Demographics
In 2001, in response to low numbers of students, faculty, and staff of color, Denison committed to becoming a more diverse college. Faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and others united in efforts to make Denison more diverse.
Student Diversity & Retention Rates
Denison is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse student community. As part of this work, Denison has made a commitment to increase need-based financial aid. We are one of only about 80 colleges that meets the full demonstrated financial aid need of every student we accept. We are also in a multi-year effort to close financial stressors.
First-year retention rates are around 86% overall for white students, domestic students of color, and international students of color.
The following table shows the overall changes in diversity over a 10-year period for white students, domestic students of color, and international students of color.
Time Period |
White Students |
Domestic Students of Color |
International Students of Color |
|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2006 |
84.5% |
11.3% |
4.2% |
Fall 2021 |
60.9% |
21.9% |
17.2% |
Fall 2022 |
63% |
20% |
17% |
Fall 2023 |
62% |
21% |
17% |
Tenure and Tenure-Track Faculty Demographics & Retention Rates
In 2008, the university affirmed its commitment to faculty diversity and inclusion by focusing on increasing the number of diverse tenure-track faculty. During the past 10 years, 41% of our tenure-track faculty hires have increased diversity on campus.
The retention rate of tenure-track faculty hired since 2007-2008 is 67% overall (white and faculty of color combined) and 62% for faculty of color. The retention rate of tenure-track faculty hired since 2013 is 75% overall and 68% for faculty of color.
The third-year review and tenure rates are also similar: 89% of white faculty passed their third-year and tenure reviews, while 86% of faculty of color passed both reviews.
The following table shows the overall changes in diversity over a 10-year period for tenured and tenure-track faculty. Faculty with permanent resident status are included in the domestic faculty counts.
Time Period |
Domestic White Faculty |
Domestic Faculty of Color |
Nonresident Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2011 |
81% |
15% |
4% |
Fall 2021 |
68% |
29% |
3% |
Fall 2022 |
73% |
21% |
6% |
Fall 2023 |
71% |
22% |
7% |
Staff Demographics
The university is committed to increasing the hiring and retention rates of staff members from underrepresented groups.1 Over the past five years, the university has made incremental progress in hiring diverse staff. A focus on retaining diverse staff talent and ensuring their successful onboarding will be essential for our community.
The following tables show the overall diversity numbers for administrative staff and support staff over a 10-year period.
Time Period |
White Administrative Staff |
Administrative Staff of Color |
|---|---|---|
Fall 2011 |
92% |
8% |
Fall 2021 |
86% |
14% |
Fall 2022 |
86% |
13% |
Fall 2023 |
86% |
13% |
1Underrepresented groups are individuals who racially identify as Asian, Black, White, Hispanic, Multiracial, Pacific Islander, and Native American.
Time Period |
White Support Staff |
Support Staff of Color |
|---|---|---|
Fall 2011 |
92% |
8% |
Fall 2021 |
94% |
6% |
Fall 2022 |
92% |
8% |
Fall 2023 |
92% |
8% |