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Intimate Classes and Career Launch Built In

Denison University presents a mixed profile with exceptional academic support and campus community but critical mismatches in core academic...

67.00
out of 100
MODERATE FIT

AI Recommendation

Denison University presents a mixed profile with exceptional academic support and campus community but critical mismatches in core academic interests and special requirements. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 99% residential campus, and outstanding career preparation (94% placement rate) strongly align with needs for teacher support and active campus life. However, the absence of business/marketing majors, lack of competitive dance team, rural small-town location, and limited sunshine create significant gaps. The student would receive excellent preparation for pre-law and psychology, but their primary interests in marketing and business would require settling for economics alternatives. Score: 67/100.

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Performance vs. Average College

Academic
33.0 +3.0
Avg: 30.0 83% of max
Culture
23.0 +1.0
Avg: 22.0 77% of max
Environment
8.0 -7.0
Avg: 15.0 40% of max
Special
3.0 -5.0
Avg: 8.0 30% of max
This College
Average

Score Breakdown

Academic Profile
33.0 /40 (83%)
Significant mismatch with student's primary interests. NO business or marketing major offered - only Economics with Management Studies concentration. While Psychology (well-established, top-ranked among liberal arts) and Pre-law (85%+ law school acceptance, strong PPE program) are excellent, the absence of the student's top two interests (Marketing and Business) is a critical gap. Pre-PT track exists through Biology/Kinesiology with 3+2 programs, but requires self-direction. Strong programs in 2 of 5 interest areas, weak/absent in 3 of 5.
Program Strength
5.0 /10
Significant mismatch with student's primary interests. NO business or marketing major offered - only Economics with Management Studies concentration. While Psychology (well-established, top-ranked among liberal arts) and Pre-law (85%+ law school acceptance, strong PPE program) are excellent, the absence of the student's top two interests (Marketing and Business) is a critical gap. Pre-PT track exists through Biology/Kinesiology with 3+2 programs, but requires self-direction. Strong programs in 2 of 5 interest areas, weak/absent in 3 of 5.
Student Faculty
10.0 /10
Exceptional 9:1 student-faculty ratio with average class size of 19 students. 63% of classes have fewer than 20 students, zero classes taught by TAs. Highly interactive, discussion-based seminars with strong mentorship model and close professor relationships. This perfectly meets the student's need for teacher support and smaller classes - best possible scenario for personalized attention.
Applied Learning
9.0 /10
Outstanding applied learning through The Denison Edge program. 80%+ students complete at least one internship with strong connections in Columbus, Chicago, and NYC. January Term allows intensive internship experiences. Emphasis on hands-on learning, research opportunities, and applied projects. Dedicated funding for unpaid internships removes financial barriers. Only minor limitation is rural location requiring travel for some opportunities.
Career Prep
9.0 /10
Excellent career outcomes with 94% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration provides comprehensive four-year developmental approach. Strong outcomes in consulting, finance, healthcare, and law school placement. Engaged alumni network of 30,000+ provides mentoring and connections. Robust employer recruitment and graduate school advising.
Campus Culture
23.0 /30 (77%)
Moderate school spirit with Big Red pride and active traditions (Homecoming, Mountain Day, Senior Week). NCAA Division III athletics with decent attendance at basketball and lacrosse games. However, explicitly noted as 'not at the level of large D1 schools.' 91% retention rate indicates strong community connection, but lacks the intense sports culture and massive game-day atmosphere the student may be seeking for 'strong school spirit.'
School Spirit
6.0 /10
Moderate school spirit with Big Red pride and active traditions (Homecoming, Mountain Day, Senior Week). NCAA Division III athletics with decent attendance at basketball and lacrosse games. However, explicitly noted as 'not at the level of large D1 schools.' 91% retention rate indicates strong community connection, but lacks the intense sports culture and massive game-day atmosphere the student may be seeking for 'strong school spirit.'
Social Scene
9.0 /10
Excellent match for NOT being a commuter school. 99% of students live on campus all four years with very active weekends - campus explicitly 'does NOT empty on weekends.' Robust programming including concerts, comedy shows, speakers, outdoor adventures. 200+ student organizations, active Slayter Union social hub. Mix of Greek events, campus programming, and club activities creates diverse social options. 91% retention rate confirms strong community engagement.
Greek Life
8.0 /10
Well-balanced Greek presence at 25-30% participation - noticeable but not overwhelming, which aligns with student preference. Social scene exists both within and outside Greek system. No Greek houses (organizations meet in campus spaces) reduces dominance. Provides social structure without being exclusionary or defining the entire campus culture.
Location & Environment
8.0 /20 (40%)
Significant mismatch with 'urban or near city' preference. Granville is a small rural village of only 5,600 people. While Columbus is 30 minutes away and provides urban amenities (Short North, professional sports, internships), the campus itself is on a hill in a small town requiring transportation to access city life. This is NOT an urban or suburban campus - it's definitively rural with periodic city access. Student wants to be in/near a city, not visit one occasionally.
Location
4.0 /10
Significant mismatch with 'urban or near city' preference. Granville is a small rural village of only 5,600 people. While Columbus is 30 minutes away and provides urban amenities (Short North, professional sports, internships), the campus itself is on a hill in a small town requiring transportation to access city life. This is NOT an urban or suburban campus - it's definitively rural with periodic city access. Student wants to be in/near a city, not visit one occasionally.
Climate
4.0 /10
Poor match for student who 'loves sunshine.' Ohio has only 178 sunny days per year (below national average of 205). Winters are cold and cloudy (December-February). While spring/fall are pleasant and campus has excellent nature access (350-acre Biological Reserve, nearby parks, beautiful hilltop setting), the climate does not deliver the sunshine preference. Four distinct seasons with significant gray winter months contradicts stated preference.
Special Requirements
3.0 /10 (30%)
Major gap in special interest. NO traditional competitive dance team or pom squad for walk-on opportunities. Only club dance organizations available: Outlet Dance Collective (hip-hop), Fusion (cultural dance), Burpee's Seedy Theatrical Company (musical theater/dance), and other student-run groups. While these welcome walk-ons and a dance minor exists, they are recreational/performance clubs, NOT the competitive athletic dance team experience the student specifically seeks. This is a fundamental mismatch with stated special interest.
Dance Team
3.0 /10
Major gap in special interest. NO traditional competitive dance team or pom squad for walk-on opportunities. Only club dance organizations available: Outlet Dance Collective (hip-hop), Fusion (cultural dance), Burpee's Seedy Theatrical Company (musical theater/dance), and other student-run groups. While these welcome walk-ons and a dance minor exists, they are recreational/performance clubs, NOT the competitive athletic dance team experience the student specifically seeks. This is a fundamental mismatch with stated special interest.

