New national rankings released this week show Denison rising in multiple national categories, reflecting the college’s growing momentum and affirming its position as the nation’s premier liberal arts college for career preparation.
Denison climbed to #2 for best career services and #4 for best classroom experience among all 2,400 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. — reflecting years of intentional focus on the intersection of academic innovation and workplace readiness — in The Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings.
The college also earned top honors for its students’ overall experience and satisfaction — #2 for happiest students, #6 for best quality of life, and #7 for students who love their college.
“These rankings capture the energy and vibrancy of Denison today,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “Across the categories, we are recognized for the way we get relationships right. Our faculty are connecting with students in classrooms. Our students are making friends and thriving. Our alumni and staff are helping students launch into careers. Relationships anchor a college experience, and we get them right.”
Strong leadership and fiscal management also resulted in Denison climbing to #17 best-run colleges among all U.S. colleges and universities and #1 in Ohio. Its deep partnerships within the community of Granville, Ohio, a quintessential college town 25 minutes from Columbus, Ohio, also helped it secure the #3 spot for great town-gown relations.
Continuing investment and support from its alumni in campus life, including new and upgraded athletics and conservatory-level performing arts spaces, helped Denison achieve high marks for facilities — #6 best athletic facilities, #7 best college theatre, and #12 best science lab facilities.
Denison’s positive momentum continues beyond external rankings. The college’s emphasis on academic innovation and workplace readiness has positioned it as a leader in higher education.
In 2026, Denison will launch a new data sciences center. This centrally located campus hub will be devoted to integrating data and digital literacy across its curriculum.
Denison also demonstrated strength in philanthropy and athletics, recently posting its third straight record-breaking year for fundraising, and Big Red student-athletes achieved arguably the greatest year in Denison’s athletics history in 2025, including two NCAA national titles in men’s tennis and men’s swimming and diving, six top-8 finishes, and 11 conference regular-season championships.
Known for its multiple categories of student survey-based ranking lists, The Princeton Review’s popular college guide is in its 34th annual edition.