Tuition and Fees

You may be surprised to know that tuition and fees, housing, and food account only for about 60 percent of the funds needed to provide a quality Denison education. Thanks to the university’s alumni-supported, well-managed endowment, our students can afford an outstanding education at a price that is actually well below its true costs.

The charges for the 2025-26 academic year are $88,400. These charges are itemized below.

Please note that some students could incur additional costs that are billed by Denison, including required health insurance, federal loan fees, private music lessons, and studio art fees, among others. These potential costs are not covered through financial aid and should be anticipated as out-of-pocket expenses. Review a list of additional fees below.

Housing

There are several styles of housing at Denison. Most first-year students share a room with a roommate or two, many sophomores and juniors opt for suites of four to six, and later in your experience students have the opportunity to live in an apartment. Regardless of the style of living you choose, Denison charges one fee for housing and food. Learn more about housing options.

Dining

Denison University Hospitality offers a community experience centered on culinary expertise, fresh ingredients, healthy options, and a shared sense of environmental and social responsibility through its Denison Hospitality partner, Harvest Table. All residential students will be required to be on a meal plan, and meal plans are determined based on a student’s class year; however, sophomores and juniors could also select the first-year plan, and seniors can select any of the plans. Learn more about dining plans.

Denison Dollars

A Denison Dollars account is a prepaid, declining balance account that can be used on campus for purchases at the University Bookstore, Copy Center, Mail Center, all Denison Hospitality locations, and Bandersnatch (our student coffee house). Money can be added to your account at any time. Any unused funds at the end of the semester will be carried over to the next semester. Learn more about Denison Dollars and how to add money to your Denison Dollar account.

Other Costs

Fees are charged for certain classes that require extra resources. Please consult with student accounts if you have any questions.

Student Insurance Plan

All students are required to carry health insurance. On the fall semester bill, you will automatically be billed for this annually. For reference, the estimated cost of the Denison health insurance plan for the 2025-26 academic year is estimated to be $1,622, upon approval by the State of Ohio. If you are covered through another insurance plan (e.g., insurance provided by your parent’s employer, Ohio Medicaid), you can submit a waiver request for the Denison health insurance plan by providing proof of insurance (waivers are not guaranteed). Once proof of insurance is verified, the charge will be removed from your bill. Unfortunately, out-of-state Medicaid only covers emergency services and out-of-state HMO’s and cost sharing insurance are insufficient to waive the Denison health insurance plan. Learn more about Denison’s Student Insurance Plan.

GradGuard Tuition Protection Plan

The GradGuard Tuition Protection Plan can help protect your tuition investment if you have to withdraw unexpectedly for a covered illness, injury, or mental health reason. This plan complements and enhances Denison’s refund policy. Students and/or parents can purchase this coverage before the first day of class. Learn more about Denison’s Tuition Insurance Plan.