Top Strengths 5

  • 1 Outstanding academic support: 9:1 ratio, 19-student average class size, zero TA-taught classes perfectly meets need for teacher support and small classes
  • 2 Definitively NOT a commuter school: 99% live on campus all four years with active weekends and 91% retention rate ensures vibrant residential community
  • 3 Excellent career outcomes: 94% placement rate within 6 months, strong pre-law advising (85%+ law school acceptance), robust internship funding through The Denison Edge
  • 4 Strong social scene balance: Active weekend programming, 200+ organizations, Greek life at moderate 25-30% provides options without overwhelming campus
  • 5 Columbus proximity provides urban access for internships and entertainment while maintaining 30,000+ engaged alumni network

Things to Consider 5

  • 1 CRITICAL: No business or marketing major - student's top two academic interests not offered, only Economics with Management Studies concentration as substitute
  • 2 CRITICAL: No competitive dance team for walk-on opportunities - only recreational club dance groups, not the athletic team experience sought
  • 3 Location mismatch: Rural village of 5,600 people, not urban/near city as preferred - requires 30-minute drive to reach Columbus urban amenities
  • 4 Weather mismatch: Only 178 sunny days/year with cold, cloudy winters contradicts 'loves sunshine' preference despite good nature access
  • 5 Small enrollment (2,300) limits course variety and may feel restrictive compared to larger universities with dedicated business schools

Detailed Research

Internships

Robust internship programs through The Denison Edge. 80%+ students complete at least one internship. Strong connections in Columbus, Chicago, NYC. January Term allows for intensive internship experiences.

Avg Class Size

Average class size is 19 students. 63% of classes have fewer than 20 students. No classes taught by teaching assistants.

Teaching Style

Highly interactive, discussion-based seminars. Strong emphasis on hands-on learning, research opportunities, and applied projects. Mentorship model with close professor relationships.

Academic Support

Comprehensive support including Writing Center, Quantitative Reasoning Center, peer tutoring, academic coaching, disability services, and faculty office hours. First-year seminars ease transition.

Career Placement

94% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Strong outcomes in consulting, finance, healthcare, and law school placement.

