The Wright brothers developed the principles of aerodynamics for their first aeroplane in their small bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, the US. Today, something else is causing a buzz in the Gem City, as Dayton is popularly known. According to an International Student Barometer survey conducted late last year, the University of Dayton (www.udayton.edu) has the highest average score in three out of four categories amongst 13 Ohio colleges and universities. It ranked first overall, taking the top position for learning, living and support services.

The University of Dayton has around 460 international students and visiting scholars. They are mostly from India, China and Saudi Arabia. “We have students and faculty from approximately 55 countries. Indian students are especially attracted to our engineering programmes,” says president Daniel J. Curran.

Calling Indians

True, a large number of Indians seek the engineering courses offered there — especially electrical and computer — at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Chemical and mechanical engineering too are major draws. Last year the university saw a 6 per cent increase in the number of students from India. In fact, Indian students make up almost 40 per cent of the university’s international student population, chiefly as graduate students.

“Indian students are also finding success in computer science, business administration and our law school’s graduate programmes in intellectual property and technology law,” says Curran.

To be eligible for undergraduate admission, aspirants must pass Plus Two as well as undergo a rigorous preparation programme. They must have a minimum of 16 years of primary and secondary education. Additional criteria depend on the programme to which he or she is applying. Details on specific graduate programmes can be found at http://gradadmission.udayton.edu.

The university fosters a multicultural environment and its various centres help advance a spirit of entrepreneurship. Located in the heart of the campus is ArtStreet, an innovative multi-arts facility. The Center for Competitive Change provides training, consultation and assessment to companies on manufacturing and management. Then there is the Industrial Assessment Center where engineering experts provide free assessment to regional industries on energy, waste and productivity.

Money matters

Undergraduate tuition for one semester at the University of Dayton is $13,755 (Rs 6,76,000) with a university fee of $590 (Rs 29,000) per semester. Fees for graduate programmes range from $480 (Rs 24,000) to $797 (Rs 39,000) per credit hour (one hour of class per week for one term), depending on the programme. A university fee of $25 (Rs 1,200) per semester is also assessed. Living and other expenses amount to $14,600 to $15,200 (Rs 7,17,000 to Rs 7,47,000) per annum.

The university offers a unique campus life. Almost 95 per cent of the undergraduate population lives on campus. There are several options such as residence halls, apartments or houses, ranging between $2,600 (Rs 1,27,000) and $4,580 (Rs 2,24,000) per semester. First-year and second-year students under the age of 21 years old must live on campus. For graduate students, options include efficiencies (one-room flats) and apartments. Graduate students may also choose to live off campus in rented apartments. “Many Indian graduate students share apartments off campus to minimise expenses,” says Curran.

The university offers merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students ranging from $2,500 (Rs 1,22,000) to $12,500 (Rs 6,11,000) per year. A limited number of graduate and teaching assistantships is also available. While these assistantships are open to all, competition is tough.

Spice of variety

The institute sponsors 19 centres of excellence in engineering, business and humanities that focus on sensors, nanotechnology, ladar and optical communications, tissue regeneration, investments and finance, and others. Ninety-one per cent of the faculty holds a doctorate. “A few courses are also taught by graduate assistants,” says Curran. Anupriya Krishnan, a graduate in electro optics, says, “After four years of graduate education, I am much better at communication, problem solving, analytical and critical thinking. Teachers in my department are knowledgeable and thorough in their fields.”

The university has partnerships with several Indian institutions including the Loyola Institute of Business Administration (Liba), Chennai, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, and SRM University, Kancheepuram. “We have one-semester student exchange programmes with each, and are working on dual degree and graduate degree arrangements. We also offer essay and project competitions in business ethics and alternative energy,” says Curran.

Despite everything, it’s not all work and no play. There are more than 170 clubs, including sports leagues, academic societies and service organisations. In fact, the university is rated among the best in the US in inter-university sports. The Center for International Programs arranges special activities such as welcome and graduation parties, a fall harvest potluck and an annual international festival.

The Indian student association is one of the most active international student bodies on campus. Apart from helping new entrants, it arranges cultural, social and sports events, including a grand Diwali celebration. Sreekanth Vemulapalli, a graduate student in electrical engineering, says, “We are a community of about 100 students lending support to each other.”

For those who want a home-away-from-home experience that will also lead to a good career, the University of Dayton might just be the place.