Denison University
Denison University, once a hidden gem in Central Ohio, is gaining national recognition with strategic changes to its programs, competitive DIII athletics, and a focus on career preparation throughout the undergraduate experience.
Denison is a traditional small liberal arts college in many ways, offering only undergraduate degrees to the 2400 students on its residential campus. However, President Adam Weinberg, who took the helm about a decade ago, brought a breath of fresh air to the community and curriculum, encouraging each student to be “the architect” of their own education. With his willingness to consider new ideas, the faculty proposed dozens of new majors and in just a few years, they’d launched half a dozen new programs, all rooted in the liberal arts, but with practical, 21st century applications.
Students can now study Global Commerce, Journalism, Finance and Data Analytics, alongside more traditional majors such as English, Psychology and Biology. Denison also has deep roots in progressive programs like Queer Studies, Neuroscience, Bluegrass Music, Environmental Studies, Organizational Leadership and PPE: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. They continue to refine the curriculum, and now have a minor in Artificial Intelligence as well. Students interested in environmentalism should research The Denison Homestead, a sustainable living-learning experience on campus. Denison Seminars are team-taught by professors from two different departments; these quirky, interdisciplinary classes include a group travel component.
Denison’s campus is almost 100% residential, which means relationships run deep. They emphasize mentorship—in formal and informal ways. Students from across the US and the world make Granville, Ohio home for four years because they know they’ll be pushed to achieve at a high level, while being nurtured and allowed to grow in a comfortable environment. Faculty members teach all of the classes and labs, and handle academic advising, so they know their students well. Classrooms remain small, and often interactive.
Denison was one of the original forty schools profiled in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives in the 1990s, and they have continued to work hard to produce successful alumni who are “autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens of a democratic society”. (Denison is the only college I’ve ever visited where students casually quote the school’s mission statement!) What’s changed over time is mostly their visibility and reputation, which has led to a drop in the admission rate, now below 20%.
Greek life is truly optional at Denison, where about a third of the student body joins, but the fraternities and sororities are non-residental, so students often choose to live with mixed groups of friends, not siloed within their Greek organizations. Athletics have always been strong, and several teams compete for North Coast Athletic Conference and NCAA titles each year. The Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams have both been national champions, and in 2025, the Men’s Tennis team won their first national championship. Women’s Water Polo and Men’s Fencing will step up to the Varsity level next year. The arts thrive at Denison—check out the Eisner Center for Performing Arts, the new Musical Theatre minor, or the unique Cinema major that blends film history with production and allows students to get hands on, with real film, in their first year. Denisonians are active in community service, leadership, and politics.
Career Exploration has been central to Denison’s mission over the past fifteen years and with the help of alumni donations and several grants, the career department has grown its staff and programs. They launched Denison Edge, a satellite career office in Downtown Columbus in 2021. Hands-on opportunities, abroad and off-campus studies, and internships are central to the Denison experience. They are also maximizing opportunities to learn and gain experience outside of the traditional two-semester calendar, offering January and summer opportunities on campus, online, and across the globe.
Since growth in recognition and popularity have led Denison to become increasingly selective over the past two decades, Early Decision can be a strategic choice for those students who fall in love and are ready to commit to Denison as their top choice. If finances are the only thing holding you back—reach out—they’ll provide a financial aid pre-read, if you’re considering applying ED. Denison offers generous merit scholarships and guarantees they’ll meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, but pay attention to deadlines—financial aid forms are due when admissions applications are. They have also been a test-optional school since 2007, a philosophical choice because they are committed to holistic applicant review.
Denison’s 1000 acre campus sits mostly atop a hill overlooking historic Granville, Ohio in one direction, and their extensive Biological Reserve, athletic fields and golf course on the other side. The drive to the airport takes only half an hour, and Downtown Columbus is 30-40 minutes from campus. Don’t forget to check out the 15th largest city in the US in addition to visiting Denison’s campus. Columbus has a lot to offer students too!
Fun Fact: Mount Denison in Alaska was named after the college, by an alum, in 1924.
What type of student would love Denison?
Denisonians say yes to opportunities, collaborate and push each other, and thrive outside their comfort zones. Students looking for strong academics in a diverse cohesive community will find their people at Denison.
Famous Alumni
Steve Carell – Oscar nominated, Golden Globe award-winning actor: “The Office”
Jennifer Garner – Golden Globe & Emmy award-winning actor: “Alias”, “13 Going on 30”
Richard Lugar – Late Senator from Indiana known for his bipartisan politics
George Bodenheimer – Former president & chairman of ESPN
Michael Eisner – Former chairman & CEO of The Walt Disney Company: “The Little Mermaid”, “The Lion King”
Woody Hayes – Winningest football coach at The Ohio State University (1951-1978)
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