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Denison University vs Shawnee State University

Denison University is a private university in Granville, OH, and Shawnee State University is a public university in Portsmouth, OH. Denison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 17% of applicants against 72% at Shawnee State University. Shawnee State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,381 a year against $40,007 at Denison University. About 79% of students graduate at Denison University, compared with 45% at Shawnee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Denison University alumni earn a median of about $67,753, against $39,596 for Shawnee State University.

Denison University

Granville, OH · Private

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Granville, OH
Portsmouth, OH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,380
2,247
Acceptance rate
17%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1320–1490
890–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,007
$14,381
Full cost / yr
$81,900
$21,974
In-state tuition
$67,000
$10,626
Out-of-state tuition
$67,000
$17,358
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,656
$12,310
$30k - $48k
$13,086
$11,956
$48k - $75k
$17,827
$14,326
$75k - $110k
$20,839
$16,787
Over $110k
$48,472
$18,754
Outcomes
Graduation rate
79%
45%
Freshman retention
89%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,352
$35,080
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,753
$39,596
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
39%
First-generation students
17%
43%
International students
17%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Shawnee State University harder to get into?
Denison University is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 72% at Shawnee State University. 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 Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,381 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 Shawnee State University?
Before aid, Shawnee State University costs about $21,974 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 Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,310 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 Shawnee State University?
Denison University is the larger of the two, with about 2,380 undergraduates against 2,247 at Shawnee State University.
Does Denison University or Shawnee State University have a better graduation rate?
Denison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 45% at Shawnee State University.
Do graduates of Denison University or Shawnee State University earn more?
Denison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,753 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,596 for Shawnee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Denison University and Shawnee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Denison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shawnee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Denison University and Shawnee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320–1490 at Denison University and 890–1180 at Shawnee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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