Denison University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Denison University, USA: Rankings, Residence, Application Process, Cost of Attendance, Scholarships

Granville, OhioLocation
CollegeSchool type
Estd1831established year
2341enrollment
NCA
Private (Not for Profit)
6.8/10
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 22, 2026

Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, ranked #46 (estimated) among National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News. Founded in 1831, the college enrolls roughly 2,300 undergraduates on a 900-acre residential campus 40 kilometers east of Columbus.

Denison offers over 60 majors and minors across arts, sciences, and interdisciplinary tracks, all taught in English through a four-year residential model. Indian applicants receive need-based and merit aid at Denison University, with the college practicing need-aware admission for international students. The academic calendar runs on two semesters, with Fall (August) as the primary intake and a limited Spring (January) window for select transfers. Universities in USA vary widely in size, but Denison sits firmly in the small-college bracket favored by students who want faculty-led seminars over lecture halls.

  • US News National Liberal Arts Ranking: #46 (estimated)
  • Acceptance Rate: 28% (estimated)
  • Primary Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January)
  • UG Tuition: USD 68,000 per year (INR 64.3 lakh)
  • Average Starting Salary: USD 62,000 (INR 58.6 lakh, estimated)

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

Denison University meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted international students who apply through the need-aware track. The F-1 visa pathway supports 12 months of OPT after graduation, extendable to 36 months for STEM majors. Refer to the US visa guide for international students before booking a consular appointment.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). The Early Decision I deadline is Expected 15 November 2026 (based on prior cycles). Regular Decision closes Expected 15 January 2027. Verify current dates at the Denison Office of Admission page before submitting the Common Application.


Popular Courses and Fees at Denison University 2027

Denison University is undergraduate-focused, offering bachelor’s degrees across 60+ majors with no traditional graduate school. Undergraduate programs run four years on a two-semester calendar, and total tuition is uniform across majors. Fees below reflect published 2026-27 rates and typically rise by 3% to 5% each cycle.

Denison University Top Undergraduate Programs 2027

All bachelor’s programs charge the same base tuition, so cost variance is driven by lab fees, off-campus study, and course load. The table shows five of the most-chosen majors by Indian applicants.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BA Economics272,000257.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% to 90% (recommended)
BS Computer Science272,000257.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% to 90% (recommended)
BS Data Analytics272,000257.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% to 90% (recommended)
BA Global Commerce272,000257.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% to 90% (recommended)
BS Biology272,000257.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% to 90% (recommended)

Total fees above assume flat annual tuition of USD 68,000 across four years and exclude housing, meals, and fees. Indian students should confirm current-cycle tuition on the Denison Office of Student Accounts page.

Insider note: Data Analytics and Global Commerce have become the two most-picked majors for Indian students who plan to sit for OPT, because both align cleanly with STEM designations or business-adjacent hiring pipelines.

Read More: Denison University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Denison University Admission 2027

Denison University operates two admission plans for international undergraduates: Early Decision (binding) and Regular Decision. Fall is the only meaningful intake for Indian applicants; spring transfer is program-limited.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Early Decision I deadlineExpected 15 November 2026Binding; decisions released mid-December
Early Decision II deadlineExpected 15 January 2027Binding; decisions released mid-February
Regular Decision deadlineExpected 15 January 2027Non-binding; decisions released late March
Credential verification (WES/ECE)Start 8 weeks before deadlineOrder transcripts early from ISC/CBSE
Programme startAugust 2027Orientation for international students runs one week prior

Planning note: Denison practices need-aware admission for international applicants, which means requesting aid can affect an admit decision. Indian students should model the family contribution honestly before choosing between Early Decision and Regular Decision.

Read More: Denison University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Denison University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

The key requirement for Indian applicants is a strong Class 12 record from CBSE, ICSE, or a State Board, combined with a demonstrated English proficiency score.

  • Class 12 Academic: Class 12 with 80% to 90% (recommended) across five core subjects
  • English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 61, or Duolingo English Test 115 (verify at Denison International page)
  • Standardized Tests: SAT and ACT are test-optional for international applicants
  • Documents: Common Application, one counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, official Class 12 transcripts

Key insight: Denison waives the English test requirement for applicants who completed at least three years of secondary schooling in an English-medium institution. Indian students from CBSE and ICSE schools qualify with a formal certificate from the principal, saving both the test fee and one deadline pressure.


