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Inclusive Excellence

UD Is Committed to Every Student's Success

As a Catholic, Marianist university, we know that diversity and inclusion are inextricably linked to excellence and enrich our learning environment. We embrace diversity as a gift of God’s creation, and we value and appreciate the gifts of each of our students.

In our tight-knit community, every person is welcome. From roommates and classmates to faculty and peers, UD students find a relationship-rich community that supports and challenges them to reach their fullest potential.

Our Community

21%

of undergraduates identify as multi-ethnic

22%

of our most recent class was eligible for a Pell Grant

By the Numbers

Retention Rate

A university's first-to-second year retention rate is a good way to gauge whether students are finding success and community during their first year. The retention rate is the percentage of students who return to the same university after their first year.

Average Retention Rates*

  • University of Dayton: 89%
  • National 4-year private institutions: 81%
  • National 4-year public institutions: 82%
  • Ohio 4-year institutions: 77%
  • Multi-ethnic students at UD: 84%

All data shown is the most recent available (summer 2025).

Graduation Rate

A university's graduation rate indicates the percentage of students graduating within a specified time frame. The majority of UD students graduate in four years (or five, including engineering co-ops). The most common rate used for comparison purposes, however, is the six-year graduation rate. For the sake of comparison, six-year rates are reported below.

Six-Year Graduation rate

  • University of Dayton: 80%
  • National 4-year private institutions: 69%
  • National 4-year public institutions: 63%
  • Ohio 4-year institutions: 62%
  • Multi-ethnic students at UD: 75%

Success Rate

Some, though not all, universities report on their student success or outcome rate. This is the percentage of students who are employed, in graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation. We're proud to share that our class of 2024 graduates achieved a 98% career success rate. It's important to note when evaluating a university's success rate how many graduates are included in the data.

University of Dayton Success Rates

  • 97% success rate
  • 97% of employed students are full-time
  • 95% are working in their chosen field or a steppingstone toward it
  • 96% success rate for multi-ethnic students
Upcoming Event
Three students walking on campus

Explore Inclusive Excellence at UD link-arrow link-arrow

Nov. 22

Diversity and inclusion are linked to excellence and enrich our learning environment. You'll discover how our variety of student organizations and programs support a diverse community of scholars.

Get the inside scoop from a student panel, take a tour and get questions answered by faculty and staff. You'll also learn about our transparent tuition plan, our unique approach to student success, and the details of the admission process.

There's no cost to attend but registration is required.

Overview of Student Support
Photo of Tiffany Taylor from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Office of Diversity and Inclusion link-arrow link-arrow

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides leadership and support for the University's strategic efforts to advance its work on diversity and inclusion.

Photo of two male students at the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center

Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center link-arrow link-arrow

For more than 50 years, UD’s Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC) has served as a resource for the entire campus community, cultivating and supporting our diverse community of scholars.

Photo of the exterior sign outside of the Brook Center

Brook Center link-arrow link-arrow

The Brook Center for Empowerment and Wellbeing helps students focus on their academic, personal, spiritual and social growth. The Brook Center offers many services to help the campus community grow stronger, happier and healthier — including peer leaders offering mental health, sexual violence and LGBTQ+ support.

Photo of priest and students at Mass

Campus Ministry link-arrow link-arrow

Campus Ministry provides space for people of all religious traditions to live, learn and deepen their faith.

Photo of a student at the up the orgs fest

Center for Student Involvement link-arrow link-arrow

The Center for Student Involvement provides an inclusive and engaging environment that fosters the holistic development of students as they become leaders and active participants in the community. There are currently 23 student-led organizations on campus specifically serving multi-ethnic students.

Photo of female student laughing at a reception

PEERS Mentor Program link-arrow link-arrow

The PEERS (Program to Engage and Exchange Resources for Students) mentor program empowers first-year students to successfully navigate the college experience. The program is designed to give students a way to create and maintain meaningful relationships with peers and build a connection to the greater UD community.

Dialogue Zone sign at entrance of room

Dialogue Zone link-arrow link-arrow

The Dialogue Zone initiative creates a space for the UD community to share multiple perspectives, cultivate listening skills and promote critical understanding as we foster a culture of dialogue.

Photo of the Women of UD recipients 2024

Women's Center link-arrow link-arrow

The Women’s Center serves all students, faculty and staff by promoting the equality of all gender identities, utilizing and modeling intersectional and anti-oppression frameworks, and advocating for an equitable University culture and community for all.