Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio, ranked #27 among US National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News Best Colleges 2026. Founded in 1824, it enrolls close to 1,900 undergraduates on a 1,000-acre residential campus roughly 80 kilometres from Columbus.
Kenyon offers bachelor’s degrees across 50+ majors and minors, all taught in English, spanning English literature, economics, biology, political science, psychology and studio art. Indian applicants apply through the Common Application for Fall (August) entry, with the college offering need-based and merit-based aid to international students.
- US News Liberal Arts Rank: #27 (Best Colleges 2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 34% (estimated)
- Primary Intake: Fall (August 2027)
- UG Tuition: USD 71,290 per year (INR 67.4 lakh)
- Total Enrolment: 1,878 undergraduates
- Average Starting Salary: USD 55,000 (INR 51.9 lakh)
Also Check: Top Universities in USA for Indian Students
Kenyon publishes a single all-in cost of attendance including tuition, housing and dining. The college is need-blind for domestic applicants and need-aware for international applicants, and awarded aid averages USD 55,000 per international student in the most recent cycle. Applicants must show funding proof before the F-1 visa interview.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Early Decision I closes 15 November 2026 and Early Decision II plus Regular Decision close 15 January 2027. International applicants must submit the CSS Profile alongside the Common Application for financial aid consideration. Decisions release in mid-December 2026 for ED I and late March 2027 for Regular Decision.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Kenyon Fees 2027
- Kenyon College Admission 2027
- Kenyon College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Kenyon College Acceptance Rate 2027
- Kenyon Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Kenyon College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Kenyon College Scholarships 2027
- Kenyon College Rankings 2027
- Kenyon College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Kenyon College vs Peer Colleges
- Kenyon College FAQs
Popular Courses and Kenyon Fees 2027
Kenyon College follows a four-year bachelor’s structure with 50+ majors under Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. Tuition for 2026-2027 stands at USD 71,290 per year, with the total cost of attendance including room, board and fees at USD 87,900 per year. As per US News, Kenyon’s sticker price applies equally to domestic and international students, though financial aid narrows the actual cost paid.
Kenyon College UG Programs and Fees 2027
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA English | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 85% and above (recommended) |
| BA Economics | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 85% including Mathematics (recommended) |
| BA Biology | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 85% including Biology and Chemistry (recommended) |
| BA Political Science | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 80% and above (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 80% and above (recommended) |
| BA History | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 80% and above (recommended) |
| BA Mathematics | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 85% including Mathematics (recommended) |
| BA International Studies | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 80% and above (recommended) |
| BA Studio Art | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 75% plus portfolio (recommended) |
| BA Philosophy | 285,160 | 269.5 lakh | Class 12 with 80% and above (recommended) |
Every four-year Kenyon degree costs USD 71,290 × 4 years = USD 285,160 in tuition alone. Adding room, board and personal expenses, total four-year cost of attendance approaches USD 351,600 (INR 332.3 lakh). Financial aid reduces this figure substantially for admitted Indian applicants.
Insider note: Indian students concentrate in Economics, Biology, Mathematics and English at Kenyon, with the Kenyon Review journal drawing writing-focused applicants.
Read More: Kenyon College Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Kenyon College Admission 2027
Kenyon runs a single Fall intake with three application rounds. Early Decision is binding and used by nearly half of the enrolled class each year.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I deadline | 15 November 2026 | Binding round; decision by mid-December 2026 |
| Early Decision II deadline | 15 January 2027 | Binding round; decision by mid-February 2027 |
| Regular Decision deadline | 15 January 2027 | Non-binding; decision by late March 2027 |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Recommended for board transcripts |
| Fall 2027 semester start | Late August 2027 | Orientation precedes classes by one week |
Planning note: Indian applicants aiming for maximum financial aid should target Regular Decision, as Early Decision limits the ability to compare aid offers across colleges.
