Aditi Agarwal, Special to The Denisonian–
Education is a driving force of upward mobility—breaking barriers and creating pathways to equal opportunity. Unfortunately, for many students, the rising cost of education puts this ideal at risk.
Ensuring broad access to education is essential not only to Denison’s commitment to fostering a diverse student body but also to preserving America’s fundamental promise as a land of opportunity. For the 2016–17 academic year, Denison University’s tuition was set at $47,870, with mandatory meal plans, housing and insurance bringing the total to $60,670. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would equate to $80,252 in 2025. Yet this year’s tuition stands at $83,400, with an expected increase of $5,000 next year, bringing the total to $88,400.
Despite rising tuition, Student Body President Noah Chartier ‘25 reports that even with an increase in annual funding, the Denison Campus Governance Association has faced budget cuts. For instance, concerts were reduced from three to two. “Doobiepalooza and Culture Jam were combined into one event this year,” he said.
While students feel the financial strain, they are left asking critical questions: Where does tuition money go? How much of it funds actual educational operations? Why can’t the endowment be used more to ease the burden?
David English, Denison’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance & Management, urges us to consider the net cost to families after financial aid, “Denison is one of the few schools that meets the full demonstrated need of all its students, year after year.”
This commitment ensures that, even as tuition rises, financial aid will grow proportionately, making education accessible for all students.
Denison’s annual expenses total nearly $200 million. As a non-profit, the college strives to maintain a budget where revenues slightly exceed expenses, ensuring there are funds available for emergencies or investments, such as the impact of COVID, as well as for upgrading campus facilities and launching new initiatives. Family payments for tuition, meals, and housing account for approximately $115 million, or 60% of the total revenue. These funds help support a wide range of activities, including faculty and staff salaries, library upkeep, dining services, and campus maintenance.
Denison’s second largest revenue source is the allocation from its endowment, which amounted to $56 million in 2024. These funds support essential areas such as financial aid, faculty costs, lectures and the Knowlton Center, among other initiatives. The third largest source of revenue comes from operating gifts, largely driven by the generosity of alumni and donors, which help fund financial aid, career programs, as well as sports and student events.
Despite this robust financial structure, rising costs in health care, food, travel, and classroom materials are making it increasingly difficult to maintain affordable education. Managing a campus of Denison’s size—providing both academics and residential life for 2,400 students—remains a complex and costly endeavor. To tackle rising costs, Denison is pursuing sustainable solutions, including the recently announced solar array, which will supply nearly 35% of the campus’s electricity, lower its carbon footprint, and deliver long-term savings. Since 2017, student aid at Denison has grown significantly—from $62 million to $85 million in 2024—outpacing tuition increases and reinforcing the university’s commitment to accessibility. By meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all students, Denison removes economic barriers that often disproportionately affect underrepresented and lower-income groups, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and experiences enrich the campus community.
Amid shifting political climates, this dedication to fostering diversity remains central to Denison’s mission as a liberal arts college, shaping an institution where inclusion is not just a value but a lived reality. Through strategic financial management, sustainable practices, and an unwavering focus on student needs, Denison is trying to navigate financial challenges without compromising its core values.