Kenyon College campus
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Kenyon College

Gambier, OH · Private · 1,732 students

Kenyon occupies a singular place in the American imagination as the very picture of college life.

Acceptance rate

31.0%

SAT (mid 50%)

1358–1503

Avg net price

$38,512

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

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

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Kenyon College admitted 31.0% 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 13581503 on the SAT and 3133 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 Kenyon College actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Exploration Leads to Expertise

At Kenyon, you'll read widely, write often and learn to listen closely. You'll develop a voice that is practiced and confident, one you can carry into any field or future.

Students have the freedom to follow interests across disciplines, choosing one or more majors by the end of sophomore year, and completing a senior capstone.

  • Faculty MentorshipPioneered in 1841, deep, meaningful, often lifelong relationships
  • The Writer's College100% of graduates report stronger writing, communication, storytelling
  • Demonstrating MasteryEvery student completes a capstone project with their informed view

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Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

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

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $87,590, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $38,512.

Kenyon is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualifying students for all four years, offering need-based grants, student loans, campus work, and merit scholarships.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $71,830.

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

Campus life

The feel of the place

On a Tuesday, you might be discussing a manuscript with The Kenyon Review staff, then walking Middle Path to a peer advising session, and later volunteering in Knox County.

The iconic Middle Path connects campus and village in Gambier, Ohio, creating a unified college town.

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Quick answers

Kenyon College FAQ

Is Kenyon College test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Kenyon College is optional.
How hard is it to get into Kenyon College?
Very hard. Kenyon College admits 31.0% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1358 to 1503 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Kenyon College cost?
The list price is about $87,590, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $38,512.
Is Kenyon College worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $71,830 ten years after enrolling, and 84% 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 Kenyon College.

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