Denison Academic Calendar

Denison University, located in Granville, Ohio, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university typically divides its academic year into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with a shorter optional Summer term. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. This structure includes standard breaks such as a week-long Thanksgiving recess in November and a month-long winter break between semesters. Denison’s calendar also features unique elements like a dedicated reading period before final exams, providing students with focused study time.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated, based on typical late August start dates), marking the beginning of classes for new and returning students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated), aligning with the national holiday for family and travel time.
• Fall Final Exams: December 10–15, 2025 (estimated), concluding the semester with a dedicated reading period prior.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated), following a winter break of approximately four weeks.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated), offering a mid-semester pause for students.
• Commencement: May 9, 2026 (estimated), celebrating graduation for the Class of 2026.

• Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated), with decisions typically released by mid-December.
• Early Decision II Deadline: January 15, 2026 (estimated), offering a second binding option with notifications by mid-February.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2026 (estimated), for standard applicants, with decisions expected by late March.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: February 15, 2026 (estimated), ensuring consideration for need-based aid alongside admissions applications.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated), securing a spot for admitted students in the Class of 2030.

Denison University’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, featuring semester start and end dates that correspond with regional weather patterns and public holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The extended winter break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in internships, while the optional Summer term provides opportunities for accelerated coursework or research. Although specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, Denison’s consistent scheduling ensures predictability for planning purposes. Students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.