Denison vs. OWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Denison University in Granville, OH with Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Denison University is larger than OWU based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 1,525 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Ohio Wesleyan University is in Delaware, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Ohio Wesleyan University 12:1.

Denison vs. OWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison or OWU? 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 Ohio Wesleyan University than Denison ($23,006 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Wesleyan University are 10.5% lower than at Denison University ($14,684 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 24.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than OWU (about $13,112 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $53,888.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at Denison than at Ohio Wesleyan University (about $13,112 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $53,888.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Wesleyan University than at Denison University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Wesleyan University students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Denison University students ($45,481 vs. $38,179).

Denison vs. OWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Denison or OWU? 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 OWU and Denison.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 180 points higher than at OWU (1230).
• Incoming Denison students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at OWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Ohio Wesleyan University 1105/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Ohio Wesleyan University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; OWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; OWU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Denison students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at OWU (3.54).
• OWU has a higher acceptance rate (55.6%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 12.6% at OWU.

Denison vs. OWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison and OWU? 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).

• Denison University's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Ohio Wesleyan University's (61%).
• Graduates from Denison University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than OWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than OWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OWU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Denison graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OWU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 80%)

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.