Denison University: A Small Student Body, Big Opportunities

how many students at denison university

Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, founded in 1831. The college's undergraduate enrollment was 2,406 in Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 47.5% male and 52.5% female students. The campus size is about 850 to 1,200 acres, with a 400-acre biological reserve for science classes. Denison's most recent endowment was over $1 billion in 2023, with an endowment per student of over $400,000. The university has a strong athletic culture, with nearly 30% of students participating in varsity sports and 13% of students being first-generation college students.

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Denison University had 2,406 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023

Denison University, a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, had 2,406 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023. The college was founded in 1831 as the Granville Literary and Theological Institution and was first renamed Granville College before becoming Denison University in the mid-1850s. The name change honoured William S. Denison, a Muskingum County farmer who pledged $10,000 towards the college's endowment.

The college's 850-acre campus offers 65 academic programs for students to choose from. Denison's most recent endowment was stated at over $1 billion in 2023, with an endowment per student of slightly over $400,000. The annual cost of attending is $83,400 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Denison awards nearly $70 million in financial aid each year and guarantees to meet the financial needs of all admitted students, including international students.

Denison University is one of America's most economically diverse colleges, with 13% of students being first-generation college students and 37% being multicultural students. The university is ranked #36 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges for National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Denison's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III, fielding 26 varsity teams and nearly 30% of all students are varsity athletes. Denison is also known for its arts programs, with majors and minors in Art History & Visual Culture, Cinema, Dance, Music, Music Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

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The college's enrolment in 2023 was 2,300 students

Denison University, a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, enrolled 2,300 students in the fall of 2023. The college was founded in 1831 and was first called the Granville Literary and Theological Institution. It later took the name Granville College before becoming Denison University in the mid-1850s, in honour of a key benefactor, William S. Denison.

The college's enrolment figure of 2,300 in 2023 includes a significant number of international students. Denison has seen an increase in international student enrolment in recent years, with 131 new international students enrolling over a three-year period. The university is also committed to supporting first-generation college students, with 13% of its student body being the first in their family to attend college.

Denison University offers 65 academic programs for its students to choose from. The college's intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the North Coast Athletic Conference, with 26 varsity teams in the NCAA Division III. The college has a strong athletic tradition, with nearly 30% of all Denison students being varsity athletes.

In addition to its academic and athletic offerings, Denison University is known for its diverse student body and commitment to accessibility. The university was cited by The New York Times in 2014 as one of America's "Most Economically Diverse Top Colleges." Denison guarantees to meet the financial needs of all admitted students, including international students, and is need-blind for domestic applicants. The university awards nearly $70 million in financial aid each year.

Denison University's campus size is approximately 850 to 1,200 acres, depending on the source. This includes a 400-acre biological reserve just east of the campus, where science professors can hold classes. The college's first building, Swasey Chapel, was built at the centre of the campus and plays host to various events and lectures.

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30% of students are varsity athletes

Denison University is a private liberal arts college located in Granville, Ohio. The college's intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the North Coast Athletic Conference, and it offers 26 varsity teams in the NCAA Division III.

The college enrolled approximately 2,300 students in the fall of 2023, with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,406. Assuming that 30% of students are varsity athletes, this would equate to about 690 to 720 students. This is a significant proportion of the student body and indicates a strong focus on athletics at the university.

In comparison, other colleges and universities also have varying percentages of student athletes. For example, Yale has about 13% of an incoming class supported by its athletics department, while Duke coaches can recruit a limited number, typically amounting to 5% of admission offers. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has around 5% of its 600+ varsity athletes as "pure walk-ons," with the rest being recruited or self-motivated applicants.

The percentage of varsity athletes at Denison University is notably higher than the average of other institutions. This could indicate a more inclusive athletic program or a higher level of student interest in varsity sports. It is also worth noting that Denison University has a substantial endowment per student, allowing it to meet 100% of demonstrated financial needs. This may contribute to the university's ability to support a larger proportion of student athletes.

Overall, the fact that 30% of students at Denison University are varsity athletes showcases a strong athletic focus within the student body. This percentage is higher than many other colleges, suggesting that athletics play a prominent role in the culture and community of Denison University.

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13% of students are first-generation college students

Denison University in Granville, Ohio, had an undergraduate enrollment of 2,406 students in Fall 2023. The campus size is about 1,100 acres, with a 400-acre biological reserve just east of the campus. The university offers 65 academic programs and 26 varsity teams.

Thirteen percent of students at Denison University are first-generation college students. This means that they are the first in their family to pursue a college education. Being a first-generation college student comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. These students often face more academic and financial challenges than their continuing-generation peers. They may have to navigate unfamiliar social, economic, and professional landscapes while pursuing their degree.

First-generation students bring a unique perspective to the campus community. They often demonstrate dedication, grit, and a strong desire for social mobility. Many first-generation students are motivated to pursue a college education to prepare for stable careers and improve their economic prospects. They may also be pursuing degrees that will allow them to give back to their communities or break new ground within their families.

Supporting first-generation students is crucial for their success. While they bring valuable qualities to the university, they may need additional resources and guidance to navigate the complexities of higher education. This support can help them overcome challenges and increase their chances of graduating.

Denison University's commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need is particularly important for first-generation students, who may have limited access to financial resources. The university's endowment per student of over $400,000 as of 2023 demonstrates a strong financial backing for its students.

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37% of students are multicultural

As of 2023, Denison University enrolls approximately 2,200 students, of whom 37% identify as multicultural. This percentage equates to roughly 814 students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a rich and inclusive campus community.

Denison's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body composition. The university actively fosters a multicultural environment, recognizing the value that students from diverse backgrounds bring to the campus. This commitment is reflected in the university's admissions policies and campus initiatives aimed at creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all students.

The 37% of multicultural students at Denison originate from a wide range of ethnic and racial backgrounds. This includes students of color, international students, and those from diverse cultural heritages. This diversity enriches the academic and social fabric of the university, exposing all students to a variety of perspectives and experiences. It prepares students to thrive in an increasingly globalized world, fostering cultural competency and empathy.

To support and celebrate its multicultural student population, Denison offers a range of resources and organizations. These include cultural and ethnic student associations, diversity training programs, and cultural competency workshops. These initiatives ensure that the university is not only diverse in its student body but also inclusive and supportive of the unique needs and perspectives of its multicultural community.

The presence of a significant multicultural student population at Denison enhances the educational experience for all. It creates opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Denison's commitment to diversity is not just a statistic but a driving force behind the university's vibrant and inclusive campus life, enriching the overall student experience.

In summary, the fact that 37% of Denison University students identify as multicultural speaks to the institution's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. This diversity is a key aspect of the Denison experience, shaping campus life and preparing students for success in an interconnected world. Denison's efforts to embrace and celebrate its multicultural student body are integral to its educational mission and contribute to a holistic student experience.

Frequently asked questions

As of Fall 2023, there are 2,406 undergraduate students enrolled at Denison University.

In Fall 2021, 76% of enrolled freshmen were in the top 10% of their high school classes. However, the total number of students enrolled that year is unclear.

The campus size is about 1,100 acres, including a 400-acre biological reserve just east of the campus. However, some sources state that the campus size is 850 acres or 1,200 acres.

As of Fall 2023, 47.5% of students at Denison University are male, and 52.5% are female.

While the exact percentage is unclear, there has been an increase in international student enrollment at Denison University, with 131 new international students enrolling over a three-year period.

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