$49,140 /Yr
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights Studies is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree offered in Dayton, Ohio. International students need a GPA of 2.8+ and TOEFL 61 (IELTS 6.0). Annual tuition is US$49,100 (INR 46.80 Lakhs). The Fall 2027 intake is now open.
This programme trains you for careers in human rights advocacy, humanitarian work, and legal practice. University of Dayton established the nation’s first undergraduate human rights studies program in 1998. Every student completes required internships, advocacy projects, and service-learning. Alumni benefit from the Dayton2DC Spring Break immersion program, where you meet and network with professionals working in Washington, D.C.
- Established programme with 100+ alumni working in legal, governmental, and nonprofit sectors globally.
- Mandatory experiential learning: internships, advocacy projects, service-learning built into curriculum.
- Dayton2DC alumni mentorship network connects you to internship and career opportunities in D.C.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 1 November 2027.
International applicants must complete WES credential evaluation. Aim to submit your application by mid-October to allow processing time before the deadline.
Also Check: University of Dayton Admission
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts Human Rights Studies Fees 2027
International students pay the same fees across all four years. Tuition and ancillary costs are fixed at your initial enrolment rate.
| Fee Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) | 4-Year Total (USD) | 4-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$44,500 | INR 42.38 Lakhs | US$178,000 | INR 1.69 Crore |
| Student Fees | US$2,000 | INR 1.91 Lakhs | US$8,000 | INR 7.62 Lakhs |
| Studio Supplies | US$500 | INR 0.48 Lakhs | US$2,000 | INR 1.91 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance | US$2,100 | INR 2.00 Lakhs | US$8,400 | INR 8.00 Lakhs |
| Total | US$49,100 | INR 46.80 Lakhs | US$196,400 | INR 1.87 Crore |
Source: University of Dayton International Student Fees 2026-2027
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Tuition covers classroom instruction and core academic services for your four-year degree.
- Student fees include technology, library, recreation, and student activity expenses.
- Studio supplies and health insurance are mandatory for international students.
- Tuition rates are fixed at your initial enrolment and do not increase annually.
Cost of Living in Dayton for Human Rights Studies Students
Dayton is an affordable college town in Ohio with a lower cost of living than major metropolitan areas. Budget for housing, meals, and daily expenses beyond tuition and fees.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (Off-Campus) | US$600-800 | INR 57,156-76,208 | US$7,200-9,600 | INR 6.86-9.14 Lakhs |
| Food and Groceries | US$300-400 | INR 28,578-38,104 | US$3,600-4,800 | INR 3.43-4.57 Lakhs |
| Transport | US$100-150 | INR 9,526-14,289 | US$1,200-1,800 | INR 1.14-1.71 Lakhs |
| Personal Expenses | US$150-250 | INR 14,289-23,815 | US$1,800-3,000 | INR 1.71-2.86 Lakhs |
| Total Living Costs | US$1,150-1,600 | INR 1.09-1.52 Lakhs | US$13,800-19,200 | INR 13.14-18.29 Lakhs |
Tip for Indian students: Dayton’s cost of living is 20-30 percent lower than cities like Boston or San Francisco. Budget INR 13-19 Lakhs annually for living expenses; combined with tuition, your four-year total is roughly INR 2.0-2.1 Crore.
Also Check: Cost of Living in USA
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts Human Rights Studies Admission 2027
University of Dayton admits international students for Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 intakes. Both academic and English language proficiency requirements apply.
| Intake | Application Opens | Deadline | Decision Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 1 September 2026 | 1 November 2027 | Late May 2027 | Open |
| Spring 2028 | 1 July 2027 | 1 November 2027 | December 2027 | Expected |
Academic Eligibility
University of Dayton requires a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 3.0+ GPA are preferred. WES credential evaluation is mandatory for all international transcripts.
| Requirement | Minimum | Preferred | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA (4.0 scale) | 2.8 | 3.0 | WES evaluation required for international transcripts |
| Portfolio | 10-15 pieces | Strongly recommended for Human Rights Studies; demonstrates writing and research capability | |
| Application Fee | US$85 | Non-refundable; required for application processing | |
English Language Proficiency
All international applicants must prove English proficiency via one of the accepted tests. The tests listed below are the only ones accepted by University of Dayton for undergraduate admission.
| Test | Overall Minimum | Component Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61 | N/A |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 per band |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 | N/A |
| PTE Academic | 53 | N/A |
- TOEFL 61 is achievable with 8-12 weeks of focused preparation; most Indian students target 70-80 for competitive placement.
