Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Granville, Ohio
16.9% Acceptance Rate
Denison University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
16.9%Acceptance Rate
3.76Avg GPA
1395Avg SAT
31Avg ACT
$76,900Annual Cost
$67,753Grad Salary
12.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
16.9%
Avg GPA
3.76
Avg SAT
1395
Avg ACT
31
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1300–1470
ACT Middle 50%
29–32
Need-Based Aid
12.8% receive Pell
Denison University, established in 1831, is a top-ranked liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, known for its rigorous academics and beautiful 1,100-acre campus. Denison offers over 50 majors with particular strengths in data analytics, global commerce, and cinema. The university's open curriculum encourages interdisciplinary exploration, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts. Denison's faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars who mentor students in research and creative projects.
The university's location near Columbus provides internship opportunities in business, government, and the arts. Denison's NCAA Division III athletics and 160+ student organizations create a vibrant campus life. The university's commitment to affordability includes a no-loan financial aid policy. Alumni include CEOs, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in diverse fields who credit Denison with developing their intellectual curiosity and leadership skills.
Denison University Acceptance Rate
With 16.9% of applicants admitted, Denison University is very competitive. A strong transcript alone won't guarantee a seat.
What Denison University Admissions Looks For
- Clear Intent: Interviews and supplements should show why this school specifically, not just any selective school.
- Consistent Academics: A steady record of A-level performance across core subjects is expected.
- Score Validation: A strong SAT or ACT score can offset a minor GPA dip.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 16.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Grades open the door at Denison University, but a strong, specific personal statement is often what closes it.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.76 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.56 – 3.75
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.31
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Denison University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 15 for Denison University (Early Decision I — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 98 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 15
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: March 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (Financial Aid Priority: 2025/11/15) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Denison University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Denison University is 3.76. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.46 and 3.76? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.96–4.16.Denison University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.76 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.56 – 3.75
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.36 – 3.55
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.35
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Denison's acceptance rate has fallen to roughly 17%, placing it among the more selective liberal arts colleges nationally, with admitted students averaging a GPA around 3.7-3.73 and SAT scores in the 1320-1490 range.
- Denison offers a substantial Ohio Scholarship of up to $100,000 for qualified Ohio residents, a meaningful detail for in-state applicants weighing cost alongside admissions strategy.
- Denison does not grant credit for dual enrollment or college coursework completed during high school, though AP credit is accepted - a distinction worth confirming for applicants who have completed significant dual-enrollment coursework expecting it to transfer.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Denison University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Denison University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Denison University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Denison University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Denison University Without SAT or ACT?
Denison University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Denison University Average SAT Score: 1395
Admitted students at Denison University average a 1395 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1395 — Competitive
A 1395 average is a respectable, above-average benchmark nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1470 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Denison University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1300? A retake is worth it at Denison University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 705 | 650 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 680 | 650 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1395 | 1300 | 1470 |
A score under 1300 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1470+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Denison University with a 1450 SAT?
At 1450, your SAT is squarely in Denison University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Denison University ACT Requirements
Denison University's admitted students average an ACT of 31.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 31 — Very Competitive
Denison University's ACT average sits comfortably in the upper range nationally.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 26 | 30 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 29 | 32 |
Can I get into Denison University with a 32 ACT?
At 32, you're in the top quarter of Denison University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Denison University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Denison University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Competitive positioning at Denison University means clearing the academic bar comfortably, then using the rest of your application to show genuine fit.
Put All Your Essay Energy Into the Common App Personal Statement - There Is No Denison Supplement
Unlike most peer liberal arts colleges, Denison does not require a separate "Why Denison" essay; the only required writing is the Common Application personal statement, plus a short, non-essay informational supplement collecting basic academic interests. Treat the personal statement as carrying the full weight that two or three supplemental essays would normally distribute at comparable schools.
Lean on Recommendation Letters as a Genuinely High-Weight Factor
Denison's own admissions data treats letters of recommendation as a "very important" factor, on par with GPA - a notably higher emphasis than many peer schools place on this component. Choose recommenders who know you well enough to speak to specific intellectual or personal qualities, and give them ample lead time, since these letters are doing more evaluative work here than at schools with extensive supplemental essay requirements.
Submit Test Scores With Confidence If They're Strong - the Test-Optional Policy Predates Most Peers
Denison has been test-optional since 2008, one of the earliest adopters nationally, well ahead of pandemic-era policy shifts at most peer institutions. If your scores fall within or above the middle 50% range (roughly 1320-1490 SAT or 30-33 ACT), submitting them adds a confirming data point; if not, withholding them carries a long institutional track record of not disadvantaging applicants.
Show Sustained, Specific Extracurricular Commitment Rather Than Breadth
Denison's admissions guidance explicitly states officers want to see sustained commitment, leadership roles, and measurable impact in a few key areas rather than a long list of memberships. Use your activities list and personal statement to demonstrate depth in one or two pursuits with concrete outcomes, rather than spreading thin across many clubs.
Expert Insight: Do not assume the absence of a Denison-specific supplemental essay means lower overall selectivity or lower stakes - with an acceptance rate around 17%, Denison's review concentrates unusually high scrutiny on your transcript, the single personal statement, and recommendation letters, which collectively carry the differentiating weight that supplemental essays would handle at peer schools.
Denison University Profile
Full Name
Denison University
City
Granville
State
Ohio
ZIP Code
43023
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Denison University Degree Worth It?
At $76,900/year against a $67,753 median graduate salary, Denison University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $76,300, and graduates see a 2.86% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Denison University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $76,900/year at Denison University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Denison University, 12.8% receive a Pell Grant and 52.4% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Denison University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Denison University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Denison University graduates report a median income of $67,753, about 67% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Denison University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| Emerson College | Boston, MA | 1359 | 32 |
| College of the Holy Cross | Worcester, MA | 1354 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Denison University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Denison University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Denison University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Denison University Admissions
Denison University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $67,753/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Denison University runs high, at roughly $76,900+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
12.8% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Denison University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Denison University's acceptance rate is 16.9%, in the 10–20% band. Admission is very competitive and requires a strong academic profile.
The average GPA of admitted Denison University students is 3.76, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.46 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Denison University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.36 or below makes admission tougher at Denison University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Denison University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1395, and within the 1300–1470 range, keeps you competitive.
Denison University's deadline is November 15 (Early Decision I), with decisions out by December 15.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Financial Aid Priority: 2025/11/15. That's Denison University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.