School of Business Administration

The University of Dayton's Flyer Investments Fund has once again secured the #1 spot in the nation, according to the annual survey conducted by the Center for Investment Research. This prestigious recognition marks the fifth consecutive year the student-managed fund has topped the rankings—an achievement that reflects both the academic rigor and the real-world experience that define the University of Dayton School of Business Administration (SBA).

UD Flyer Investments Fund Ranked #1 in the Nation—for the Fifth Consecutive Year

The rankings, determined through surveys of more than 500 student-managed investment funds across the country, recognize programs that entrust students with the management of live investment portfolios. These programs offer students a rare and invaluable opportunity: to actively manage real financial assets while still in the classroom.

At UD, that opportunity comes through the Davis Center for Portfolio Management, home to the Flyer Investments Fund. Founded in 1999 with a $1 million grant from the University’s Endowment and generous support from alumnus Mr. Dick Davis and his wife Sue, the Davis Center was built on a vision of hands-on, high-impact learning. By 2010, the fund had grown to over $11 million, and today it continues to thrive under the leadership of students who research companies, evaluate risk, and make high-stakes investment decisions that mirror the demands of Wall Street.

Experiential learning propels student success at the University of Dayton School of Business Administration

So what makes a Flyer Fund investment unique? Students focus on companies with strong long-term growth potential that are underpriced in the market. They look for businesses with a competitive edge—brands, innovations, or loyal customers that give them staying power—and seek out investments likely to yield over 12% returns based on rigorous internal valuation models.

But what truly sets the Flyer Investments Fund apart is the deep research and commitment to excellence that defines every decision. Students don’t simply follow trends—they evaluate companies through in-depth analysis, collaboration, and critical thinking. This is learning by doing, and the results speak for themselves: more than 600 Davis Center alumni now work at leading investment firms around the world.

This kind of immersive experience doesn't just prepare students for jobs—it launches careers.