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Denison University

Granville, OH·Private nonprofit·2,398 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $57,600 within 10 years; strong 80% graduation rate.

17%
Accept
2,398
Students
$38,111
Net Price
80%
Grad Rate
$57,600
Earnings
10 yr
$21,250
Debt

About This School

Denison University is a private nonprofit institution located in Granville, Ohio with approximately 2,398 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 17%. The average net price after financial aid is $38,111 per year. The graduation rate is 80%, and the typical graduate earns $57,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, United States. One of the earliest colleges established in the former Northwest Territory, Denison University was founded in 1831. It was first called the Granville Literary and Theological Institution, later took the name Granville College, and, in the mid-1850s, was renamed Denison University, in honor of William S. Denison, a major early benefactor. The college enrolled 2,300 students in fall 2023. Students choose from 65 academic programs.

This is a strong option for students who want a tight-knit liberal arts experience — an 89% freshman retention rate and 80% graduation rate suggest students genuinely thrive here, and the $21,250 median debt at graduation is quite manageable. That said, the $38,111 average net price is still steep, and median earnings of $57,600 a decade out are solid but not exceptional, so students should think carefully about their intended field before committing. The highly selective 17% acceptance rate means this is a school students need to earn, but those who fit the small-college, residential liberal arts mold will likely find it worth the investment.

Founded
1831
Setting
Small suburb

Popular Programs

Social Sciences21%
Biological Sciences10%
Communications9%
Business & Marketing8%
Psychology7%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
English4%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Hal HolbrookJennifer GarnerSteve CarellWilliam RehnquistRichard LugarChristopher AtkinsMichael EisnerJames FreyBobby RahalAnn MagnusonGeorge StibitzJack Thompson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1395
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile760

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,000
Avg Net Price
$38,111
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants13%
Median debt at graduation$21,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
80%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
89%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$57,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$57,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White60%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,398 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Denison University

100 West College Street

Granville, OH 43023

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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