Denison University

Denison offers a classic liberal arts curriculum with standout programs in economics, biology, and computer science—fields that reportedly lead to the lowest post-grad unemployment. Popular majors also include political science, communications, and biochemistry. Small classes (often under 20 students) and accessible professors define the academic experience. The university has invested in new facilities and interdisciplinary programs, blending traditional liberal arts with career-focused training. A biochemistry major’s day-in-the-life video showcases labs, seminars, and close faculty mentorship—hallmarks of Denison’s hands-on approach.

Life at Denison revolves around residential camaraderie (all four years are on-campus) and a bustling slate of clubs, though Greek life—while present—lacks traditional houses, mixing members across dorms. Students describe a work-hard, play-hard culture, with parties often hosted in dorm lounges or off-campus apartments. The Niche reviews highlight strong dining options and a safe, walkable campus. A YouTube tour captures the vibe: students biking between Collegiate Gothic buildings, studying in sunlit common areas, and gathering for campus-wide traditions like First-Year Sing.

Denison’s graduation rates lag slightly behind peers: 77% in four years, 83% in six (below the 90%+ seen at top liberal arts colleges). However, alumni earnings are strong, with a median salary of $62,838 (per federal data)—above the national midpoint for four-year colleges. The Princeton Review reports even higher figures: $67,100 early-career and $144,100 mid-career. Top earners often hail from economics and STEM fields, while education and arts graduates typically start closer to $35,000–$38,000.

Denison’s sticker price is steep—roughly $85,000 for 2025–26—but the university meets 99% of demonstrated need with an average aid package of $59,206. Merit scholarships (averaging $25,273) further defray costs, and 60% of students receive grants. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many families pay closer to $42,177 after aid. Still, Reddit threads reveal angst over affordability, with some students relying on loans (61% borrow).

Denison punches above its weight for a Midwestern liberal arts college, offering Ivy-caliber academics (think: Oxford-style tutorials in some departments) without the cutthroat vibe. Its hybrid model—mixing timeless humanities courses with data science and finance tracks—appeals to students seeking both intellectual exploration and job security. The campus’s quirky traditions (e.g., wrapping the campus chapel in toilet paper) and lack of Greek housing foster an inclusive, if sometimes insular, community. For those who mesh with its tight-knit, slightly preppy culture, Denison delivers outsized outcomes—provided they graduate on time.