants and University of Dayton about 65%, making Denison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,533 a year at University of Dayton after aid, and about $40,007 at Denison University. About 81% of students graduate at University of Dayton, compared with 79% at Denison University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Dayton alumni earn a median of about $75,537, against $67,753 for Denison University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · Private

Denison University

Granville, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dayton, OH
Granville, OH
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,682
2,380
Acceptance rate
65%
17%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1380
1320–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
30–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,533
$40,007
Full cost / yr
$65,881
$81,900
In-state tuition
$49,140
$67,000
Out-of-state tuition
$49,140
$67,000
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,736
$16,656
$30k - $48k
$21,595
$13,086
$48k - $75k
$24,155
$17,827
$75k - $110k
$26,871
$20,839
Over $110k
$33,731
$48,472
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
79%
Freshman retention
89%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,477
$51,352
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,537
$67,753
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
13%
First-generation students
10%
17%
International students
3%
17%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15

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 University of Dayton or Denison University harder to get into?
Denison University is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 65% 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.
Which is cheaper, University of Dayton or Denison University?
University of Dayton is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,533 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,007 at Denison University. 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 University of Dayton and Denison University?
Before aid, University of Dayton costs about $65,881 a year and Denison University about $81,900. 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, University of Dayton or Denison University?
Denison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,656 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, University of Dayton or Denison University?
University of Dayton is the larger of the two, with about 7,682 undergraduates against 2,380 at Denison University.
Does University of Dayton or Denison University have a better graduation rate?
University of Dayton has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 79% at Denison University.
Do graduates of University of Dayton or Denison University earn more?
University of Dayton alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,537 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,753 for Denison University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Dayton and Denison University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Dayton is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Denison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Dayton and Denison University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1380 at University of Dayton and 1320–1490 at Denison University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school