Again this year, Denison University is included in the top tier on Forbes' list of “America's Top Colleges,” which annually ranks the best colleges and universities in the country. In its rankings, Forbes focuses on return on investment by examining graduation rates, student debt, success in chosen professions and additional data. Denison is ranked among the nation's leaders in these measures, which is an indication of the strength of its liberal arts curriculum, close mentorship by faculty, superlative career-launch programs and a flourishing alumni network.
During the last year, Denison has introduced a number of new strategic initiatives, including groundbreaking academic programs in global commerce, data analytics, financial economics and narrative nonfiction. The college also launched the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration with a focus on leveraging the college’s significant alumni network, paid internships and the establishment of several innovative career-preparation programs. Denison has expanded global learning programs and partnerships with colleges and universities around the world, and has forged mutually beneficial relationships in nearby Columbus, which is trending for college students and graduates, and recently was named by Forbes as the top “opportunity city” in the nation. In addition to its high national position, Denison also is listed among the Forbes' “Top Midwest Colleges” for 2016. Forbes also has released its 2016 list of “Grateful Grads Colleges,” which calculates return on investment and alumni satisfaction by analyzing the levels at which graduates give back to their school. With its large numbers of loyal, successful and generous alumni, Denison is recognized among the national leaders on this list again, as well.
“We are thrilled that Forbes has recognized the quality and value of a Denison education,” said University President Adam Weinberg. “Students here thrive through challenging coursework, close faculty relationships and leadership opportunities that provide exceptional preparation for their professional and civic lives.”
Denison is one of a select few colleges that survey their graduates about their success at six months and five years after graduation. The findings show that, five years after graduation, 93 percent of Denison alumni are in their desired field or position, or they are on a clear path to achieving what they hope to accomplish professionally. In addition, 93 percent of alumni are satisfied with how well Denison prepared them for professional success after college.
In ranking Denison, Forbes notes the college's history and some folklore that has been passed down by generations of students, and it also notes Denison's celebrated successes in intercollegiate athletics, having just won its record-setting 15th All-Sports Championship in the highly competitive North Coast Athletic Conference.
Forbes also gives Denison an A+ financial ranking, which measures financial fitness as determined by nine components broken into three broad categories: balance sheet strength, operational soundness and certain other factors indicative of a college's financial health, including admission yield. In addition, the college's endowment of some $800 million dollars provides the flexibility to foster a community of diverse individuals: students, faculty and staff of varying backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, abilities and worldviews who all recognize the importance of sharing their unique insights and ideas. Fewer than 50 schools nationwide earned the perfect A+ rating.