University of Dayton vs Case Western Reserve University: which has better ROI?
Case Western Reserve University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $164,760 in 4.2 years versus 4.3 years at University of Dayton, on median earnings of $87,989 vs $75,537 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Dayton | Case Western Reserve University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,533 | $41,190 |
| Total net cost | $118,132 | $164,760 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,537 | $87,989 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 4.3 yrs | 4.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $425,408 | $627,820 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Dayton or Case Western Reserve University?
University of Dayton, at $29,533 a year after aid versus $41,190 — a gap of $11,657 a year, or $46,628 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Dayton or Case Western Reserve University graduates earn more?
Case Western Reserve University graduates report a median $87,989 ten years after entry, $12,452 more than the $75,537 at University of Dayton. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Dayton or Case Western Reserve University?
University of Dayton: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Case Western Reserve University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
87% of students finish at Case Western Reserve University, against 80% at University of Dayton. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.