
Kenyon College
Kenyon occupies a singular place in the American imagination as the very picture of college life.
Acceptance rate
31.0%
SAT (mid 50%)
1358–1503
Avg net price
$38,512
after aid
Testing
Optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Kenyon College admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Kenyon College admitted 31.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1358–1503 on the SAT and 31–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Kenyon College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Exploration Leads to Expertise
At Kenyon, you'll read widely, write often and learn to listen closely. You'll develop a voice that is practiced and confident, one you can carry into any field or future.
Students have the freedom to follow interests across disciplines, choosing one or more majors by the end of sophomore year, and completing a senior capstone.
- Faculty MentorshipPioneered in 1841, deep, meaningful, often lifelong relationships
- The Writer's College100% of graduates report stronger writing, communication, storytelling
- Demonstrating MasteryEvery student completes a capstone project with their informed view
Verified from kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu and kenyon.edu.
Applying
Here’s what to send, and when.
- TestingOptional (2027 cycle)
Verified from https://www.kenyon.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $87,590. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $38,512.
Kenyon is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualifying students for all four years, offering need-based grants, student loans, campus work, and merit scholarships.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $71,830.
Verified from https://www.kenyon.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- English Language and Literature, General14% of degrees
- Economics10% of degrees
- Psychology, General8% of degrees
- Political Science and Government7% of degrees
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics6% of degrees
- Fine and Studio Arts5% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“On a Tuesday, you might be discussing a manuscript with The Kenyon Review staff, then walking Middle Path to a peer advising session, and later volunteering in Knox County.”
The iconic Middle Path connects campus and village in Gambier, Ohio, creating a unified college town.
Quick answers
What do people ask about Kenyon College?
- Is Kenyon College test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Kenyon College is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Kenyon College?
- Very hard. Kenyon College admits 31.0% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1358 to 1503 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Kenyon College cost?
- The list price is about $87,590. After aid, families pay $38,512 on average.
- Is Kenyon College worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $71,830 ten years after enrolling. 84% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Kenyon College.
Spike answers from Kenyon College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.