Dream school

Higher ed expert Jeff Selingo urges families to ditch the “Top 25 or bust” mindset when considering colleges and look beyond the usual suspects. Hidden-gem schools with incredible value and rich opportunities are waiting to be discovered, and Selingo names the University of Dayton as one in his new book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You.

UD is one of 75 “new” dream schools, highlighting the University’s strengths in student belonging, mentorship, success and return on investment.

While “dream school” might sound like the place where Barbie and her friends would enroll, finding the right college for your child is serious business. The former higher education journalist and expert on university admissions redefines in his New York Times bestseller what makes a great college where the student can truly thrive.

UD and other schools on the list were chosen for accessibility, student engagement, financial sustainability and strong outcomes.

“The University of Dayton stood out for its transparent financial-aid model and hitting the sweet spots with a combination of small-college attention with big-school resources,” Selingo said.

Jason Reinoehl, vice president for strategic enrollment management, notes the University is expanding on these strengths with a new holistic advising model and ensuring every student in every major completes at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity before they graduate.

“We’ve seen faculty and staff support students with great success through their close relationships, and we’re aiming for all students to get that well-rounded support from holistic advisors and an associated flight crew,” he said.

"By expanding on our strengths and investing in our students with support and hands-on opportunities, they are learning to soar into their future careers as much as they are discovering who they are called to be.”

“In addition to providing academic advising, advisors are connecting students to resources and opportunities on campus, and helping create mentorship opportunities that enable our students to become the best version of themselves. By expanding on our strengths and investing in our students with support and hands-on opportunities, they are learning to soar into their future careers as much as they are discovering who they are called to be.”

Selingo also factored in delivery of value to undergraduates, solid job prospects and earnings-to-net-price ratio, and outcomes that “punch above the school’s weight” as data sources for determining the list of dream schools.