The University of Dayton (UD) is an American private Roman Catholic national research university in Ohio's sixth-largest city, Dayton. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (Marianists), it is one of three Marianist universities in the nation and the largest private university in Ohio. The university's campus is located in the city's southern portion and spans 388 acres on both sides of the Great Miami River. The campus is noted for the Immaculate Conception Chapel and the University of Dayton Arena. The University also operates, in China's Suzhou Industrial Park, the University of Dayton China Institute.

The University has about 8,000 undergraduate and 3,000 post-graduate students from a variety of religious, ethnic and geographic backgrounds, drawn from across the United States and more than 40 countries. It offers more than 80 academic programs in arts and sciences, business administration, education and health sciences, engineering, law and, in 1988, was first in the country to offer an undergraduate degree program in human rights.

The University's notable alumni include: humorist Erma Bombeck; engineer David Bradley (Control-Alt-Delete keyboard command inventor); architect Bruce Graham; Super Bowl-winning coaches Jon Gruden and Chuck Noll; first female Premier of New South Wales Kristina Keneally; sportscaster Dan Patrick and Nobel Prize winner Charles J. Pedersen.

At the University of Dayton, we learn by doing, because doing transforms education. Whether it's breaking ground on campus to do groundbreaking work with GE Aviation, staying ahead of the economic curve by opening an institute in China or increasing our global foothold by reducing our local footprint, we're rolling up our sleeves and taking action to create a better tomorrow.

Starting with only 14 students, one building and one farm, the University of Dayton rose from its humble beginnings in 1850 to become an internationally recognized university. Situated on the banks of the Great Miami River in southwest Ohio, less than two miles from downtown Dayton, there’s always something fun to do on and around campus. Indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, we’re a community of doers. 

As a Catholic, Marianist university, we are devoted to education for service, justice and peace, and we strive to develop critical minds and compassionate hearts. We provide an experience that educates the whole person — mind, body and spirit — to inspire students to be better professionals and create a better world. 

A better tomorrow begins with a busy today.