Denison vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Denison University in Granville, OH with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Denison University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Denison vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison or Muhlenberg College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Muhlenberg College than Denison ($34,739 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 11.3% lower than at Denison University ($14,548 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 6.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $4,195 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Denison than at Muhlenberg College (about $4,195 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Denison University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 11.4% larger than aid received by Denison University students ($42,545 vs. $38,179).

Denison vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Denison or Muhlenberg College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Muhlenberg College and Denison.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 80 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Denison students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Muhlenberg College (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Denison students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Denison vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison and Muhlenberg College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Denison University's (79%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Denison graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Denison students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 83%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.