Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Dayton, established in 1850 by the Society of Mary, is a private Catholic research university located in Dayton, Ohio, USA. Recognized as a top-tier, doctoral-level institution with a Carnegie R2 "high research activity" status, it offers a vibrant academic environment. The university is committed to providing an accessible top education and offers international merit scholarships to support global diversity and make a UD education more affordable for talented students from around the world.

The international merit scholarships are a significant initiative to ease the financial burden for undergraduate international students, with the majority of admitted international undergraduates receiving an award upon admission. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students and ensure they have the financial support needed to pursue their academic goals at the University of Dayton. While the university does not offer full tuition scholarships, these merit-based awards significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.

To be eligible for undergraduate admission and automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the University of Dayton, international students must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Open to international students from any country worldwide.
• Academic Level: Applicants must be seeking first-year or transfer undergraduate admission.
• Education: Must have completed secondary education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Official academic transcripts from all previously attended secondary schools are required. Transfer applicants with post-secondary coursework outside the U.S. are required to submit an official evaluation of their college transcripts, preferably by TEC.
• Academic Record: A strong academic record with a competitive GPA is expected. The average GPA for admitted students is around 3.0 out of 4.0.
• English Language Proficiency: If English is not an applicant's native language, proof of English proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated through one of the following tests, with minimum scores for full admission:
  • TOEFL (iBT): Minimum 70
  • IELTS: Minimum Band 6.0
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum 100 or 105
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): Minimum 50
  • iTEP: Minimum overall score of 4.0
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Minimum 26 or 480
  • ACT English: Minimum 21
  • Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet academic qualifications but do not initially meet the English proficiency requirements may be considered for conditional admission, which requires successful completion of the University of Dayton's Intensive English Program.
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT scores are optional for most applicants.
• Financial Documentation: F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must provide financial documentation demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the first year of study.

The University of Dayton's merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students offer substantial financial support, though they do not provide full funding:

• Tuition: International Merit Scholarships are worth up to $34,000 per year towards tuition costs. Other sources cite amounts up to $33,000 or $30,000 per year. The total scholarship value can reach up to $105,390 over four years.
• Textbook Scholarship: An additional textbook scholarship is often included, valued at up to $4,000 over four years or up to $500 per semester.
• Application Fee Waiver: The application fee for international undergraduate students applying through the University of Dayton Application or the Common App is waived.
• Renewability: Scholarships are generally renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.

It is important to note that these are partial scholarships, as the University of Dayton does not offer full tuition scholarships for international students. For the academic year beginning Fall 2026, the estimated full-year costs are approximately: Tuition $51,910; Living Expenses (including UD housing and meal plan) $17,990; and Estimated Miscellaneous Expenses (such as mandatory health insurance, transportation, and books) $4,320. The scholarship amounts will be applied directly to the tuition costs.

Applying for undergraduate admission and scholarship consideration at the University of Dayton is a straightforward process for international students:

1. Choose Application Portal: Submit your application using either the University of Dayton Application or the Common App.
2. Application Fee Waiver: The $50 application fee is waived for undergraduate international applicants.
3. Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are submitted:
   • Application and Essay: Complete the application form and submit your personal essay.
   • Official Secondary Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended secondary schools, including dates of attendance, subjects, and grades. If transcripts are not in English, a certified English translation must accompany them.
   • Post-Secondary Transcripts Evaluation: For transfer applicants, an official evaluation of college transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. is required. This evaluation should be a divisional course analysis completed by TEC (Transcript Evaluation Centre).
   • Proof of English Proficiency: Submit official scores from an accepted English language test (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, SAT, ACT) if English is not your native language. Scores should be sent directly from the testing center.
   • Financial Documentation: Provide documentation showing sufficient funds to cover the first year of study, which is required for F-1 and J-1 visa processing. Acceptable forms can be found in your Admission Account.
   • Copy of Passport: A copy of your valid passport is required.
   • Letter of Recommendation: While generally optional for admission, a letter of recommendation can strengthen your overall application. Some sources imply it is required for scholarship consideration.
4. Automatic Scholarship Consideration: No separate scholarship application is needed. All admitted international undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships when their complete application and required documents are received.
5. Track Application: You can check the status of your application and received documents at any time through your Admission Account.
6. Evaluation Timeline: The admission evaluation and review process typically takes approximately four weeks once your application is complete.

The University of Dayton offers enrollment opportunities for international students during the fall, spring, and summer terms, with specific application deadlines for each:

• Fall Term (August through December) Deadline: May 1
• Spring Term (January through April) Deadline: November 1
• Summer Term (May through July) Deadline: Case-by-case basis, typically no later than March 1.

It is highly recommended to submit applications well in advance of these deadlines.

The selection process for international undergraduate merit scholarships at the University of Dayton is primarily based on the applicant's academic performance.

• Academic Merit: Scholarships are awarded based on a strong academic record, including a competitive GPA and official academic transcripts.
• Standardized Test Scores (if submitted): If applicants choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, higher scores can contribute to a more competitive scholarship award.
• Automatic Consideration: There is no separate application for the merit scholarships; all admitted international undergraduate students are automatically considered for these awards.
• Number of Awards: The majority of international undergraduate students receive an international merit scholarship upon admission. While the exact number of awards varies annually, the university aims to provide significant support to its international student body.
• Textbook Scholarship: For consideration for the textbook scholarship, some sources suggest completing a campus visit or a video visit with UD admissions.
• Acceptance Rate: The University of Dayton has an undergraduate acceptance rate of approximately 65% to 74%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.