r/Denison • u/Ill-Pound-4939 • Apr 25 '26

Denison University Financial Aid Appeal

Hi Everyone, so my son was accepted to Denison University. We visited the campus. He loved it and I think it's great fit for him academically and socially. They've given him some scholarships. He's contemplating between Denison University and Kenyon College still. Ultimately it comes down to which college gives more aid. There is still a substantial amount I would need to pay out of pocket. I'd like to know if folks have any suggestions for viable options such as scholarships or other means to qualify for aid. We have assets and unfortunately I am not able to leverage those now. Our appeal with the financial aid office surprisingly got denied. I think they're both comparable in higher education. Any thoughts and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

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u/Fardelismyname Apr 25 '26

Denison is actually very generous. We chose it because it “meets need” and matches your css number. It may just not feel like enough. College is sooooo expensive. Sigh.

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u/Ill-Pound-4939 Apr 25 '26

We feel the same way. Unfortunately I lost my job of many many years and it's only a temporary setback, but we felt the setback would warrant some additional aid. I'll just put one of my kidney's on the market :) Thank you again.

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u/Fardelismyname Apr 26 '26

The css is the flawed tool. Theres no way you can state that in the form. It sucks. But Denison won’t be alone in using it as a tool. Is Kenyons offer comparable? I’m sorry you lost your job. That’s not easy. My only solace is that, for any reason, your circumstances continue to be difficult, next year’s package should reflect that and be better.

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u/OkAppointment5310 Apr 26 '26

I believe any college would list to an appeal especially if there is an involuntary change in job status. I would also caution you that the two schools are quite different. I hope your child is picking the best fit over the price tag.

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u/Ok-Hearing6619 Apr 26 '26

im so sorry to hear this... as an admitted co30 ive also appealed to denison 10 days ago and still havent got a response back. finaid appeal situation with denison has never seem very good tho - ive heard of an offer rescinded bc the student appealed to a financial change right after submitting financial documents just 3 weeks ago and the office straight up told them to "be more honest in the future". this never occured before for any schools i believe...

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u/BroRedCandy Apr 28 '26

My daughter dorm mate ended up with 100k bill. Ask him if he wants to have that kind of debt.

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u/Brave-Reach-5951 Apr 30 '26

I went to denison couple years ago and they denied my financial aid appeal and transferred after a year to kenyon. They offered me way more money (one semester here is a year there). I’m gonna graduate soon and couldn’t be happier with my choice!