Program Rankings

  • Excellent pre-law advising through Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement. 85%+ law school acceptance rate. Strong Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program.
  • Strong Economics program with emphasis on applied learning. No traditional business major, but offers Economics with Management Studies concentration and Financial Economics track. Pre-professional programs well-regarded.
  • No dedicated marketing major. Marketing concepts covered through Economics and Communication courses.
  • Well-established Psychology department with strong research opportunities. Ranked among top liberal arts psychology programs.
  • Strong pre-health advising. Biology and Kinesiology departments support pre-PT track. 3+2 accelerated programs available with partner institutions.

Student Faculty Ratio

9:1

Greek Life

Approximately 25-30% of students participate in Greek life (fraternities and sororities). Presence is noticeable but not overwhelming. Social scene exists both within and outside Greek system. No Greek houses; organizations meet in campus spaces.

Social Scene

Active and diverse social scene. Mix of Greek events, campus programming, club activities, off-campus gatherings. Strong sense of community. Student-run organizations very active. Slayter Union serves as social hub.

School Spirit

Strong school spirit with Big Red pride. NCAA Division III athletics with good attendance at basketball and lacrosse games. Active traditions include Homecoming, Mountain Day (surprise day off), and Senior Week. However, not at the level of large D1 schools.

Retention Rate

91% freshman retention rate

Graduation Rate

82% six-year graduation rate

Weekend Activity

Very active residential campus. 99% of students live on campus all four years. Robust weekend programming including concerts, comedy shows, speakers, outdoor adventures, and social events. Campus does NOT empty on weekends.

Political Climate

Predominantly liberal to moderate campus climate, typical of liberal arts colleges. Conservative voices present but minority. Active political engagement and civil discourse encouraged.

Setting

Small town/rural setting. Granville, Ohio is a charming village of ~5,600 people. Campus sits on a hill overlooking the town. 30 minutes from Columbus (state capital and major city).

Sunny Days

Approximately 178 sunny days per year. Ohio climate features four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and cloudy (December-February). Spring and fall are pleasant. Summer is warm and humid.

Nature Access

Excellent nature access. 350-acre Biological Reserve on campus for hiking and research. Bryn Du Mansion and grounds adjacent to campus. Short drive to Dawes Arboretum (1,800 acres). Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve nearby. Rolling hills and scenic Ohio landscape.

Transportation

Denison provides shuttle service to Columbus airport during breaks. Campus shuttle system. Granville is walkable. Car helpful but not essential. Uber/Lyft available. Campus located on hill above village.

Nearest Airport

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) - 35 miles, approximately 40-45 minutes drive

Surrounding Area

Granville is picturesque, historic New England-style village with boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. Very safe and walkable. Columbus offers urban amenities: Short North Arts District, Arena District, restaurants, shopping, professional sports, internships, and cultural activities. Easy weekend trips to Columbus.

Dance Team

Denison has Burpee's Seedy Theatrical Company (musical theater/dance), multiple dance clubs including Outlet Dance Collective (hip-hop), Fusion (cultural dance), and other student-run dance organizations. NO traditional competitive dance team or pom squad. Dance minor available through Theatre & Dance department. Dance courses and performance opportunities available. Club dance groups welcome walk-ons.

Recreation

  • Mitchell Recreation and Athletics Center includes fitness center, pools, courts, indoor track, climbing wall, and studios. Livingston Gymnasium. Multiple outdoor fields and tennis courts. Wellness programs and group fitness classes.
  • Extensive intramural program with 20+ sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, dodgeball, and more. Open to all skill levels. Very popular participation.

Food Quality

Above-average dining for liberal arts college. Multiple dining halls including Curtis Dining Hall (main), Slayter market, and various cafes. Huffman Café popular spot. Local/sustainable food initiatives. Accommodates dietary restrictions. Rated 7/10 by students. Granville village offers additional dining options.

Campus Beauty

Consistently ranked among most beautiful campuses in America. Georgian architecture with red brick buildings and white columns. Tree-lined paths, well-maintained quads, and hilltop setting with views. Swasey Chapel is iconic landmark. Campus feels like New England prep school. Fall foliage spectacular.

Housing Quality

High-quality housing. 99% live on campus all four years. Options include traditional dorms, suites, apartments, and themed housing. Most first-years in traditional doubles. Upperclass housing includes apartment-style with kitchens. Recent renovations. Housing guaranteed all four years. Living-learning communities available.

Dance Team Contact

Theatre & Dance Department: (740) 587-6231, dance@denison.edu. Student organizations coordinated through Campus Involvement Office. Outlet Dance Collective and other clubs hold auditions/open recruitment at start of each semester.

Data Quality & Confidence

Confidence Level
HIGH 88/100
Last Updated
Oct 25, 2025
1 week ago