- IELTS 6.0 requires band 5.5 minimum in each skill; plan 10-14 weeks of study from intermediate English.
- Duolingo 100 is the fastest option for international students; many test from India without travel.
- PTE 53 is less common among Indian applicants; IELTS and TOEFL are your stronger choices.
University Ranking: University of Dayton ranks 142 among National Universities in the U.S. News and World Report 2026 ranking. While no separate ranking exists for the Human Rights Studies programme, the university’s strong commitment to experiential learning and social justice aligns with the programme’s core values.
Tip for Indian students: GPA 2.8 is achievable for Indian students with coursework in English and mathematics; focus on TOEFL or IELTS, both widely recognised. WES evaluation takes 5-7 business days online.
Read More: University of Dayton Profile
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts Human Rights Studies Application 2027
Submit your application directly through University of Dayton’s admission portal. Track deadlines by intake and plan accordingly.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Status | Decision Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 1 November 2027 | Open | Late May 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | 1 November 2027 | Expected | December 2027 |
- Submit WES credential evaluation with your application; processing takes 5-7 business days.
- Include TOEFL or IELTS scores directly from the test provider; self-reported scores are not accepted.
- Write a 500-word personal essay on why you are interested in human rights studies and your career aspirations.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors strengthen your candidacy; at least one should address your analytical skills.
Application tip: Begin WES evaluation in September; submit your application by mid-October to account for processing delays. This gives the admissions team two weeks before the November 1 deadline.
Check Out: Complete Application Guide
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts Human Rights Studies Scholarships 2027
University of Dayton offers merit-based scholarships to international students. Amounts vary by academic achievement and programme of study.
| Scholarship | Minimum GPA | Annual Amount (USD) | Annual Amount (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Award | 3.2 | US$5,000 - US$12,000 | INR 4.76 - 11.43 Lakhs | All majors including Human Rights Studies |
| Arts and Sciences Award | 3.0 | US$3,000 - US$8,000 | INR 2.86 - 7.62 Lakhs | Humanities and liberal arts majors |
| Catholic Values Award | 2.9 | US$2,000 - US$5,000 | INR 1.91 - 4.76 Lakhs | International students demonstrating service orientation |
A student with a GPA of 3.2 and strong academic credentials can secure the International Merit Award of US$12,000 (INR 11.43 Lakhs) annually. This reduces your annual cost to US$37,100 (INR 35.36 Lakhs), offsetting roughly 24 percent of tuition.
- Merit scholarships are automatic with admission; no separate application required.
- Renewable annually if you maintain your GPA as specified by the award terms.
- Scholarships stack with federal loans for US-based students; international students should confirm additional aid eligibility.
Scholarship reality: Merit awards reduce your annual cost significantly but do not cover full tuition. Budget additional funding through home-country loans, educational credit, or family support to cover the gap.
Also Check: University of Dayton Scholarships
University of Dayton Bachelor of Arts Human Rights Studies Salary 2027
Graduates of the Human Rights Studies programme work in advocacy, legal practice, humanitarian aid, and non-profit sectors. Career outcomes data shows strong employment rates and competitive salaries.
| Career Metric | Value (USD) | Value (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Starting Salary | US$38,000 | INR 36.21 Lakhs |
| Salary Range (25th-75th Percentile) | US$32,000 - US$46,000 | INR 30.53 - 43.82 Lakhs |
| Placement Rate | 85 percent within 9 months of graduation | |
| Median Salary (6 Years Post-Graduation) | US$62,477 | INR 59.58 Lakhs |
Source: University of Dayton Career Outcomes Survey 2024-2025
Typical roles include human rights advocate, humanitarian coordinator, legal services administrator, and non-profit program officer. Take-home salary varies by location and employer; US federal taxes, state taxes, and deductions reduce gross figures by 20-30 percent.
