
Denison University
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 the Denison University admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Denison University admitted 17.4% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s a low rate. Treat it as a reach unless the rest of your profile is very strong.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1320–1490 on the SAT and 30–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Denison University actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
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
Here’s what to send, and when.
- TestingOptional (2027 cycle)
Verified from https://www.denison.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $81,900. That isn’t 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.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Economics13% of degrees
- Communication and Media Studies8% of degrees
- Biology, General8% of degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology7% of degrees
- International Business7% of degrees
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness6% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s 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
What do people ask about Denison University?
- 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. 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. After aid, families pay $40,007 on average.
- Is Denison University worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $67,753 ten years after enrolling. 79% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Denison University.
Spike answers from Denison University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.