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University of Dayton vs Ohio State University-Main Campus

University of Dayton is a private university in Dayton, OH, and Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public university in Columbus, OH. Ohio State University-Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 61% of applicants against 65% at University of Dayton. Ohio State University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,339 a year against $29,533 at University of Dayton. About 88% of students graduate at Ohio State University-Main Campus, compared with 81% at University of Dayton. Ten years after enrolling, University of Dayton alumni earn a median of about $75,537, against $60,409 for Ohio State University-Main Campus.

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University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · Private

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dayton, OH
Columbus, OH
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,682
45,638
Acceptance rate
65%
61%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1380
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,533
$17,339
Full cost / yr
$65,881
$30,305
In-state tuition
$49,140
$13,244
Out-of-state tuition
$49,140
$40,022
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,736
$4,885
$30k - $48k
$21,595
$5,751
$48k - $75k
$24,155
$9,807
$75k - $110k
$26,871
$20,461
Over $110k
$33,731
$27,359
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
88%
Freshman retention
89%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,477
$51,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,537
$60,409
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$19,976
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
20%
First-generation students
10%
26%
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
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 Ohio State University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 61% 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 Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,339 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 University of Dayton and Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Ohio State University-Main Campus costs about $30,305 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, University of Dayton or Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,885 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 Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 45,638 undergraduates against 7,682 at University of Dayton.
Does University of Dayton or Ohio State University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 81% at University of Dayton.
Do graduates of University of Dayton or Ohio State University-Main Campus earn more?
University of Dayton alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,537 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,409 for Ohio State University-Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Dayton and Ohio State University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Dayton is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ohio State University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Dayton and Ohio State University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1380 at University of Dayton and 1310–1480 at Ohio State University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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