Denison University Acceptance Rate 2027

Denison University reports an overall acceptance rate of 28% (estimated) for the most recent admission cycle. The rate for international applicants tracks close to the overall figure, though the yield rate differs.

YearAcceptance RateTrend
202628% (estimated)Stable
202529% (estimated)Tightening
202431% (estimated)Baseline

Selectivity has tightened over the last three cycles as applications rose faster than seats. Early Decision admit rates run materially higher than Regular Decision, and international admits form a small pool competing globally.

Reality check: A 28% acceptance rate looks accessible against Ivy peers, but Denison meets full demonstrated need only for a limited number of international students. Indian applicants should treat aid competition, not academic cutoff, as the real bottleneck.

Read More: Denison University Acceptance Rate


Denison University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost of attendance at Denison University sits in the USD 85,000 to USD 89,000 band (INR 80.3 to 84.1 lakh), covering tuition, room, board, and personal expenses.

Denison University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Denison charges flat annual tuition across majors, revised each academic year. The figures below reflect published 2026-27 rates.

ComponentAnnual Fee (USD)Annual Fee (INR lakh)
Tuition68,000 (estimated)64.3 lakh (estimated)
Room and Board15,500 (estimated)14.6 lakh (estimated)
Mandatory Fees1,200 (estimated)1.1 lakh (estimated)
Books and Supplies1,000 (estimated)0.9 lakh (estimated)

Monthly Cost of Living in Granville for Indian Students

Granville is a small college town, so most costs are absorbed by the on-campus room and board plan. Off-campus figures below apply mainly to upper-year students.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR)
Off-campus Rent700 (estimated)66,150 (estimated)
Food350 (estimated)33,075 (estimated)
Transportation90 (estimated)8,505 (estimated)
Books and Supplies85 (estimated)8,033 (estimated)
Personal200 (estimated)18,900 (estimated)
Total Monthly1,425 (estimated)1.35 lakh (estimated)
Annual Off-campus17,100 (estimated)16.2 lakh (estimated)

[Source: US News cost estimate for private liberal arts colleges in Ohio]

Insider note: Nearly all first and second-year students live on campus at Denison, so real month-to-month spend is closer to USD 300 for personal costs during the term. The bigger financial swing comes from summer housing between terms, which is not covered by the room and board plan.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Denison University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Denison University sits on a 900-acre hilltop campus in Granville, Ohio, a residential village 40 kilometers east of Columbus.

  • Location and Transport: Granville is a 30-minute drive from Port Columbus International Airport, the nearest international gateway for Indian students
  • Housing: 99% of students live on campus, with guaranteed housing for all four undergraduate years
  • Notable Facility: The Mitchell Center hosts athletics and recreation, while the Bryant Arts Center houses studio, gallery, and performance spaces
  • Indian Student Community: Denison hosts an active South Asian Students Association and Diwali celebration on campus each Fall

What Indian students say: The small class sizes make faculty office hours genuinely useful, and the tight-knit international office helps with visa paperwork throughout the year. Granville has limited desi grocery, but Columbus is a short weekend trip.


Denison University Scholarships 2027

Denison University offers merit and need-based aid packages to admitted international undergraduates, with awards decided at the time of admission.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Denison Alumni AwardMeritUSD 20,000 to 32,000 per year (18.9 to 30.2 lakh)Automatic for admitted students meeting academic thresholdSame as admission deadline
Wells ScholarshipMeritUSD 25,000 per year (23.6 lakh)Strong academic and leadership recordSame as admission deadline
Need-Based AidNeedUp to 100% demonstrated needCSS Profile required; need-aware for internationalsSame as admission deadline

[Source: Denison University Financial Aid page]

Planning note: International students at Denison are placed in a separate aid pool from domestic applicants, and the pool is capped each cycle. Applying Early Decision I typically improves both admission and aid consideration for Indian students who can commit financially.

