About

About Denison University

liberal arts collegesmall class sizesselective admissionssmall ohio campusstrong pre-med programs

Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, OH, known for its liberal arts college, small class sizes, and selective admissions. With an acceptance rate of 22%, DU is highly selective, typically enrolling around 683 students each year. DU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1270–1420, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. DU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; the average net price for families earning under $30,000 is $16,656.

Admissions

Denison University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

22%
Overall Accept Rate
1345
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1270 – 1420 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Denison University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Denison rates essays as one of the most important parts of your application, so use your personal statement to show genuine intellectual curiosity and how you think, not just what you have done. Admissions readers at Denison want to see a specific, vivid story that reveals your character and how you would contribute to their tight-knit residential community in Granville.
Essay Strategy
Denison's supplemental essay is your chance to name specific professors, programs like the Lisska Center for Scholarly Engagement, or the school's residential learning communities that connect to your academic interests. Generic answers about wanting a small liberal arts college will not stand out, so do your homework and be precise.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Denison University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Meets 100% of demonstrated need: Denison University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Denison University's sticker price of ~$74k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$74k/yr$16.7k
30k-48k~$74k/yr$13.1k
48k-75k~$74k/yr$17.8k
75k-110k~$74k/yr$20.8k
110k+~$74k/yr$48.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

80%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$51k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,384
Undergrad Enrollment
Denison University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch