Different Worlds Come Together

Denison welcomes and celebrates its multicultural diversity. Our strong academic reputation attracts talented students from around the world. Within our close-knit community of students representing 46 states and about as many countries, you'll interact with people of many different faiths and cultural backgrounds.

How to Apply

Denison uses the Common Application. There is no application fee for students applying online or from overseas.  Also see the Financial Aid Application and Certificate of Finances (required).

Denison prides itself in offering a culturally diverse environment for its students. Besides interacting with classmates from various backgrounds, international students are given the opportunity to work closely with faculty and staff, in many instances forming long-lasting and very meaningful relationships.

At Denison, the faculty and staff recognize the needs of international students and are supportive of their academic and social endeavors. Non-US students comprise approximately 4% of the student body.

Denison understands that diplomas attained through certain educational systems represent work done beyond the American high school level. Students presenting these diplomas may receive up to one year of college credit as determined by the Registrar and the appropriate academic faculty, which is in accordance with the recommendations supplemented by the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrar's and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). To receive further information regarding these issues, please contact our Office of Admissions.

Testing and Requirements

Admission to Denison is competitive. Candidates should demonstrate B work or better, or the foreign equivalent. For international students whose first language is not English, a 550 TOEFL (213 computer based or 80 internet based) score is acceptable in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.

International Student Orientation

The International Student Orientation Program takes place prior to the August Orientation for all first year students. The three day program is designed to enable new students to begin their careers at Denison with a firm grounding in academic, social, and extracurricular activities. During the program, students will meet the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Registrar and faculty and staff who are available to address students' concerns and ease cross-cultural transitions.  The program also includes a campus tour, shopping excursions and a trip to Columbus for dinner and a movie. 

During the orientation students are informed of the resources, support services and opportunities available on campus. Participants are also made aware of the rights and responsibilities which they bear as members of the Denison community as well as ambassadors of their own country.

Immigration and Employment Concerns

Requirements for Maintenance of Student Visa Status

F-1 are students admitted to the U.S. for "duration of status" indicated as D/S on their I-94 and Form I-201D. In order to maintain status, students must:   1.    Have a valid passport;
    2.    Attend the school for which they are authorized;
    3.    Be enrolled in a full course of study: 12 credit hours;
    4.    Acquire signature for travel on the I-20;
    5.    Engage only in authorized employment;
    6.    Comply with all immigration regulations pertaining F-1 status.

Authorized employment for F-1 students entails on-campus employment of a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session and 40 hours per week over the summer and during holiday breaks. Additional authorization is required for off-campus employment as outlined by F-1 student immigration regulations.

Academic Diversity and Support

We have a number of academic programs that focus on multicultural areas of study, study abroad opportunities, and faculty and staff who will work closely with you to help you achieve your ambitions. In addition, we offer need and merit-based financial aid awards that can help you pursue your future endeavors. 

Multicultural Activities
Besides interacting with classmates from various backgrounds, we also have organizations with a multicultural focus, where you can embrace your individuality and get to know other students with similar interests. Throughout the year, we also offer numerous lectures, concerts, and events that introduce our community to new art forms, cultures, and ways of life.

Host Families

Denison sponsors a non-residential Host Family Program that brings international students together with local families. Host families offer the opportunity to learn more about our culture and can provide entrée into the local community and off campus life.  In turn, local families are able to expand their own horizons through friendship with a student from another country.

Local families who are part of this program offer their hospitality to a student when s/he arrives and occasionally throughout their time at Denison. While there are different levels of involvement that are agreed upon between students and host families, most host families meet their student during the orientation program and make a commitment to spend some time with them during the year.  For international students the program is voluntary, so students requesting host families should be genuinely interested in learning more about family life in the U.S. and developing personal relationships beyond the college campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Denison offer financial aid to international students?

Yes, Denison offers financial aid scholarships to academically talented international students. However, full financial support is not available. Funds for assisting international students are limited to partial tuition scholarships, book grants and work awards. Each student is required to contribute a minimum of $19,000 per year towards the total cost of attendance at Denison.

Must international students submit a different application than the regular first year student application or the Common Application?

Denison accepts the Common Application. Parents are required to submit a Certification of Finances. International student requesting financial aid from Denison, must submit the International Student Financial Aid Application to the Admissions Office.

What documents do I need to obtain for immigration purposes before leaving for Denison?

Once you are accepted and choose to attend Denison, you will receive the I-20AB Form needed to obtain your F-1 VISA. Please read the information on the form carefully. A reminder: DO NOT OBTAIN A VISITORS VISA. Along with your passport, the VISA is needed to avoid immigration problems during your stay in the United States. For additional information of Immigration concerns, please see the above section, Immigration and Employment Concerns.

Is there any organization on campus designed specifically to assist international students on campus?

Yes we have the Denison International Students Association (DISA). This very active group is student run. The association frequently holds meetings to discuss general student concerns and to plan upcoming events such as holiday celebrations, retreats, International Week, and debates on international issues.

How diverse is the student body at Denison?

Our student body comes from various backgrounds. 65% of Denison students are from outside Ohio, with over 46 states and about as many countries represented. 20% are multicultural.

If you have any questions, or for more information, contact:

Sarah H. Leavell
Coordinator of International Admissions
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 740
Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023-0740
Phone: (740) 587-6789
Fax: (740) 587-6306
Email: leavell@denison.edu