University of Cincinnati vs University of Dayton

University of Dayton vs University of Cincinnati

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

University of Dayton (UD) and University of Cincinnati (UC) are both strong research universities. UC typically outranks the world in terms of size, scope of research, and public prestige. UD is categorized as R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity; UC is also strong in engineering, medicine, and urban affairs and usually appears higher on worldwide research-output and reputation lists. UD stands out for its rigorous programs in Business, Engineering, and Education, particularly through its Catholic liberal arts heritage and focus on undergraduate research and service learning. UC is particularly strong in Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Architecture, aided by a vast urban campus and industry partnerships.

General Information

UC is larger overall enrollment than UD. UD has ~ 11,300 total enrollments (law and graduate students included), while UC has ~ 46,700 total students (of whom ~ 29,000 are undergraduates). UD campus covers ~ 388 acres in Dayton, Ohio, and provides over 80 undergraduate and numerous graduate programs, focusing on faith, community service, and undergraduate teaching. UC, established in 1819, has a significant urban presence in Cincinnati with numerous campuses and sites, providing 300+ undergraduate and 200+ graduate programs, and excellent co-op, experiential learning, and research facilities.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UD's admissions are less selective than stated earlier; its latest acceptance rate is ~ 61.6%, not 74%. UC's acceptance rate of ~ 86% is reasonably close. UD admitted students usually possess SAT ranges (when they are submitted) at middle-percentiles of 1200-1360, and ACT ranges of 24-31. UC also accepts students with broad academic range but on average a bit lower criteria than selective schools. Both UD and UC practice holistic admissions, although policies regarding test submission (SAT/ACT) can differ, and both take into account GPA, rigor of the course, extracurriculars, etc.

Research Impact & Facilities

UD is rated R1: Very High Research Activity; it has research centers and robust undergraduate research programs. UC also has large research facilities, particularly in medicine, engineering, urban studies, and technology. UC's larger population and public mission provide it with more extensive scale of research funding and production; UD offers a more personalized setting for research participation, particularly at the undergraduate level.

Cost & Financial Aid

UD's cost is around US$47,600 annually; a large proportion of its students get financial help, with an average after-aid net price of roughly US$31,550. Almost 93% of UD undergraduates get grant assistance. UC's price for in-state students is significantly less; out-of-state more; a large proportion of students get financial assistance. The after-grants and loans net price for UC is lower than UD for the majority of students, especially in-state students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UD graduates do well, with an aggregate six-year graduation rate of 81%, excellent retention rate (~89% first-to-second year), and median long-term earnings in the mid-US$40,000s (approximately US$45,600 ten years after graduation). UC graduates also have reasonable results: six-year graduation rate ~72%; median ten-year earnings also approximately US$45,600. UC's co-op/work-experience programs and urban setting frequently supply additional industry connection, which can be useful to students in some fields.