About Denison University
Students pay an average net price of $38,111 after financial aid, less than the $64,000 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $67,753 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $26,000 manageable with monthly payments of $276. The investment pays off for most students, with 94.9% finding employment after graduation. Only 12.8% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating this is primarily a school for middle and upper-class families.
The Big Red compete in 22 Division III sports with 610 total athletes, creating a campus where nearly a quarter of students participate in varsity athletics. The 82% four-year graduation rate suggests students find what they need to succeed in Granville's close-knit environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 92.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 82.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.1%
- Retention Rate
- 88.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,753
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| History. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,134 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and dining hall habits. Students often grab coffee with professors or attend dinner parties at faculty homes. Weekends revolve around campus traditions like the annual May Day celebration and homecoming festivities that draw alumni back to Granville's tree-lined streets. The Big Red competes in 22 Division III sports with 610 total athletes, creating a spirited but non-scholarship athletic culture. Greek life and residential communities anchor social scenes, while the historic village of Granville offers cozy cafes and boutiques within walking distance. Students frequently venture to Columbus for concerts or internships, but most weekend activities happen on the hilltop campus where tight-knit friendships form quickly.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,387 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1831
Campus Safety (2023)
60 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 63°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.6%
- Women
- 52.4%
- White
- 60.3%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 7.1%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 22.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.8%
Location
- Address
- Granville, Ohio 43023
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,753
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,795
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Denison University?
Denison University accepts 22% of applicants, making it highly selective among liberal arts colleges. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1270-1460 on the SAT, reflecting the academic caliber expected at this strong Ohio institution.
How much does Denison University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Denison University is $38,111, lower than the full cost of attendance of $80,400. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay around $13,000-15,000 annually, while those from higher-income families typically pay $29,000-46,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Denison University?
Denison University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 2,398 students total. This intimate setting allows for the close mentoring relationships and personalized attention that define the liberal arts college experience.
What do Denison University graduates earn after college?
Denison University graduates earn a median salary of $67,753 ten years after graduation. The school's strong alumni network, which includes celebrities like Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, helps students launch successful careers across various fields.
Where is Denison University located and what is campus life like?
Denison University sits on a beautiful hilltop campus in Granville, Ohio, a small suburban town. With housing capacity for 2,387 students and 610 student-athletes competing in 22 NCAA Division III sports, campus life centers around tight-knit residential communities.
Does Denison University have famous alumni?
Denison University counts several major celebrities among its alumni, including Steve Carell from The Office and actress Jennifer Garner. The school's 88.7% retention rate and strong alumni connections help current students benefit from an extensive network spanning entertainment, politics, and business.