Read More: Denison University Scholarships Guide


Denison University Rankings 2027

Denison University’s strongest ranking is #46 in US News National Liberal Arts Colleges 2026-2027 (estimated). As a small residential college, Denison is not ranked in QS World or THE World league tables, which favor research-heavy universities.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News National Liberal Arts Colleges2026-2027: #46 (estimated)2025-2026: #45 (estimated)2024-2025: #45 (estimated)
US News Best Value Schools (Liberal Arts)2026-2027: #34 (estimated)2025-2026: #33 (estimated)2024-2025: #31 (estimated)
QS WorldNot ranked in QS 2027Not rankedNot ranked
THE WorldNot ranked in THE 2026Not rankedNot ranked

[Source: US News, QS, THE]

Key insight: The US News National Liberal Arts list is recognized by USCIS and by Indian employers who track US undergraduate quality. Not appearing on QS World does not affect F-1 visa eligibility, but it can complicate a few PSU or PSB job applications back home that ask for QS-ranked degrees.

Read More: Denison University Rankings Analysis


Denison University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Denison University reports strong first-destination outcomes for its liberal arts graduates, with career services active across all four years.

  • Employment within 6 months: 96% (estimated) placement or graduate school placement within six months of graduation
  • Median Starting Salary: USD 62,000 (INR 58.6 lakh, market median for US liberal arts graduates)
  • Top Recruiting Sectors: Financial services, consulting, technology, education, and non-profit
  • Career Support: Austin E. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration runs guaranteed internship funding for every enrolled student
  • OPT and STEM OPT: STEM-designated majors qualify for the 24-month OPT extension, taking total US work authorization to 36 months

Insider note: Denison graduates recruit most heavily into New York, Chicago, and Washington DC roles rather than the Bay Area, so Indian students targeting tech should complement the degree with self-directed technical portfolios.

Denison University vs Peer Universities

Peers below are US private liberal arts colleges with similar size, selectivity, and international outreach to Indian students.

UniversityUS News NLAC 2026-2027Acceptance RateAvg Annual UG FeeDifferentiator
Denison University#46 (estimated)28% (estimated)USD 68,000 (64.3 lakh)Guaranteed internship funding
Kenyon College#31 (estimated)34% (estimated)USD 70,000 (66.2 lakh)Strong writing and English programs
Oberlin College#38 (estimated)36% (estimated)USD 68,500 (64.7 lakh)Conservatory dual-degree option
College of Wooster#71 (estimated)52% (estimated)USD 63,500 (60.0 lakh)Mandatory senior independent study

Denison University stands out on career outcomes for a college of its size, driven by the Knowlton Center’s funded-internship guarantee. The Ohio peer set gives Indian applicants three genuinely comparable options rather than one anchor.

Denison University fits the Indian student who wants an undergraduate residential experience with faculty-led seminars, funded internships, and clear post-study work runway. Total four-year investment lands near USD 340,000 against a median starting salary of USD 62,000, so aid packaging is the single lever that decides ROI. The 36-month STEM F-1 OPT pathway keeps career doors open in the US labour market.

Denison is not the right fit for an Indian applicant who needs a QS-ranked degree, wants a large research university with graduate cohorts, or cannot commit financially without a full-tuition merit award. Students in that profile should compare against Purdue University or Ohio State University, both of which offer larger STEM depth at flagship-public tuition levels.


Denison University FAQs

Ques. Does Denison University accept the Duolingo English Test?

Ans. Yes, Denison University accepts the Duolingo English Test at a minimum score of 115 alongside TOEFL iBT and IELTS. Indian applicants who completed at least three years of English-medium secondary schooling can request a full waiver of the language test with a formal certificate from their school principal. Confirm current minimums on the Denison International Admission page before booking a test.

Ques. How long can Denison graduates work in the US on OPT?

Ans. Denison graduates on the F-1 visa qualify for 12 months of standard OPT after graduation. Students in STEM-designated majors like Data Analytics or Computer Science can extend OPT by 24 months, taking total US work authorization to 36 months. The extension requires an E-Verify enrolled employer and a bachelor’s degree in a STEM CIP code recognized by USCIS.

Ques. Is the SAT required for Indian applicants to Denison University?

