Denison University
Denison University is a private nonprofit university in Granville, OH ranked #738 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 2,398 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 16.9%. Students most often pursue Economics and History.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 88.7% first-year retention, and 80.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $38,111, about $21,113 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -66.3%, roughly 151.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,352. That's about $7,664 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Denison University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Denison University graduates 80.1% of students within six years and keeps 88.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Denison University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $64,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,400 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $76,900 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 12.8% of Denison University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,093 to $46,510 depending on family income. Use Denison University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $29,492/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,510/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,352
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,352
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.1%
- Employment Rate 82.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Denison University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Denison University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Denison University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Denison University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Denison University graduates earn $51,352 median, the -66.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 650-710
- SAT Math 650-760
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 29-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,398
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 88.7%
- Graduation Rate 80.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Denison University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Denison University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 16.9%, Denison University is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Denison University's 16.9% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1300 and 1470 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Denison University undergraduates. Communication and Media Studies, Economics, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Communication and Media Studies 11.2%
- Economics 11.2%
- Biology, General 8.0%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 7.7%
- International Business 5.6%
- Political Science and Government 4.3%
See more majors
- Computer Science 3.7%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $83,351
- 2. History $75,525
- 3. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $74,265
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. International Relations and National Security Studies $70,795
- 5. Communication and Media Studies $64,696
- 6. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $63,744
- 7. Political Science and Government $63,179
- 8. Biology, General $60,971
- 9. Sociology and Anthropology $55,049
- 10. International Business $53,516
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $83,351—56% more than International Business ($53,516). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Denison University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- International Business (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)▼
- Economics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- International Business
- Political Science and Government
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer Science
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Education, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- History
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Physics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Philosophy
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Dance
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Finance and Financial Management Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,398
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 47.6%
- Female Students 52.4%
- Caucasian 60.3%
- Asian 4.2%
- Hispanic 7.1%
- Black 5.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 12.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Denison University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Denison University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Denison University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Denison University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 12.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Denison University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Denison University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Denison University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -66.3% ROI. Ranked #738 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,111 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $51,352 median earnings. With 80.1% graduating within six years and 88.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Denison University's Positioning
With a B grade and #738 ranking, Denison University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,111 annually, Denison University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 88.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $26,678 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -66.3% ROI and $51,352 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,111+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Denison University ranks #738 of 6272 institutions, with 1567 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 80.1% six-year graduation rate sits 17.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.7% first-year retention is 11.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -66.3% return on investment is 151.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,352 run about 18% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,111 is roughly $20,993 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.5% employment rate within three years sits 14.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,111 is about $20,993 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 12.8% trails the national share by 26.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Denison University, a private nonprofit university in Granville, OH, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #738 among 6272 schools Completion earns A, Support A-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability D+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 88.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 80.1% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -66.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,111 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $76,900.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $38,789 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 12.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $51,352 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 18% higher.
Roughly 82.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -66.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
16.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Denison University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Granville, OH 43023
- Website www.denison.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$1.03B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate14.6%