The latest class of Denisonians arrives on The Hill at a time when Denison has risen in key national rankings and posted a record-breaking year in fundraising, highlighting the strength of its vast and connected alumni network and successful student outcomes.
Applications to Denison rose again last year, to 15,012 from 14,579 the year before, making this another record-breaking year. And more students than ever before — 1,941, a 21% increase — applied early decision, indicating Denison was their top choice for higher education.
In the 2025 rankings announced in September by U.S. News, Denison is ranked the #4 most innovative of the nation’s more than 200 liberal arts colleges, and the Princeton Review recognized Denison as #4 for career services among all U.S. colleges and universities.
“That more prospective students are choosing us should come as no surprise,” President Adam Weinberg said. “Denison is committed to delivering the best possible education for each of our students so that they can launch quickly and successfully into their lives and careers after graduation.”
Denison offered admission to 17% of its Class of 2028 applicants, and 621 students arrived for the fall 2024 semester.
Of this newest class of Denisonians, 88% graduated in the top quarter of their high school class, and 67% graduated with honors. One in three students are varsity athletes, and one in three are involved in the arts.
Thanks to the generosity of Denison donors, Denison was once again able to meet the full demonstrated financial aid need of every admitted student. Twelve percent of the incoming class are first-generation college students.
“Students are coming to Denison from all 50 states and 56 countries,” said John Haller, Denison’s vice president for enrollment management. “Our students are continuing Denison’s tradition of recruiting talented and high-achieving students who are committed to their academic pursuits while also being engaged in a range of co-curricular activities. It’s an awesome generation of Denisonians.”