Ans. No, Denison University is test-optional for international applicants including Indian students. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is entirely optional and only recommended when the score materially strengthens the application. Class 12 board grades, teacher recommendations, and the personal essay carry the primary weight in the admission decision, so a strong CBSE or ICSE record can stand on its own.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on the Denison campus?

Ans. Yes, F-1 international students at Denison can work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during breaks in on-campus roles. Positions include library assistance, dining services, research aides, and IT help desk. Off-campus work is only permitted through Curricular Practical Training or OPT, both of which require prior authorization from the International Student Services office at Denison.

Ques. What financial documents do Indian applicants need to submit to Denison?

Ans. Indian applicants seeking financial aid must submit the CSS Profile through College Board along with the International Student Financial Aid Application. Admitted students then submit a Certification of Finances form showing liquid funds covering at least one year of cost of attendance. The financial documents feed both the aid decision and the I-20 issuance for the F-1 visa.

Ques. Does Denison University offer joint or dual degree programs?

Ans. Denison University offers a small number of 3-2 engineering dual-degree programs with Case Western Reserve University and Columbia University. Students spend three years at Denison and two at the partner engineering school, graduating with two bachelor’s degrees. Denison also supports self-designed double majors within its 60+ program list, which is more commonly chosen by Indian students on the four-year track.

Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognize Denison University?

Ans. All major Indian education loan providers, including HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred, Auxilo, and Prodigy Finance, recognize Denison University as an eligible institution. Public sector banks such as SBI and Bank of Baroda also cover Denison under their study-abroad loan schemes. Loan sanction typically requires the Denison admission letter, the I-20 form, and standard collateral or co-borrower documentation.

Ques. Are there Indian food options available in Granville near Denison?

Ans. Granville itself has limited Indian dining options, with one Indian-Nepalese restaurant in the village. Denison’s dining halls offer daily vegetarian stations and occasional Indian menu rotations coordinated with the South Asian Students Association. For weekly groceries, Indian students typically drive 40 minutes to Columbus, where Patel Brothers and Saraga International Grocery stock a full range of desi staples.

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4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|Duolingo115
INR 64.3 L/YrUSD 67,000 /Yr

4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|Duolingo115
INR 64.3 L/YrUSD 67,000 /Yr

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4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|Duolingo115
INR 64.3 L/YrUSD 67,000 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|Duolingo115
INR 64.3 L/YrUSD 67,000 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|Duolingo115
INR 64.3 L/YrUSD 67,000 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

Denison University Ranking

2019

Forbes logo
Overall 153 out of 650 in National Ranking
( #137 out of 507 in USA 2019)

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Denison University Ratings

Based on 1 Students Rating

6.8 out of 10
7.0/10Academic
8.0/10Accommodation
9.0/10Faculty
7.0/10Infrastructure
10.0/10Placement

Denison University Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Arts (1)
Communication Studies (1)

1 Reviews Found

K
6.8 /10

Overview

I got the best financial aid at Denison.

Fees

NA

academic: 7/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 10/10

Denison University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
The Google Lime ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Axol Science ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 1.9 L/Yr$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored
VueVille Future Technology ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,950/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
R&D Systems ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 4.8 L/Yr$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based

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Denison University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Denison University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
IELTS-6.5--
TOEFL-80--
Undergraduate
SAT12901200138035
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing645600690-
Mathematics645600690-
ACT30283141
Check Detailed Score
English312834-
Mathematics282630-

Attendance Cost

₹6,428,650

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
₹6,428,650 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
₹95,950 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
₹1,183,064 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
₹115,140 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
₹1,183,064 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
₹115,140 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
₹115,140 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
₹115,140 / Year

Denison University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
3279322356-

Comments


Found 1 Comment

M
mudassir mohammed husein
Nov 4, 2023 02:55
What are the requirements for a new applicants
K
Kishlay Ranjan
Jun 5, 2024 23:12

These are some basic documents requirements for applying at Denison University:

  • High School Transcript
  • English Proficiency Scores
  • Denison University International Certification of Finances
  • Letter of recommendation by the counselor
  • School reports –sent by the counselor
  • Teacher Evaluation

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