About Kenyon College
The sticker price hits $85,640, but most families pay far less through generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $8,865 annually. Even middle-class families earning $75,000-$110,000 pay around $23,000 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $71,830 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $18,527 manageable with monthly payments around $196.
The Owls compete in 22 Division III sports with 491 total athletes, meaning roughly one in four students plays varsity athletics. With 91% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and an 87% four-year graduation rate, students clearly find their niche in this tight-knit community where everyone knows your name.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.8%
- Retention Rate
- 91.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,830
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,456 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and writing style. Students gather at the Kenyon Inn or walk the tree-lined Middle Path that runs through campus. Weekend life revolves around parties in residence halls, since Gambier itself has limited nightlife options. The school's literary reputation draws aspiring writers to late-night workshops in Sunset Cottage. Athletic events bring out school spirit, with 491 total athletes competing across 22 varsity sports as Division III Owls. Students often drive to Mount Vernon for restaurants or Columbus for bigger city experiences, but most social life happens on campus where the English department's prestige creates an intellectually charged atmosphere.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,968 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1824
Campus Safety (2023)
33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–34°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 66.7%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 7.6%
- Asian
- 4.7%
- In-State Students
- 13.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 10.1%
Location
- Address
- Gambier, Ohio 43022
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,830
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,810
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,527
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Kenyon College?
Kenyon College accepts 34.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1350-1515 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for attracting academically strong students drawn to its well-known English and creative writing programs.
How much does Kenyon College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Kenyon College is $29,383, lower than the sticker price of $85,640. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $8,865, while the college's generous aid helps keep median debt at $18,527.
What is Kenyon College known for academically?
Kenyon College is famous for its exceptional English and creative writing programs, having produced notable alumni like novelist E.L. Doctorow and Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, the college emphasizes close mentorship and intensive writing instruction that has made it a literary powerhouse.
What are the career outcomes for Kenyon College graduates?
Kenyon College graduates earn a median salary of $71,830 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 93.3%. The strong liberal arts foundation and extensive alumni network, including celebrities like Paul Newman and Allison Janney, help open doors across various fields.
Where is Kenyon College located and what is campus life like?
Kenyon College sits in rural Gambier, Ohio, with 1,753 students living in a close-knit campus community. With housing capacity for 1,968 students and only 13.45% of students from in-state, the college creates an intimate residential experience that draws students from across the country.
Does Kenyon College offer athletic scholarships?
Kenyon College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, emphasizing academics over athletics recruitment. The Owls field 22 varsity sports with 491 total athletes competing in the North Coast Athletic Conference, maintaining the liberal arts ideal of student-athletes rather than recruited stars.
