Denison University admitted 20% of applicants for fall 2025 (2,385 of 12,202, Common Data Set 2025-26). Denison University admitted 25% of early decision applicants (394 of 1,589). Of the 347 students who took a spot on the wait list, 31 were admitted (8.9%). Denison University is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
12,202
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
28–33
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
24%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$0
waivers exist
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Can I get into Denison University?
20% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1270–1420 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
12,202 applied, 2,385 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Denison University need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 29% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1350 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 394 of 1,589 early decision applicants got in (25%), against 20% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
6days
Early decisionBinding
Due Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
67days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Friday, Jan 15, 2027
67days
Regular decision
Due Friday, Jan 15, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
1,376 students were offered a wait-list spot and 347 took one. 31 of them got in (8.9%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Denison University's acceptance rate?
Denison University admitted 20% of applicants for fall 2025 (2,385 of 12,202, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Denison University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1270–1420. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Denison University early decision?
For fall 2025, 394 of 1,589 early decision applicants got in (25%), against 20% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Denison University take students off the wait list?
1,376 students were offered a wait-list spot and 347 took one. 31 of them got in (8.9%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: denison.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: denison.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