Read More: Kenyon College Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Kenyon College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Kenyon expects strong Class 12 board results with rigorous coursework across five academic subjects.
- Class 12 Academic: 80% to 90% aggregate (recommended) with English and four core subjects
- English Test: TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0 or Duolingo 120 minimum
- Standardised Tests: SAT/ACT optional through Fall 2027 admissions cycle
- Additional Documents: Two teacher recommendations, counsellor letter and Common Application essay
As per Kenyon Admissions, the college requires the CSS Profile from all international financial aid applicants. English test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Kenyon.
Key insight: Kenyon waives the English test requirement for Indian applicants who studied in English-medium schools for at least four years, backed by a school letter confirming the medium of instruction.
Kenyon College Acceptance Rate 2027
Kenyon College admits roughly 34% (estimated) of applicants overall, based on Common Data Set filings from recent cycles. Early Decision admit rates run higher than Regular Decision, reflecting binding-round self-selection.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 34% (estimated) | Stable |
| Class of 2027 | 34% (estimated) | Stable |
Indian applicants face a more competitive international pool with sub-20% admit rates. Rigorous academics, standardised test scores and demonstrated writing ability strengthen candidacy.
Reality check: Kenyon’s headline 34% rate masks a much tighter international bar; Indian applicants should target scores at or above the top decile of admitted student profiles.
Read More: Kenyon College Acceptance Rate
Kenyon Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Annual cost of attendance at Kenyon totals USD 87,900 (INR 83.1 lakh), covering tuition, housing, dining and personal expenses. Financial aid reduces this figure by an average of USD 55,000 for aided international students.
Kenyon Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
| Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (annual) | 71,290 | 67.4 lakh |
| Room and Board | 15,860 | 15.0 lakh |
| Student Activity Fee | 750 | 0.7 lakh |
| Books and Supplies | 1,000 | 0.9 lakh |
| Total Annual COA | 88,900 | 84.0 lakh |
[Source: Kenyon College official cost estimate]
Monthly Cost of Living in Gambier for Indian Students
Gambier is a small college town where most on-campus expenses roll into the housing charge. Off-campus discretionary spending remains modest by US standards.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus) | 1,320 | INR 1,24,740 |
| Food (meal plan included) | 200 | INR 18,900 |
| Transportation | 80 | INR 7,560 |
| Books and Supplies | 85 | INR 8,033 |
| Personal Expenses | 150 | INR 14,175 |
| Total Monthly | 1,835 | INR 1,73,408 |
Insider note: Nearly all Kenyon undergraduates live on campus for all four years, so accommodation costs are locked to the college housing rate rather than the Gambier rental market.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Kenyon College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Kenyon’s 1,000-acre residential campus sits in Gambier, a village of 2,400 residents in Knox County, Ohio.
- Location: Gambier, Ohio, 80 kilometres northeast of Columbus by road
- Housing: 100% of first-years and 98% of upperclassmen live on campus; four-year housing guarantee
- Notable Facility: Kenyon Athletic Center with Olympic-size pool and 263,000 square feet of sports space
- Indian Community: Small but active South Asian Society hosts Diwali, Holi and cultural events annually
What Indian students say: The small size means faculty know you by name and doors open for research assistantships from sophomore year. Weekends can feel quiet without a car, so most students plan trips to Columbus in groups.
Kenyon College Scholarships 2027
Kenyon offers merit and need-based aid to international students, with financial aid averaging USD 55,000 per aided international student in recent cycles.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyon Trustee Scholarship | Merit | Up to full tuition | Top academic and leadership candidates | 15 January 2027 |
| Kenyon Honor Scholarship | Merit | USD 25,000 per year | Strong academics; automatic consideration | 15 January 2027 |
| Science Scholars Program | Merit | USD 30,000 per year | STEM applicants with research interest | 15 January 2027 |
| Kenyon Need-Based Aid | Need | Varies | CSS Profile required for internationals | 15 January 2027 |
[Source: Kenyon College Financial Aid]
Planning note: Only around 50 international students receive aid at Kenyon each cycle, so the CSS Profile must be submitted on time and match the Common Application financial disclosures exactly.
