Undergraduate Application and Admission Process

To be considered for admission, submit the following items:

• Application (including essay). Submit your free application using the Common Application or the University of Dayton Application.
• Official high school transcript
• Official ACT and/or SAT scores, if desired. The University of Dayton is test-optional in admission.

For official materials not submitted electronically, your high school counselor should mail materials to:

Office of Recruitment and Admission
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1602

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program’s application requirements and deadlines, visit our nursing program page.

• View Application Tips
• Explore Admission Resources

Admission Timeline

Fall Admission

The dates below apply to students applying for the Fall 2025 semester.

• AUGUST 1: Application opens.
• NOVEMBER 1: Early action application deadline (non-binding) and nursing application deadline.
• NOVEMBER: Early action notification followed by merit scholarship notification.
• DECEMBER 1: Projected time for the 2025-26 FAFSA to open.
• FEBRUARY 1: Regular admission application deadline and priority deadline to file the FAFSA.
• EARLY SPRING: Financial aid offer notifications.
• MARCH 1: Deadline for nursing students to confirm enrollment.
• MAY 1: Deadline to confirm enrollment.

Spring Admission

• AUGUST 1: Application opens
• LATE-SEPTEMBER: Admission decision notifications begin, including the merit scholarship award.
• NOVEMBER 1: Application deadline.
• DECEMBER 1: Deadline to confirm enrollment.

How We Review Your Application

When your application arrives in the Office of Recruitment and Admission, our committee reviews it for admission to the academic major or program you selected. The quality of your academic record is shown by your:

• Grade record and pattern throughout high school. In some cases, we will request your 7th semester grades.
• Selection of courses in preparation for college
• Class standing or ranking
• ACT or SAT scores, if submitted
  • The University of Dayton is test-optional in admission. Test scores are never the sole or primary reason for an admission decision; rather, they are considered within the context of the supplemental information.

  The admission committee also considers the recommendation from your high school counselor, along with other factors, including your demonstrated interest in the University, which could be shown by attending an official campus visit or event in your area.

  Over the past several years, we have experienced a significant increase in the number and academic quality of applicants. Based on the overall academic quality of applicants and the requirements for a particular major or division, the admission committee may choose to admit you to a different academic program.

  You will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships by submitting your application for admission. To be considered for need-based financial aid, please complete the FAFSA.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please contact us and let our team know how we can assist you.

  How will I know if my application is complete?

  You can check your Admission Account to see if your application is complete. If it is not complete, your Application Checklist will show any materials that are still needed. Please note, we launched a new Admission Account experience and we're continuing to add new features. Application checklists will begin updating in early September.

  We strongly recommend checking your Admission Account a couple of times a month throughout the application cycle, as we will add different opportunities and messages there. Your Admission Account is also where your admission decision and financial aid offer will be released, even before anything gets mailed.

  What should I do if my application status is "Review Checklist" but I believe all of the materials were submitted?

  On August 1, the University of Dayton launched a new Admission Account for students applying for 2025 terms. We'll continue to release new features in the coming weeks. Here's what to expect:

  • AVAILABLE NOW: Spring and fall 2025 applicants can start and submit applications and work through checklist items.
  • EARLY SEPTEMBER: Checklist items will be updated based on your current status. (If you complete any checklist items before this time, they will show as incomplete.)

  After this time period, please email admission@udayton.edu if you believe your application is complete, but your Admission Account shows it as "Review Checklist." A counselor will review your application and advise on your next steps within one business day.

  When will I hear about my admission decision?

  We begin releasing admission decisions for students who meet our Nov. 1 early action deadline in November. You will see your admission decision first in your Admission Account. A formal admission decision will be mailed to you, as well. We continue sending admission decisions on a rolling basis.

  How do I change the major on my application?

  If you want to change the major on your application, please email admission@udayton.edu and we will respond within one business day.