What impact will the debate have on voters, and how soon will we know?
The outcome will ultimately be in the hands of those who are undecided or are leaning toward third party candidates.
Polls show that more voters than usual still haven't made up their mind. With that said, it is National Voter Registration Day and whether they like it or not, voters will have to make a choice.
Director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion Chris Borick said, "I think on the whole, both Trump and Clinton in terms of their base probably came away with a very satisfied audience."
But for those who are still undecided or leaning toward third party candidates, performances like last night matter.
"By the end of the week you'll start getting the sense if there is any bump from the debate for either of the candidates. And that'll tell you in many ways who did win," said Borick.
As for libertarian Gary Johnson and the green party's Jill Stein, not making it on the stage due to low polling numbers doesn't help their cause.
Borick said, "It might push aside the opportunity for those third party candidates to get their face out there and to have an opportunity to make their pitch to voters so it's a big big disadvantage."
In the end, it all comes down to who you ask and whether or not they've made up their mind. But for political experts like Borick, last night did look better for one of the candidates.
"I think the night was probably a better night for Hillary Clinton. I think she looked more in control, I think Donald Trump looked frustrated at points especially in the second half of the debate."
The next debate is scheduled to take place on Tuesday October 4th at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia.