Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs across Ohio, University of Dayton's bachelor's degree appears to track close to typical outcomes for the state, with estimated first-year earnings around $49,200 and debt near $22,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 falls comfortably within the manageable range—your child would owe less than half what they're likely to earn in their first year. However, it's worth noting that several Ohio public universities with reported data show graduates earning $5,000+ more annually, which could meaningfully affect loan repayment timelines and financial flexibility early in their career.
The estimation here stems from limited graduate samples, not unusual for a private university's math program, so actual outcomes for Dayton could vary. What we do know: the school draws reasonably strong students (average SAT of 1313) and charges private-school tuition, yet the estimated debt burden stays relatively controlled—only slightly above the state median of $20,750. If your child thrives in smaller classroom settings and values Dayton's Catholic, community-oriented environment, the financial picture doesn't present obvious red flags.
The practical consideration: can your family bridge any gap between estimated and actual costs without substantially more borrowing? If Dayton's specific offerings—research opportunities, faculty mentorship, or career connections—justify choosing it over lower-cost public alternatives with stronger earning tracks, the math works. Otherwise, those Kent State or Ohio State outcomes suggest examining whether a public option delivers comparable value with better documented results.
Where University of Dayton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (56 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,600 | $49,228* | — | $22,625* | — | |
| $7,272 | $54,367* | — | $19,250* | 0.35 | |
| $12,846 | $54,367* | — | $19,250* | 0.35 | |
| $12,859 | $52,921* | $58,860 | $20,500* | 0.39 | |
| $17,809 | $49,541* | — | $18,850* | 0.38 | |
| $13,570 | $48,914* | — | $20,970* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Dayton, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.