Denison vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Denison University in Granville, OH with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Denison University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Denison vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison or Willamette University? 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 Willamette University than Denison ($29,421 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 1.5% lower than at Denison University ($16,150 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 31% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $15,844 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31% higher at Denison than at Willamette University (about $15,844 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Denison University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Denison University students is 0.3% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($38,179 vs. $38,080).

Denison vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 70 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Denison students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Denison (3.76).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Denison vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison and Willamette University? 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 Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Denison University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University and Denison graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Willamette University and Denison graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Denison graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University 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.