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Denison University vs Ohio State University-Main Campus

Denison University is a private university in Granville, OH. Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public university in Columbus, OH. Denison University admits about 17% of applicants and Ohio State University-Main Campus about 61%, making Denison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,339 a year at Ohio State University-Main Campus after aid, and about $40,007 at Denison University. About 88% of students graduate at Ohio State University-Main Campus, compared with 79% at Denison University. Ten years after enrolling, Denison University alumni earn a median of about $67,753, against $60,409 for Ohio State University-Main Campus.

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Denison University

Granville, OH · Private

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Granville, OH
Columbus, OH
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,380
45,638
Acceptance rate
17%
61%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1320–1490
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,007
$17,339
Full cost / yr
$81,900
$30,305
In-state tuition
$67,000
$13,244
Out-of-state tuition
$67,000
$40,022
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,656
$4,885
$30k - $48k
$13,086
$5,751
$48k - $75k
$17,827
$9,807
$75k - $110k
$20,839
$20,461
Over $110k
$48,472
$27,359
Outcomes
Graduation rate
79%
88%
Freshman retention
89%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,352
$51,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,753
$60,409
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$19,976
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
20%
First-generation students
17%
26%
International students
17%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Denison University or Ohio State University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Denison University is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 61% at Ohio State University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Denison University or Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,339 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,007 at Denison University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Denison University and Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Ohio State University-Main Campus costs about $30,305 a year and Denison University about $81,900. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Denison University or Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,885 there, against about $16,656 at Denison University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Denison University or Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 45,638 undergraduates against 2,380 at Denison University.
Does Denison University or Ohio State University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 79% at Denison University.
Do graduates of Denison University or Ohio State University-Main Campus earn more?
Denison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,753 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,409 for Ohio State University-Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Denison University and Ohio State University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Denison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ohio State University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Denison University and Ohio State University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320–1490 at Denison University and 1310–1480 at Ohio State University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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