Case Western Reserve University vs Denison University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Case Western Reserve University and Denison University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Case Western Reserve University vs Denison University at a glance
Case Western Reserve University admits 36.5% of applicants and Denison University 17.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $44,622 at Case Western Reserve University and $40,163 at Denison University. Six-year graduation rates are 87.4% and 78.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Case Western Reserve University admits 36.5% of applicants and Denison University 17.4%, so Denison University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $44,622 a year at Case Western Reserve University and $40,163 at Denison University; Denison University costs $4,459 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,046 at Case Western Reserve University and $15,189 at Denison University.
- 87.4% of students graduate within six years at Case Western Reserve University, against 78.2% at Denison University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,865 for Case Western Reserve University and $73,151 for Denison University; Case Western Reserve University is $16,714 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Case Western Reserve University and $26,932 at Denison University.
- Case Western Reserve University enrolls 6,437 students (large city) and Denison University 2,380 (small suburb).
Side by side
Case Western Reserve University and Denison University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Case Western Reserve University | Denison University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 36.5% | 17.4% |
| Applicants | 33,232 | 9,513 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1430–1540 | 1320–1490 |
| ACT middle 50% | 32–34 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $44,622 | $40,163 |
| Tuition, in state | $69,270 | $71,000 |
| Tuition, out of state | $69,270 | $71,000 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,326 | $86,900 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,046 | $15,189 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,955 | $10,150 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $24,534 | $15,569 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $31,965 | $21,419 |
| Over $110,000 | $55,534 | $50,673 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 87.4% | 78.2% |
| First-year retention | 92.1% | 88.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,865 | $73,151 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $26,932 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $306 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,437 | 2,380 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Small |
| Location | Cleveland, OH | Granville, OH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Case Western Reserve University reports 66 bachelor's programs and Denison University 44; 30 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Case Western Reserve University vs Denison University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Case Western Reserve University or Denison University?
Denison University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Case Western Reserve University admits 36.5% of applicants and Denison University admits 17.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Case Western Reserve University 1430–1540; Denison University 1320–1490.
Which is cheaper, Case Western Reserve University or Denison University?
Denison University has the lower average net price after grants: $44,622 a year at Case Western Reserve University against $40,163 at Denison University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,046 and $15,189. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Case Western Reserve University or Denison University graduates earn more?
Case Western Reserve University graduates earn more at the median: $89,865 ten years after entry for Case Western Reserve University and $73,151 for Denison University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $26,932.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Case Western Reserve University or Denison University?
Case Western Reserve University does: 87.4% of Case Western Reserve University students graduate within six years, against 78.2% at Denison University.
How big are Case Western Reserve University and Denison University?
Case Western Reserve University has 6,437 students in Cleveland, OH and Denison University has 2,380 students in Granville, OH.