Denison University
Granville, Ohio · Private
Denison University admitted 20% of 12,202 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1270–1420 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 80% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Denison University
Enter a score to see whether Denison University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (20%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Denison University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application is free. Denison University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a counselor recommendation. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Denison University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 25% (394 of 1,589), compared with 20% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
1,376 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 347 took it, and 31 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Denison University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
Important
- Interview
- Activities
- Talent or ability
Considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Religion
What it costs
Full price with housing is $81,900 a year. After grants, students paid $42,177 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Denison University’s acceptance rate?
Denison University admitted 20% of applicants: 2,385 of 12,202 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Denison University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Denison University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1270 to 1420, with a median around 1360. A score at or above 1360 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Denison University’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Denison University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Denison University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a counselor recommendation.
Does Denison University have supplemental essays?
No. Denison University has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Denison University require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Denison University uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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