Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio · Private
Kenyon College admitted 30% of 7,091 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1400–1495 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 87% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Kenyon College
Enter a score to see whether Kenyon College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (30%) 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
Kenyon College’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. Kenyon College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. 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 Kenyon College’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 35% (231 of 663), compared with 30% 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.
1,439 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 808 took it, and 63 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Kenyon College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Showing interest
Considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Interview
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 4.15 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $87,590 a year. After grants, students paid $44,470 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Kenyon College’s acceptance rate?
Kenyon College admitted 30% of applicants: 2,138 of 7,091 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Kenyon College’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 Kenyon College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1400 to 1495, with a median around 1430. A score at or above 1430 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Kenyon College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Kenyon College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Kenyon College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Kenyon College have supplemental essays?
No. Kenyon College has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Kenyon College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Kenyon College 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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