Our academic merit scholarship program offers awards based on academic performance prior to enrolling. Those applying as a full-time, degree-seeking student will automatically be considered for scholarship, whether entering from high school or transferring from another college. Scholarship notification occurs upon admission to the University of Dayton.

Entering first-year student scholarships are renewable for four years and transfer student scholarships are renewable for three, provided the student maintains a 3.0 cumulative GPA, is registered full-time and is a responsible member of the University community.

Intercollegiate athletic scholarships are awarded each year to entering students upon recommendation of the respective coaching staffs. The University of Dayton competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference for all sports except football. The football program competes in the Division One Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and is a member of the Pioneer Football League. Contact the department of intercollegiate athletics at 937-229-2100 for more information.

An incoming student whose father, grandfather or uncle is a permanent, active deacon of the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church may be eligible for a Deacon’s Scholarship, a renewable, four-year scholarship. Due the nature of this scholarship, the initial award must be administered to first-year, incoming students. The four year award is valued at $20,000 ($5,000 per year).

To be considered, you must apply for admission by our early action deadline of November 1st. Within the application, you will be able to provide the name of the Deacon, the Diocese and your relationship to the Deacon. Also, since priority is given to those with demonstrated need, you’re encouraged to file the FAFSA by our priority filing date of February 1. In February, we will reach out to each Diocese for confirmation of the Deacon’s status. The awards will be made by early March and the number is limited each year. 

Students may find that they are eligible to receive additional scholarship funds from their academic department/division. Typically, awards are reserved for upper-class students. Departments who have funds available notify students directly about these opportunities.

Corporations, foundations, service groups and individual benefactors sponsor scholarships for upper-class students through the donor funded scholarship program. Awards are given based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership and/or service to the school and community, while enrolled. Amounts vary by award, and awards can be one-year only or renewable. Students are selected and notified throughout the award year, and should complete the general application in AcademicWorks for priority consideration.

We know that the State of Ohio has approximately 140 Hidden Heroes, those who care for 100% disabled veterans. To support caregivers who may need to retrain in another career to support their veteran, we offer an undergraduate scholarship to cover 100% of tuition at the University of Dayton. (Note: this scholarship would replace any merit or need-based assistance previously awarded to you by the university) To learn more about the Hidden Heroes Scholarship, contact vetservices@udayton.edu.

The University of Dayton recognizes the talent of all students who contribute to our music community 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 other 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. Visit go.udayton.edu/music for more information.

The University’s National Alumni Association sponsors a $5,000 renewable scholarship awarded to a student whose parent or grandparent is a UD graduate. Selection criteria include financial need, academic performance, standardized test scores and service. Due the nature of this scholarship, the initial award must be administered to a first-year, incoming student. The award is valued at $20,000 ($5,000 per year) and one award per class.

To be considered you, must apply for admission by our early action deadline of November 1st. Within the application, you will be able to provide the alumnus’ information. Also, since priority consideration is given to students with demonstrated financial need, you’ll want to file the FAFSA by our priority filing date of February 1. This award is typically made by late March.

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.

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. The recipients must be pursuing their first baccalaureate degree. Contact the Office of Transfer Admission at 937-229-4411 for more information.

The Study Abroad Scholarship is available to help you expand your perspective and stand out in the global marketplace. Through select study abroad programs, you can take advantage of our unique opportunity to learn overseas for an entire semester at no additional cost. Or you can use the scholarship for a UD summer study abroad experience when you enroll in nine or more credit hours. We encourage you to contact our office prior to deciding which program to participate in to confirm this one-time scholarship can be used. It cannot be used with programs sponsored by third-party organizations or institutions.

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. Contact the WSU AFROTC Detachment 643 at 937-775-2730 for more information.

The University will provide 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.

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 a 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. Contact the University of Dayton Army ROTC Detachment at 937-229-5524 or visit https://linktr.ee/udarmyrotc for more information.

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. Students may contact the department of visual arts at 937-229-3237 for more information.