Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Dayton

Estimating a debt load around $27,625 for a University of Dayton liberal arts degree puts this program near the middle of the pack for Ohio—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. While peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings of roughly $40,556, by year four these graduates reach $54,474, a jump of nearly $14,000 that outpaces typical growth patterns for this major nationally.

That upward momentum matters when evaluating the debt burden. A 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable programs is manageable territory, especially when earnings appear to accelerate quickly. The four-year figure sits comfortably above what the strongest liberal arts programs in Ohio report for their first-year graduates, suggesting this degree may open doors to better opportunities over time than initial estimates alone would indicate.

The key uncertainty here is whether University of Dayton's specific outcomes match these estimates or diverge significantly—the DOE suppressed actual data due to small sample size. But the trajectory from estimated first-year to reported four-year earnings suggests students aren't stuck in entry-level roles. If your child values the Dayton network and campus experience, the financial picture based on similar programs looks workable, not worrisome. Just understand you're making this decision with borrowed data from peer schools rather than a track record specific to this program.