How to get into University of Dallas
How to get into UD: a Great-Books Catholic university with the Rome semester required and the Constantin Scholars merit program
53.4%
Acceptance rate
$53,930
In-state cost
What makes University of Dallas admissions different
The University of Dallas is a small (~1,400 undergrad) private Catholic university in Irving, TX (a Dallas suburb), with a distinctive Great Books curriculum and a required Rome semester for most undergraduates. The Core Curriculum spans literature, philosophy, theology, history, mathematics, and the sciences — every student reads classical and Christian texts in primary form across four years. The Rome semester at the Due Santi campus (a UD-owned property in the Castel Gandolfo region near Rome) is required for most sophomores and is one of the longest-running and most integrated Rome programs at any U.S. university. The Constantin Scholars Program is the school's named merit-and-scholarship pipeline for top admits.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App or UD's institutional application. The application includes a school-specific essay on the Great Books model and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
- 2.
Apply Early Action (Dec 1) or Regular Decision (Feb 1) — UD does not currently use binding ED.
- 3.
Apply for the Constantin Scholars Program by checking the box and completing the supplement — Constantin Scholars receive merit aid, dedicated advising, and additional research opportunities. Selection is competitive from the admit pool.
- 4.
Write the supplement around the Great Books curriculum (name specific texts you're excited to read or have already read), the Rome semester, and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Generic Catholic-college supplements don't land.
- 5.
Maintain a strong GPA in rigorous coursework — especially literature, history, and Latin if your school offers it. UD has been test-optional in some cycles; submit SAT 1280+ / ACT 28+ if scores reinforce.
- 6.
If you're not Catholic but the Great-Books curriculum interests you, that's fine — UD admits non-Catholic students and the application doesn't gate on religion. Engage with the intellectual tradition in the supplement.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Writing a supplement that doesn't reference the Great Books curriculum or the Rome semester. These are the school's identity — applicants who don't engage write generic Catholic-college essays.
- ✕
Underestimating the academic intensity. UD's curriculum is unusually demanding for a college of its size; applicants who want a lighter liberal-arts experience are mismatched.
- ✕
Missing the Constantin Scholars deadline. The merit pipeline runs through the early application window.
The specifics for University of Dallas
Application deadlines
- Early Action2025-12-01Non-binding. First decision wave and merit consideration.
- Regular Decision2026-02-01
- Constantin Scholars supplementVariesVerify with admissions; selection runs from the EA admit pool.
What makes this admissions process distinctive
UD's Core Curriculum is a Great Books model — every undergraduate reads classical and Christian primary texts across literature, philosophy, theology, history, mathematics, and the sciences over four years.
Required Rome semester at Due Santi ↗
Most UD undergraduates spend a semester (typically the spring of sophomore year) at the Due Santi campus near Rome — one of the longest-running and most integrated Rome programs at any U.S. university.
Catholic intellectual tradition
UD is a Catholic university with a distinct intellectual identity rooted in Thomistic and Augustinian thought. Applicants of all faiths are admitted; the curriculum engages the Catholic intellectual tradition seriously.
Notable scholarships at University of Dallas
Constantin Scholars Program ↗Varies
Awarded competitively from the admit pool with a separate supplement. Constantin Scholars receive merit aid, dedicated advising, and additional research opportunities.
What graduates actually do
The University of Dallas is a small Catholic liberal arts university in Irving, Texas, with a Great Books core curriculum and a distinctive Rome semester for nearly all undergraduates. Graduates feed Dallas-Fort Worth Catholic schools and dioceses, Texas law and medicine (UT Southwestern, Baylor Scott & White), and the conservative think-tank network. The Braniff Graduate School and the Cistercian/Dominican intellectual tradition shape outcomes.
Notable alumni
- Tom Hicks — Sports owner and private equity executive (parent of alums)
- Greg Abbott — Governor of Texas (attended)
Transfer pathway
University of Dallas accepts transfer students with a 2.5+ GPA and honors the Texas Common Course Numbering System for state CC credits. Dallas College and Collin College are the largest North Texas feeders. Transfer applicants are evaluated on their fit with the Great Books core and may need to make up Core requirements after transferring in.
Articulation partners
Dallas College · Collin College · Tarrant County College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App (supplements re-verified this pass). Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
UD admits applicants with strong academic preparation who fit the Great Books intellectual identity. Stats at the middle-50% with a Great-Books-specific supplement and an EA application are competitive for admission and Constantin Scholars consideration.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.