Kentucky vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with University of Dayton in Dayton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than University of Dayton based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 10,506 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Kentucky vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 University of Kentucky than University of Dayton ($21,958 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kentucky are 4.7% lower than at University of Dayton ($16,016 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 263.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $35,638 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.9% higher at University of Dayton than at University of Kentucky (about $15,000 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky as at University of Dayton (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 159.1% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($33,418 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 110 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Kentucky vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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 University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Kentucky graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($22,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($235 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 62%)

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.