Denison University campus
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Denison University

Granville, OH · Private · 2,380 students

Life on The Hill is driven by connection, fostering friends for a lifetime and peers who challenge and inspire.

Acceptance rate

17.4%

SAT (mid 50%)

1320–1490

Avg net price

$40,007

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Denison University’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Denison University admitted 17.4% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 13201490 on the SAT and 3033 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Denison University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Innovative, Mentored, Pragmatic Education

At Denison, our faculty are more than teachers, they’re mentors, guiding you to explore your passions and challenging you to reach your potential.

Denison combines the academic rigor of a liberal arts education with the pragmatic skills that employers seek.

  • 65+ Academic ProgramsDiverse fields, liberal arts foundation
  • Mentors, Not Just TeachersGuidance, passion exploration, potential challenging
  • Pragmatic Skills FocusEmployer-sought skills, career coaching, internships

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Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.denison.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $81,900, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $40,007.

Denison is one of the few colleges that meets 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need, working to make its transformative education financially accessible.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $67,753.

Verified from https://www.denison.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

From the moment I arrived, I was encouraged to join clubs, take on leadership positions, and explore new interests. Being part of campus life has helped me build confidence, strengthen my communicatio

The fully residential campus overlooks picturesque Granville, Ohio, and the surrounding Welsh Hills, with Columbus just 25 minutes away.

Quick answers

Denison University FAQ

Is Denison University test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Denison University is optional.
How hard is it to get into Denison University?
Very hard. Denison University admits 17.4% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1320 to 1490 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Denison University cost?
The list price is about $81,900, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $40,007.
Is Denison University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $67,753 ten years after enrolling, and 79% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Denison University.

Spike answers from Denison University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.