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...
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
Score Breakdown
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.
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