Catawba College vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with University of Dayton in Dayton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dayton is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Catawba College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Catawba College 13:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Catawba College vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College or University of Dayton? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Catawba College than University of Dayton ($18,447 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Catawba College are 19.3% lower than at University of Dayton ($13,565 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 43.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Catawba College (about $14,840 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.3% higher at University of Dayton than at Catawba College (about $14,840 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $34,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 8.5% larger than aid received by Catawba College students ($33,418 vs. $30,808).

Catawba College vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College or University of Dayton? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Dayton and Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 120 points higher than at Catawba College (1170).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Catawba College (3.64).
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Catawba College vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College and University of Dayton? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Catawba College's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than Catawba College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Catawba College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Catawba College graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Catawba College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.