Closing the Gap
A Mission in Motion
As a Catholic, Marianist university dedicated to the common good, enhancing access and affordability is core to the University of Dayton's identity. It's our mission.
In recent years, the University has implemented several initiatives to improving financial access and student success for all students. Already the University has made substantial progress toward our goals – and we're just getting started.
Here, you can read about our signature access and affordability programs, along with the impact they've made to date.
99%
retention rate of Flyer Promise Scholars, our signature access program for Pell-eligible students
$10 million
reduction in student loan borrowing under our four-year tuition plan
We are committed to improving financial access and student success for talented students who might have thought a UD degree was out of reach. This work is at the heart of everything we do.
Progress Toward Affordability Goals
Pell Grant Enrollment Trends Since 2011-12
While enrollment of Pell Grant-eligible students has decreased at many other institutions, the University of Dayton has seen increased enrollment.
Pell Grant Eligibility of UD's Entering Cohort
We are working to increase the number of Pell Grant-eligible students at the University of Dayton
Difference in Graduation Rates Between Pell- and Non-Pell-Eligible Students
We are working to ensure that the six-year graduation rate for Pell Grant-eligible students is equivalent to the rate for non-Pell Grant-eligible students.
371
first-year students who were Pell Grant-eligible in fall 2019 — a record number for the University
81.6%
Six-year graduation rate, a University record that resulted from our affordability initiatives
131
high-achieving, underrepresented students enrolled in the first three Flyer Promise cohorts
American Talent Initiative
UD is expanding the impact of our own efforts to recruit and support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds by sharing our best practices through the American Talent Initiative, an alliance of the nation’s top-performing colleges and universities. Collectively, ATI members are working to expand access — with a shared goal of educating 50,000 additional high-achieving, lower-income students by 2025. UD President Eric F. Spina is a member of the nine-member steering committee.
American Talent InitiativeUD Sinclair Academy
UD Sinclair Academy, a partnership between the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College, was designed to ease the pathway to a four-year degree. Students are part of both campus communities from day one, and they have access to UD advising, research opportunities, facilities and amenities while taking classes at Sinclair. The Academy also helps make a four-year education more affordable. Academy students lock in tuition for their junior and senior years at the rate in effect when they enter the Academy.
UD Sinclair AcademyFlyer Promise
Launched in 2016, Flyer Promise removes financial barriers for high-achieving, lower-income students at select partner high schools. In addition to receiving significant financial funding, students benefit from academic enrichment, mentoring and leadership opportunities. There are currently 131 Flyer Promise Scholars; the program boasts a 99% retention rate.
Flyer PromiseFour-Year Tuition Plan
In 2013, the University of Dayton embarked on a bold plan — eliminate fees and hold steady the net tuition a student pays from year one to year four. In addition to providing families peace of mind when it comes to cost, the plan has led to a record six-year graduation rate (81.6%) and reduced student borrowing by over $10 million compared to pre-plan graduates.
Four-Year Tuition Plan
When 2+2 Equals More Than 4
Many universities and community colleges ink articulation agreements, typically known as “2+2” partnerships, as they seek to assure students their courses will transfer. But the UD Sinclair Academy is unusual and unusually deep. Students in the Academy are collegiate “dual citizens,” who hold student ID cards from both institutions from the minute they start taking classes. Learn more in an op-ed co-written by Eric F. Spina, University of Dayton president, and Steven L. Johnson, Sinclair Community College president.
Closing the Gap
Talent does not know ZIP code or race, birthright or income level. Innate talent is a precious gift. If we are to advance our society, American higher education must scour the country for talented young people no matter their socioeconomic background, enroll them and support their success.
Continue Reading President's Blog
The Case for Price Transparency
Higher education has a cost transparency problem. It’s not hard to argue why colleges must do better. But beyond the moral and ethical reasons that institutions should be completely clear about price, there is a practical argument: Colleges have nothing to lose by being transparent.
Continue Reading Op-Ed in University Business