Denison University: Profile, Rankings & College Data
Complete guide to Denison University: rankings, costs, admissions, and career outcomes.
Denison University: Complete College Profile and Rankings
Denison University stands as a premier liberal arts institution recognized for academic excellence and strong career preparation. Located in Granville, Ohio, this distinguished college has earned recognition as one of America’s Best Colleges through multiple national ranking systems. Understanding what Denison offers—from admission requirements to post-graduate success—helps prospective students and families make informed educational decisions.
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Denison University has achieved significant national recognition across multiple ranking organizations. According to recent U.S. News rankings, Denison continues its upward trajectory with gains in overall rankings, best value rankings, social mobility, undergraduate teaching, and first-year experience ratings. The university climbed to the #2 position nationally for best career services and #4 for best classroom experience, demonstrating its commitment to student learning and professional development.
The institution maintains a 3-star rating from Money magazine’s comprehensive college analysis, which evaluates institutions across three critical categories: quality of education (weighted at 30%), affordability (weighted at 40%), and outcomes (weighted at 30%). This balanced recognition reflects Denison’s strength in delivering educational value alongside meaningful career outcomes.
Admission and Enrollment Statistics
Denison University’s selective admissions process reflects the institution’s commitment to assembling a talented and diverse student body. The acceptance rate and academic profile of admitted students demonstrate the university’s standing among competitive liberal arts colleges. Students admitted to Denison typically present strong academic credentials and meaningful extracurricular involvement.
The university enrolls approximately 2,300 undergraduate students, maintaining an intimate campus community that fosters close relationships between students and faculty. This relatively small size enables personalized attention and mentorship opportunities that characterize the liberal arts experience at Denison.
Financial Considerations and Affordability
Cost of Attendance
The total cost of attendance at Denison University for the 2025-2026 academic year reflects comprehensive educational investment. Costs for pricing estimates utilize the most recently available data reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), adjusted with inflation measures to project upcoming year expenses. This transparent approach helps families plan financially for a Denison education.
Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships
Denison commits substantial resources to making education accessible through both need-based and merit-based aid programs. Full-time undergraduate students demonstrating financial need receive customized aid packages combining grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, the university awards merit grants to full-time undergraduates showing exceptional academic achievement and talents, regardless of demonstrated financial need.
The university’s commitment to affordability reflects its mission to enroll talented students from diverse economic backgrounds. Approximately 89% of students report satisfaction with the financial aid process and availability of support resources.
Student Debt and Loan Information
Denison graduates manage their student loan obligations responsibly, with data showing positive outcomes. The average loan amount per student stands at $7,227 annually, with a 0% loan default rate, indicating strong financial management among alumni. This favorable debt profile reflects both the university’s financial aid generosity and graduates’ strong earning potential.
The median student debt for Denison graduates reaches approximately $26,000, a manageable figure relative to early-career earnings and compared to national averages for liberal arts institutions. Students interested in alternative loan options benefit from partnerships with private lending organizations offering competitive rates and flexible repayment terms.
Graduation Rates and Academic Progress
Denison University maintains impressive graduation rates demonstrating student success and institutional effectiveness. The six-year graduation rate measures degree completion for both transfer students and first-time students, providing a comprehensive view of student progression.
Recent data indicates a graduation rate of 82% within the standard six-year timeframe, with the average time to degree completion at 4.1 years. These metrics reflect Denison’s academic support systems, including tutoring services, advising centers, and learning communities designed to facilitate student persistence and timely degree completion.
Post-Graduate Career Outcomes
Employment Success
Denison graduates achieve exceptional employment outcomes, validating the institution’s career preparation programs and alumni network strength. Within one year of graduation, 95% of Denison alumni secure employment, reflecting strong labor market demand for graduates. Five years after graduation, 93% maintain employment status, demonstrating career stability and advancement opportunities.
These employment metrics exceed national averages for liberal arts colleges, positioning Denison among leading institutions for post-graduate success. The university’s rigorous academic programs combined with professional development initiatives create graduates prepared for diverse career paths and industries.
Earning Potential
Early-career earnings provide important indicators of educational value and return on investment. Denison graduates earn median salaries of $60,700 approximately ten years after initial college enrollment. This figure represents earnings across both degree completers and non-completers, offering a realistic view of outcomes for the broad student population.
The earnings data reflects the quality of education received and the marketable skills Denison graduates develop. Many alumni experience significant salary growth trajectories as they advance in their respective careers, with substantial percentages earning notably above their early-career baseline within ten to fifteen years post-graduation.
Career Services and Alumni Support
Denison’s ranking at #2 nationally for career services reflects comprehensive support helping students transition to professional life. The career center provides resume development, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and job placement assistance. Notably, 86% of students report that the career center was helpful in securing employment or internship opportunities.
