The University of Dayton has evolved from a boarding school for boys carved out of fertile farmland more than 150 years ago into a top-tier national, private university and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the nation. Discover why we're a university on the move.


UD at a Glance

The University of Dayton — Catholic, Marianist, innovative, transformative — stands as a leader in higher education and one of the preeminent Catholic universities in the nation. It's the largest private university in Ohio.

Founded by the Society of Mary (the Marianists) in 1850, the University of Dayton focuses on educating the whole person through a community of challenge and support. A University of Dayton education is transformative. Students are prepared for both life and work and learn skills in building community. Our students lead through service to others.

This is a university on the move with a deep commitment to academic excellence. At the undergraduate level, we offer more than 70 high-quality programs in four accredited divisions. We provide premiere graduate programs at both the master's and doctoral levels. We offer a law degree, either traditional or accelerated.

At the University of Dayton, you'll find a friendly, welcoming campus that embraces diversity. Nationally recognized as a top-tier university, we offer the resources of a large university and the personal attention you'd expect at a small college.