A new report from the American Talent Initiative shows top universities — including the University of Dayton — are enrolling more students from lower-income families.
As ATI celebrates this national momentum, the University is marking its own milestone: a decade of steady progress in making a UD education more accessible.
The progress is rooted in programs that matter to families and the local community. Flyer Promise removes financial barriers while offering mentoring and leadership support. The UD Sinclair Academy allows students to start their journey at community college while still accessing UD advisors and campus life. The UD Sinclair Professional and Applied Learning Fellows offers one-on-one professional development support for students, workforce-readiness workshops and direct experiential learning opportunities, including job shadows and internships. And the Kessler Scholars program creates specialized support for first-generation students.
Ten years ago, about 800 Pell students called UD home. In the latest report, that number has grown to nearly 1,500 — students whose skills and experiences enrich the University. Because of this commitment, ATI has named Dayton a national “High Flier.”
“Our success tells the world that access is part of who we are; students are supported here; and a UD degree is meant to be within reach,” said Jason Reinoehl, vice president for strategic enrollment management.