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Denison University

Granville, OH

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

1831
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
2,398
Total Students
2,400
Undergrad
$1.1B
Endowment
(2025)
$64K
Tuition (In-State)
$64K
Tuition (Out-State)
$38K
Avg Net Price
17%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Graduation Rate
6-year
89%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Adam S. Weinberg

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Denison University

Denison University: A historic liberal arts pioneer in Ohio, fostering critical thought and community since 1831.

Denison University, a distinguished private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, stands as a beacon of academic excellence with a rich history dating back to 1831. It was one of the earliest colleges established in the former Northwest Territory, evolving from the Granville Literary and Theological Institution into the vibrant undergraduate institution it is today.

Its roots are deeply embedded in significant historical movements, including its involvement in the anti-slavery cause, with Bancroft House famously serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Denison championed early coeducation through its eventual incorporation of Shepardson College for Women. Today, it operates as a non-sectarian institution, embracing diversity and a broad intellectual scope.

Students choose from 65 diverse academic programs, all within an exclusively undergraduate environment that fosters close faculty-student relationships. The 930-acre campus, master-planned by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted & Sons, offers a beautiful and expansive setting for learning and living, including a 360-acre biological reserve. Denison is also a proud member of the Five Colleges of Ohio and the Great Lakes Colleges Association, enriching its academic opportunities.

With approximately 2,300-2,400 undergraduates, Denison cultivates a close-knit community where the "Big Red" spirit thrives through 26 NCAA Division III varsity teams in the North Coast Athletic Conference. Prospective students and families will find a dynamic environment dedicated to holistic growth, intellectual curiosity, and preparing leaders for a complex world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1831, making it one of the earliest colleges established in the Northwest Territory.
  • A private liberal arts college boasting a substantial $1.1 billion endowment.
  • Offers 65 distinct academic programs to approximately 2,300-2,400 undergraduate students.
  • Historic 930-acre campus, including a 360-acre biological reserve, with a guiding aesthetic laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted & Sons.
  • Strong athletic tradition with 26 NCAA Division III varsity teams competing as the "Big Red."
  • Played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement, with Bancroft House serving as an Underground Railroad stop.
  • Became a non-sectarian institution in the 1960s, evolving from its theological origins.

Timeline

1831
Founded as the Granville Literary and Theological Institution.
1845
Renamed Granville College.
1853
Renamed Denison University in honor of William S. Denison.
1859
Young Ladies' Institute established, which later became Shepardson College for Women.
1887
Inaugurated a master's program (later became exclusively undergraduate).
1916
Hired Frederick Law Olmsted & Sons to design the campus expansion.
1926
Formalized curriculum, becoming an exclusively undergraduate institution.
1927
Shepardson College for Women fully incorporated into Denison University.
1960
Became a non-sectarian institution.
🏛️
195 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Kim Coplin
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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