Denison University
Denison University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Denison University at a Glance
Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, United States. One of the earliest colleges established in the former Northwest Territory, Denison University was founded in 1831. It was first called the Granville Literary and Theological Institution, later took the name Granville College, and, in the mid-1850s, was renamed Denison University, in honor of William S. Denison, a major early benefactor. The college enrolled 2,400 students in fall 2025. Students choose from 6…
1831
195 years old
$1.1B
$1.1 billion (2025)
2,400
292
930 acres
Identity
Is Denison University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Denison University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $67,753 — 26% above average — while paying $40,007/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 79% graduation rate means roughly 21% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 17% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Denison University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Denison University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #12 of 18 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Davidson College | 100 | $17,379 | $81,400 |
| #2 | Grinnell College | 78 | $17,648 | $62,830 |
| #3 | Trinity University | 63 | $23,464 | $71,668 |
| #4 | Bates College | 53 | $29,351 | $69,498 |
| #5 | Skidmore College | 44 | $32,297 | $69,363 |
| #6 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #12 | Denison University | 34 | $40,007 | $67,753 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Denison University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OH.
Best Programs at Denison University
The highest-earning program at Denison University is Economics at $47,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at $18,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Economics graduate from Denison University earns $47,700, while a Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduate earns $18,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Economics graduates carry $26,000 in median debt vs. $26,569 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $40,007/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | $47,700 | $47,700 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,900 | $36,900 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $35,200 | $35,200 | $26,250 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $31,500 | $31,500 | $25,892 |
| Biology, General | $28,600 | $28,600 | $25,100 |
| Psychology, General | $24,800 | $24,800 | $25,000 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | $24,500 | $24,500 | $25,000 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $24,300 | $24,300 | N/A |
| Education, General | $21,400 | $21,400 | $23,900 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $20,200 | $20,200 | $23,823 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $18,700 | $18,700 | $26,569 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Granville, OH
- Student Body
- 2,380 students
- Admission Rate
- 17%
- Graduation Rate
- 79%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $40,007
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $67,753
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000