- Human rights law roles command higher salaries (US$50,000+) than humanitarian coordination roles (US$35,000-40,000).
- Placement within nine months is strong; many internship experiences lead to full-time offers.
- Six-year career progression shows solid growth; median salary increases to US$62,477.
ROI reality: A four-year investment of INR 1.87 Crore yields annual gross salary of INR 36-44 Lakhs and career median of INR 60 Lakhs by year six, making payback feasible within 5-6 years in higher-paying legal and advocacy roles.
Read More: University of Dayton Placements
United States Visa Human Rights Studies 2027
International students study on the F-1 Student Visa, which permits full-time enrolment and optional practical training after graduation. The visa allows you to stay in the US for the duration of your degree plus a grace period.
- F-1 Student Visa grants entry and stay for your entire four-year degree plus 60 days grace period after graduation.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of paid work in your field after graduation; STEM fields qualify for 24 months.
- H-1B skilled worker visa is available after OPT or once you secure employer sponsorship; requires a bachelor’s degree and specialty-occupation role.
- Green Card sponsorship is available; employer-sponsored EB-3 category is common for humanitarian and non-profit roles.
Visa reality: F-1 visa processing takes 2-4 weeks after admission. Plan to arrive in the US 2-3 weeks before classes begin. OPT work authorisation requires application to USCIS 90 days before graduation.
Also Check: USA Student Visa Guide
Bachelor of Arts Human Rights Studies FAQs
Ques. What makes the Human Rights Studies programme at University of Dayton unique compared to other universities?
Ans. University of Dayton established the nation’s first undergraduate human rights studies program in 1998. The programme emphasises experiential learning; every student completes required internships, advocacy projects, and service-learning. The Dayton2DC Spring Break immersion connects you directly with 100+ alumni working in Washington, D.C., creating mentorship and career pathways that set this programme apart.
Ques. Is the Human Rights Studies degree valued by employers, especially for legal and humanitarian careers?
Ans. Yes. More than one hundred graduates have pursued careers as human rights advocates, lawyers, academics, and humanitarian professionals in legal, governmental, and non-profit sectors. The 85 percent placement rate within 9 months confirms strong employer demand. Starting salaries average US$38,000 (INR 36.21 Lakhs), with legal and advocacy roles reaching US$46,000-50,000.
Ques. Can I work part-time while studying on the F-1 visa?
Ans. Yes, but with restrictions. F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during official breaks (winter, spring). Off-campus work requires prior USCIS authorisation. Many students work in the university library, admissions office, or student support services, earning US$15-17 per hour.
Ques. What is the expected timeline for completing the GPA requirement and English language test before applying?
Ans. Plan 3-4 months to build your final GPA if needed, and 8-12 weeks for TOEFL preparation (or 10-14 weeks for IELTS). Begin GPA improvement and test preparation by June 2027 to apply by November 2027. Request WES credential evaluation by September to allow 5-7 business days for processing.
Ques. After graduation, what visa options let me stay and work in the United States?
Ans. You are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 12-month work permit available to all bachelor’s degree holders, non-STEM. After OPT, you can seek H-1B sponsorship (requires employer and specialty-occupation role) or pursue green card sponsorship through an employer. Many humanitarian and non-profit organisations sponsor H-1B and employment-based green cards for human rights professionals.
The Human Rights Studies programme at University of Dayton offers a rare combination: the nation’s oldest undergraduate human rights degree, mandatory experiential learning, and direct access to a network of mentors in Washington, D.C. If you are drawn to careers in advocacy, legal practice, or humanitarian work, and you meet the GPA and English proficiency requirements, this programme delivers strong career outcomes and post-graduation work authorisation.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $49140 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $46170 |
| 2021 | $44890 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |

















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