Undergraduate Application and Admission Process
Application Instructions
To be considered for admission, submit the following items:
- Application (including essay). Submit your free application using the Common Application or the University of Dayton Application.
- Official high school transcript
- Official ACT and/or SAT scores, if desired. The University of Dayton is test-optional in admission.
For official materials not submitted electronically, your high school counselor should mail materials to:
Office of Recruitment and Admission
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1602
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program’s application requirements and deadlines, visit our nursing program page.
Admission Timeline
Fall Admission
The dates below apply to students applying for the Fall 2025 semester.
- AUGUST 1: Application opens.
- NOVEMBER 1: Early action application deadline (non-binding) and nursing application deadline.
- NOVEMBER: Early action notification followed by merit scholarship notification.
- DECEMBER 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens.
- FEBRUARY 1: Regular admission application deadline and priority deadline to file the FAFSA.
- EARLY SPRING: Financial aid offer notifications.
- MARCH 1: Deadline for nursing students to confirm enrollment.
- MAY 1: Deadline to confirm enrollment.
Spring Admission
- AUGUST 1: Application opens
- NOVEMBER: Admission decision notifications begin, including the merit scholarship award
- NOVEMBER 1: Application deadline
- DECEMBER 15: Deadline to confirm enrollment
How We Review Your Application
When your application arrives in the Office of Recruitment and Admission, our committee reviews it for admission to the academic major or program you selected. The quality of your academic record is shown by your:
- Grade record and pattern throughout high school. In some cases, we will request your 7th semester grades.
- Selection of courses in preparation for college
- Class standing or ranking
- ACT or SAT scores, if submitted
- The University of Dayton is test-optional in admission. Test scores are never the sole or primary reason for an admission decision; rather, they are considered within the context of the supplemental information.
The admission committee also considers the recommendation from your high school counselor, along with other factors, including your demonstrated interest in the University, which could be shown by attending an official campus visit or event in your area.
Over the past several years, we have experienced a significant increase in the number and academic quality of applicants. Based on the overall academic quality of applicants and the requirements for a particular major or division, the admission committee may choose to admit you to a different academic program.
You will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships by submitting your application for admission. To be considered for need-based financial aid, please complete the FAFSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please contact us and let our team know how we can assist you.
You can check your Admission Account to see if your application is complete. If it is not complete, your Application Checklist will show any materials that are still needed. Please note, we recently launched a new Admission Account experience and we're continuing to add new features. Our team is processing applications and updating checklists as quickly as possible, but we appreciate your patience as we work to catch up on this process.
We strongly recommend checking your Admission Account a couple of times a month throughout the application cycle, as we will add different opportunities and messages there. Your Admission Account is also where your admission decision and financial aid offer will be released, even before anything gets mailed.
Admission Account
The University of Dayton recently launched a new Admission Account for students applying for 2025 terms. We'll continue to release new features in the coming weeks.
What’s available now:
- Applicants can submit applications and work through checklist items.
- Our team is now processing applications and updating checklists, but we appreciate your patience as we work to catch up on this process.
- Financial aid checklists for undergraduate applicants.
- Applicants with a decision will be able to view decision letters.
- Admitted students will have the ability to confirm enrollment and pay a deposit.
- AdobeSign forms for students required to submit additional information.
After this time period, please email admission@udayton.edu if you believe your application is complete, but your Admission Account shows it as "Review Checklist." A counselor will review your application and advise on your next steps within one business day.
We begin releasing admission decisions for students who meet our Nov. 1 early action deadline in November. You will see your admission decision first in your Admission Account. A formal admission decision will be mailed to you, as well. We continue sending admission decisions on a rolling basis.
Admission Account
If you want to change the major on your application, please email admission@udayton.edu and we will respond within one business day.
The University is eager to reward your hard work. In addition to generous merit scholarships, the University reviews FAFSA information to offer additional federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Students who complete the FAFSA and visit campus can qualify for a textbook scholarship worth up to $500 per semester for four years. We do not require an additional application for scholarships and financial aid. Our transparent approach to financial aid means we will review your record and offer the most we are able to offer and guarantee it for four years. With that said, we highly recommend families complete the FAFSA, even if they do not believe they will receive federal or state aid. You can find out more about our scholarships on our financial aid website.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Due to the delayed availability of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we estimate that we'll begin releasing financial aid offers in early spring semester, usually January through March. Visit our FAFSA webpage for additional details.
Your Admission Account will show your financial aid offer on the "Financial Aid" tab as soon as it is released, and you will receive an email followed by a package mailed to your home address.
Learn More About Financial Aid Offers
We take a holistic, rigorous approach in our admission decisions and admit students based on their academic qualifications, their potential to succeed in the classroom and life, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to our Catholic, Marianist university. All applicants to the University can be assured that their qualifications will be evaluated fairly and equitably. The University of Dayton is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and abides by its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.