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
- ACT and/or SAT scores, if desired. The University of Dayton is test-optional in admission. If you have questions about submitting test scores, please review our Test-Optional Information and Test Score Policy page.
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
- FAFSA Becomes Available - October 1
- Early Action Application Deadline (non-binding) - November 1
- Early Action Notification - November
- Regular Decision Application Deadline - February 1
- Regular Decision Notification - After February 1
Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program should apply
by Nov. 1. Visit our nursing program page for more information about the program’s application requirements and deadlines.
Spring Admission
- Regular Decision Deadline: December 1
- Regular Decision Notification: 2-3 weeks after the application is submitted
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 guidance 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
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 will begin releasing admission decisions early November. You will see your admission decision first in your Admission Account. A formal admission decision will be mailed to you, as well.
Admission Account
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
Financial aid packages are typically released in January for the applicants that submitted the FAFSA and their admission application by December. Financial aid packages continue to be released as materials are submitted and evaluated. Your Admission Account will show your financial aid package 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.