Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Dayton, OH & Saint Paul, MN
When students choose between University of St. Thomas and University of Dayton, they're comparing two remarkably similar Catholic universities with different geographic footprints.
Both private institutions cost around $31,000 annually and produce graduates earning in the mid-$70,000s at the median. The schools differ more in emphasis than outcomes — St.
Thomas leans heavily into business education while Dayton maintains strength across business and engineering. For families weighing these options, the decision centers on program focus and regional connections rather than financial advantage.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$23,250
federal loans
$23,250
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$43,810
borrowed by parents
$24,467
borrowed by parents
St. Thomas is predominantly business-focused, with 40% of graduates earning degrees in business fields.
Dayton has a more balanced approach: 28% Business, 20% Engineering, 7% Education. St.
Thomas's largest programs include Business Administration (171 graduates annually), Finance (119), and Marketing (117), with Mechanical Engineering (102) as the notable STEM outlier. Dayton's top programs reflect its broader mission: Mechanical Engineering leads with 195 graduates, followed by Finance (150), Marketing (143), and Communications (140).
This program composition shapes career trajectories and regional employer connections.
For students prioritizing business education with lower debt burden, St. Thomas delivers strong outcomes with more manageable monthly payments and significantly less family borrowing.
Dayton offers a more diverse academic experience, higher completion rates, and modest earnings advantages — making it the better choice for students seeking engineering or broader program options who can handle the higher debt load. The financial profiles are nearly identical, so the right choice depends on program preferences, regional connections, and family borrowing capacity.
Both schools provide solid value propositions with different strengths rather than a clear financial winner.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
