University of Dayton Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Dayton offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to help students achieve their academic goals. These scholarships are made possible through generous donations from alumni and friends of the university. If you're considering studying at this prestigious institution, understanding the available financial support options is crucial for your educational journey.
Academic Merit Scholarships
The university's academic merit scholarship program awards students based on their academic performance prior to enrollment. All full-time, degree-seeking applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships, whether they're entering from high school or transferring from another college. Scholarship notifications are sent upon admission to the University of Dayton.
For first-year students, these scholarships are renewable for four years, while transfer students can renew their scholarships for three years. To maintain eligibility, students must:
Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA
Complete 67% of courses attempted
Remain registered as a full-time student
Be a responsible member of the University community
You can learn more about merit scholarships on the university's official website.
Athletic Scholarships
Intercollegiate athletic scholarships are awarded to entering students based on recommendations from respective coaching staffs. The University of Dayton competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference for most sports. The football program competes in the Division One Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and is part of the Pioneer Football League.
For more information about athletic scholarships, contact the department of intercollegiate athletics at 937-229-2100.
Specialized Scholarship Programs
Deacons Scholarship
Incoming students whose father, grandfather, or uncle is a permanent, active deacon of the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church may be eligible for the Deacon's Scholarship. This is a renewable, four-year scholarship valued at $20,000 ($5,000 per year).
To be considered, you must apply for admission by the early action deadline of November 1st. Within the application, you'll need to provide the name of the Deacon, the Diocese, and your relationship to the Deacon. Priority is given to those with demonstrated need, so filing the FAFSA by the February 1st priority date is encouraged.
Department/Division Awards
Students may be eligible to receive additional scholarship funds from their academic department or division. These awards are typically reserved for upper-class students. Departments with available funds notify eligible students directly about these opportunities.
Note that students receiving scholarships that cover full tuition or close to full tuition may not be eligible for this funding. This includes Tuition Remission Scholars, Tuition Exchange Scholars, Flyer Promise Scholars, Kessler Scholars, and others.
Donor-Funded Awards
Corporations, foundations, service groups, and individual benefactors sponsor scholarships for upper-class students through the donor-funded scholarship program. Awards are based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, and/or service to the school and community while enrolled.
Award amounts vary, and they can be one-year only or renewable. Students are selected and notified throughout the award year. To be considered, complete the general application in AcademicWorks for priority consideration.
Hidden Heroes Scholarship
The University of Dayton offers an undergraduate scholarship to cover 100% of tuition for caregivers of 100% disabled veterans, known as Hidden Heroes. This scholarship supports caregivers who may need to retrain in another career to support their veteran.
Note that this scholarship would replace any merit or need-based assistance previously awarded by the university. To learn more about the Hidden Heroes Scholarship, contact vetservices@udayton.edu.
Music Talent Awards
The University of Dayton recognizes musical talent through Music Talent Scholarships. Students admitted to the department of music are eligible to receive a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for four years). Students in non-music majors who participate in an assigned ensemble can receive a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year for four years).
Auditions are required for these scholarships. Visit go.udayton.edu/music for more information.
National Alumni Association Scholarship
The University's National Alumni Association sponsors a $5,000 renewable scholarship awarded to students whose parent or grandparent is a UD graduate. Selection criteria include financial need, academic performance, standardized test scores, and service.
This scholarship is valued at $20,000 ($5,000 per year) with one award per class. To be considered, you must apply for admission by the early action deadline of November 1st and provide the alumnus' information in your application. Priority consideration is given to students with demonstrated financial need, so filing the FAFSA by February 1st is recommended.
National Merit - UD Sponsored
National Merit Scholarships are awarded to National Merit Finalists who designate the University of Dayton as their first-choice school. Amounts are either $1,000 or $2,000 per year based on need.
Osher Reentry Scholarship/ Crankstart Reentry Scholarship
The Osher Reentry Scholarship and the Crankstart Reentry Scholarship may be awarded to students who are generally between the ages of 25-50 and have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years. Recipients must be pursuing their first baccalaureate degree.
For more information, contact the Office of Transfer Admission at 937-229-4411.
U.S. Air Force ROTC
U.S. Air Force ROTC scholarships are offered nationally and may be used at the University of Dayton. Aerospace studies courses are taken at Wright State University in Dayton, while all other courses are taken at UD.
The University provides AFROTC award recipients with a $5,000 per year ROTC Incentive Grant, in addition to any UD merit scholarship awarded. The total of all aid (including the ROTC award) cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
For more information, contact the WSU AFROTC Detachment 643 at 937-775-2730.
U.S. Army ROTC
U.S. Army ROTC scholarships are offered nationally and may be used at the University of Dayton. The Department of Military Science oversees the Fighting Flyer Battalion, and all courses are taken on campus.
Scholarships can cover the full cost of tuition and fees, $600 per semester for books, and a $420 monthly stipend during the school year. Cadets receiving an ROTC scholarship could also receive University-funded aid to cover their room and board for four years.
For more information, contact the University of Dayton Army ROTC Detachment at 937-229-5524 or visit https://linktr.ee/udarmyrotc.
Visual Arts Awards
Visual arts scholarships are awarded annually on a competitive basis. Entering students who wish to be considered must submit a portfolio to be reviewed by the visual arts faculty. Four-year awards are renewed based upon the recommendation of the visual arts chairperson.
For more information, contact the department of visual arts at 937-229-3237.
How to Apply for University of Dayton Scholarships
To be considered for any of these scholarships, you must first apply for admission to the University of Dayton. International students can find detailed information about the application process at
University of Dayton International Admission Guide
Please note that some awards can be used to replace or reduce previously awarded University-funded aid. Students receiving scholarships that cover full tuition or close to full tuition may not be eligible for certain additional funding opportunities.
For specific scholarship requirements, deadlines, and application procedures, it's recommended to contact the University of Dayton's financial aid office or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.
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