Denison continues to climb in national rankings, reflecting the growing momentum of a university that saw record applications and fundraising in 2024.
In the 2025 rankings announced yesterday by U.S. News, Denison is ranked the #4 most innovative of the nation’s more than 200 liberal arts colleges, up from #6 last year. Earlier this month, the Princeton Review also recognized Denison as #4 for career services among all U.S. colleges and universities.
Overall, Denison is ranked No. 36 among national liberal arts colleges — up 19 places since 2016 and three since 2024 — according to U.S. News, the leading producer of college rankings.
“These rankings affirm what we already know about Denison,” said President Adam Weinberg. “We have exceptionally talented, curious, and engaged students, and world-class faculty and staff who are committed to providing an academic experience that is fresh and innovative and helps our graduates launch quickly and successfully into lives and careers. Denison’s programs represent some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking among the nation’s liberal arts colleges.”
Denison’s work to innovate the curriculum and graduate students with the skills, habits, networks, and experiences to thrive is driving more students to apply to the college and more alums to give back.
During the past admission cycle, Denison received more than 15,000 applications for the Class of 2028, resulting in a 17% admission rate, with early decision applications up by 21%. Denison also posted a record-breaking year for fundraising, as donors to the college gave $60.5 million in gifts directly supporting Denison’s strategic priorities.
The Princeton Review rankings highlight Denison’s work to create a leading model for career launch through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, which offers personalized career coaching; a career readiness boot camp called the Journey Program that helps students find their professional passions; career communities that provide industry-specific knowledge and resources; professional career certificates offered through Denison Edge; and a deeply connected alumni network eager to help the next generations of Denisonians succeed.
The U.S. News rankings recognize the new and growing academic initiatives at Denison. The university continues to innovate in the study of data analytics, building on its groundbreaking work from a decade ago when it became one of the first liberal arts colleges to offer data analytics as a major. In the university’s fastest-growing academic program, students are trained to work with large data sets and develop the liberal arts skills needed to add value to companies and organizations. Soon, the university will begin construction of a new Center for Data Reasoning & Visualization, which will allow faculty to weave data reasoning throughout the curriculum.
“This project is a vital part of our strategic priorities, and years from now, we will recognize it as a truly transformational moment for the entire Denison community,” Weinberg said.
In addition to innovating in the data sciences, Denison is also a leader in developing business skills in the liberal arts. The college’s Red Frame Lab is a hub for innovation where students develop their entrepreneurial skills, connect with visiting entrepreneurs, and learn business and design fundamentals directly from industry experts. Red Frame has also expanded to include a student consultant model, which connects them with companies looking to solve all manner of operational problems, from battery technology to fast-food franchises.
For more information about Denison’s high points, visit our fast facts.