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 2024 Admission
- 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: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available (this is later in 2023-24 due to changes to the FAFSA).
- FEBRUARY 15: Recommended priority deadline to file the FAFSA.
- APRIL: UD will begin mailing financial aid offers.
- APRIL 30: *Extended application deadline. After April 30, please reach out to our team if you're interested in applying for Fall 2024 admission.
- MAY 15: Deadline to confirm enrollment.
Spring Admission
- AUGUST 1: Application opens; applicants will receive a decision notification, including the merit scholarship award, approximately 2-3 weeks after the application is submitted.
- NOVEMBER 1: Application deadline.
- DECEMBER 1: 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 Admission Account will show any materials that are still needed. 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. There is a lot of great information, personalized for you, in your Admission Account.
Admission Account
You should email admission@udayton.edu if you believe your application is complete, but your Admission Account shows it as "Incomplete." We will be able to see what the issue is and respond within one business day.
We began releasing admission decisions for students applying for Fall 2024 in mid-October. 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, email admission@udayton.edu and we can respond within one business day.
You can submit your deposit through your Admission Account. Click "View Your Decision," then "Reply to Offer." You will then be able to submit the deposit by mail or by credit card.
Admission Account
The university is eager to reward your hard work. We offer generous merit scholarships. In addition to merit scholarships, the university reviews FAFSA information to offer additional federal, state, and university financial aid. We also award a textbook scholarship to all students who complete a FAFSA and visit campus! We do not require an additional application for scholarships and financial aid. The university’s 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 ongoing federal delays with the FAFSA, we plan to begin sending financial aid offers in April to admitted students who have filed the FAFSA. View our 2023-24 financial aid timeline for more information.
Your Admission Account will show your financial aid offer under the "Financial Aid" tab as soon as it is released, and you will receive a package mailed to your home address.
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.