College Costs in Dayton, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Dayton, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,740
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$46,490
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$865
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Dayton Overview
Population
137,644
Student Population
13,649 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
61/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
6%
College Cost Calculator for Dayton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,516
Total After Financial Aid
$89,516
Annual Cost
$22,379
Annual After Aid
$22,379
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,516 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,016 |
| Total Interest | $32,456 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,972 |
Universities in Dayton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Dayton | Private | $46,490 |
| Wright State University | Public | $9,740 |
| Sinclair Community College | Community | $4,344 |
Dayton has 9 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dayton vs. National Average
| Category | Dayton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,740 | $10,940 | -$1,200 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $865 | $1,050 | -$185 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Dayton's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Dayton
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
13,649 students
Dayton has a total population of 137,644, with approximately 13,649 college students (9.9% of the population). Dayton has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dayton
$42,466
Starting Salary
6%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dayton earn a median starting salary of $42,466, which is $7,466 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,516 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,990 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Ohio
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31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,936
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20 colleges · Avg tuition $11,270
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28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
Toledo
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Akron
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,330
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
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