Chances of Getting Into Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio • Private University • #32 National • Founded 1824
Kenyon Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Kenyon SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Kenyon College
Kenyon College is one of America's premier literary colleges, home to the Kenyon Review (one of the most prestigious literary journals) and the alma mater of numerous acclaimed writers. Located in rural Gambier, Ohio, Kenyon offers an intensely focused intellectual community.
Top Programs
What Makes Kenyon Unique
- The Kenyon Review — one of America's most prestigious literary journals
- Alma mater of authors like John Green, E.L. Doctorow, and Robert Lowell
- One of the strongest creative writing programs in the country
- Tight-knit community in rural Gambier — nothing to do but learn and create
- Beautiful Gothic and Georgian architecture
Kenyon Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Kenyon Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Kenyon: Admission Tips
Kenyon ED acceptance rate (~55%) is strong — use it if writing/literary culture appeals
Your writing quality is paramount — essays carry enormous weight here
If interested in creative writing, Kenyon is a top-5 destination
Show intellectual depth and genuine love of ideas
Kenyon is small and remote — show you thrive in tight communities
The Brutal Truth About Kenyon Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 30% acceptance rate, Kenyon rejected over 6,300 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Kenyon, having a 3.72 GPA and 1390 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Kenyon doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Kenyon genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 30%-acceptance-rate basket.
Kenyon Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Kenyon College?
Kenyon College has an acceptance rate of 30% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 9,000+ applicants, approximately 480 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Kenyon?
The average GPA of admitted students at Kenyon College is 3.72. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.57, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Kenyon?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Kenyon students is 1310-1470. The average SAT score is 1390. For ACT, the range is 30-33 with an average of 32.
Is Kenyon hard to get into?
Yes, Kenyon College is selective with an acceptance rate of just 30%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Kenyon cost?
Tuition at Kenyon College is $66,520 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,800. However, 50% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $42,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Kenyon?
Your chances of getting into Kenyon College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 30% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Kenyon
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