The alumni network represents another significant advantage for Denison graduates. With 89% of students describing the alumni network as very strong, graduates maintain valuable professional connections throughout their careers. These networks facilitate mentorship, career transitions, and business opportunities across industries and geographic regions.
Key Performance Metrics Comparison
| Metric | Denison Performance |
|---|---|
| Six-Year Graduation Rate | 82% |
| Employment Rate (1 Year) | 95% |
| Employment Rate (5 Years) | 93% |
| Average Time to Degree | 4.1 years |
| Median Early-Career Earnings | $60,700 |
| Median Student Debt | $26,000 |
| Loan Default Rate | 0% |
| Career Services Ranking | #2 Nationally |
| Alumni Network Satisfaction | 89% |
| Career Center Helpfulness | 86% |
Why Choose Denison University
Denison University appeals to students seeking rigorous academics combined with strong career preparation and meaningful mentorship. The institution’s small size enables personalized education while its national recognition validates the quality of programs and outcomes. Students benefit from close relationships with accomplished faculty members who serve as academic advisors, research collaborators, and professional mentors.
The campus community emphasizes intellectual engagement, civic responsibility, and personal growth. Beyond classroom learning, students participate in research projects, internships, community service, and leadership development experiences that complement their academic studies. These integrated learning experiences prepare graduates for meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.
Methodology and Data Sources
The information presented in this profile comes from rigorous data collection and verification processes. Key statistics derive from the U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s educational data resources, and Money/Witlytic calculations that analyze institutional performance across multiple dimensions. The graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students, providing a comprehensive completion metric. Early-career earnings represent median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, ten years after initial college enrollment, offering realistic outcome projections for prospective students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denison University
Q: What is Denison University’s acceptance rate?
A: Denison maintains a selective admissions process reflecting its competitive standing among liberal arts colleges. Prospective students should present strong academic credentials and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Current admission statistics are available through the university’s official admissions website.
Q: How much financial aid does Denison provide?
A: Denison commits substantial resources to financial aid, offering both need-based and merit-based support. The university utilizes comprehensive financial aid packages combining grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to make education accessible. Specific aid amounts vary based on individual circumstances and are determined through the FAFSA process.
Q: What majors does Denison offer?
A: Denison offers diverse academic programs across sciences, humanities, social sciences, and professional fields. Students can pursue traditional majors or design interdisciplinary courses of study. The registrar’s website provides comprehensive information about specific degree programs and requirements.
Q: How strong is the alumni network?
A: Denison’s alumni network ranks among the strongest of peer institutions, with 89% of students rating it as very strong. Alumni remain engaged with the university through mentorship, networking events, and career advancement support. This robust network provides significant advantages throughout graduates’ professional careers.
Q: What are Denison’s ranking positions?
A: Denison receives recognition from multiple ranking organizations including U.S. News, Money magazine, and others. The university ranks #2 nationally for career services and #4 for best classroom experience. Specific ranking positions vary across different evaluation systems based on their particular methodologies and criteria.
Q: How successful are Denison graduates in the job market?
A: Denison graduates achieve exceptional employment outcomes, with 95% employed one year after graduation and 93% employed five years after graduation. Median early-career earnings reach $60,700, demonstrating strong return on educational investment. The university’s career services ranking at #2 nationally further validates graduate preparation and employment success.
Q: What is the typical student debt at Denison?
A: The median student debt for Denison graduates stands at approximately $26,000, manageable relative to early-career earnings. The average annual loan amount is $7,227, with a 0% loan default rate, indicating strong financial management among alumni and effective career outcomes supporting debt repayment.
Conclusion
Denison University represents an outstanding choice for students seeking an exceptional liberal arts education with proven career outcomes. The institution’s combination of academic rigor, personalized mentorship, strong alumni networks, and excellent post-graduate employment results demonstrates educational value and meaningful return on investment. For prospective students prioritizing quality education, career preparation, and long-term professional success, Denison merits serious consideration.
References
- Denison University Graduate Rate, Income, & More — Niche. 2025. https://www.niche.com/colleges/denison-university/after-college/
- Denison University, Ohio – Complete Profile, Rankings and Data — Money Magazine. 2024. https://money.com/best-colleges-2024/profile/denison-university/
- Denison University, OH – Complete Profile, Rankings and Data — Money Magazine. 2025. https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/denison-university/
- Denison University Complete Profile — Money Magazine. 2023. https://money.com/best-colleges-2023/profile/denison-university/
- Denison’s Rise Continues with Latest National Recognition — Denison University. 2025-09-23. https://denison.edu/news-events/featured/159964
- Where UC Ranks Among Best Colleges in Ohio, Per Money Magazine — Cincinnati.com. 2024-06-27. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2024/06/27/where-uc-ranks-among-best-colleges-in-ohio-per-money-magazine-ohio-state/74229436007/
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