Read More: Kenyon College Scholarships Guide
Kenyon College Rankings 2027
Kenyon holds a top-30 position among US National Liberal Arts Colleges, with the strongest recognition coming from US News rather than global research-focused rankings.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Liberal Arts Colleges | 2026: #27 | 2025: #32 | 2024: #35 |
| Forbes America’s Top Colleges | 2025: #86 | 2024: #92 | 2023: #101 |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: US News, Forbes]
Kenyon does not appear in QS or THE global tables because liberal arts colleges rarely meet the research-output thresholds those bodies use. US News ranks liberal arts colleges as a distinct national category, and Kenyon’s #27 placement carries employer weight across the US.
Key insight: A liberal arts college like Kenyon carries strong US brand equity but limited recognition among Indian recruiters, so applicants planning to return to India should weigh the ranking gap against the teaching-quality gains.
Read More: Kenyon College Rankings Analysis
Kenyon College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Kenyon reports strong first-destination outcomes six months after graduation, driven by a small class size and alumni network in law, media and finance.
- Employment/Grad-School Rate: 94% within six months of graduation
- Median Starting Salary: USD 55,000 (INR 51.9 lakh) — market median for liberal arts graduates
- Top Sectors: Education, media and publishing, financial services, healthcare and law
- Indian Alumni: Kenyon alumni work across Wall Street analyst programs and US graduate schools; the Career Development Office runs a four-year advising model
- Graduate School Rate: Nearly 25% of graduates enrol in law, medicine, PhD or master’s programs within five years
Insider note: Indian graduates typically use OPT for a 12-month work stint post-graduation, then pivot to a US master’s or a return to India; STEM majors like Biology and Mathematics unlock the 36-month STEM OPT extension.
Kenyon College vs Peer Colleges
The most relevant peer set for Kenyon includes fellow US liberal arts colleges with similar academic profiles and international admission practices.
| College | US News Liberal Arts 2026 | Avg Annual UG Fee (USD/INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyon College | #27 | USD 71,290 / INR 67.4 lakh | Kenyon Review journal and strong English/writing tradition |
| Oberlin College | #37 | USD 68,000 / INR 64.3 lakh | Conservatory-linked music and progressive academics |
| Denison University | #40 | USD 69,000 / INR 65.2 lakh | Ohio peer with strong economics placement |
| Colby College | #25 | USD 72,000 / INR 68.0 lakh | DavisConnects funds all internships |
| Middlebury College | #11 | USD 74,000 / INR 69.9 lakh | Language schools and international relations |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Kenyon stands out for its writing and humanities strength, anchored by the Kenyon Review. The four-year housing guarantee and small classes give Indian students access to faculty that larger universities cannot match.
Is Kenyon College Right for Indian Students?
Kenyon fits Indian applicants who want intensive faculty attention, humanities depth or pre-med preparation and can absorb an INR 84 lakh annual sticker price against a median first-job salary near INR 52 lakh. The F-1 visa route with 12-month OPT works well for students planning US graduate school after two work years.
It is not the best fit for applicants targeting India-based recruitment for engineering or business roles, where a QS-ranked US research university carries stronger brand recognition. Peer options like the MS route in USA offer higher visibility for those tracks.
Kenyon College FAQs
Ques. Does Kenyon College waive the English test for Indian applicants?
Ans. Kenyon College waives the English proficiency test for Indian applicants who completed at least four years of secondary education in an English-medium school. A signed letter from the school principal confirming English as the medium of instruction must accompany the Common Application. Students who studied in Hindi or regional-language mediums must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Kenyon?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Kenyon can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and 40 hours per week during breaks. On-campus jobs include library assistant, dining hall staff and research assistant roles. Off-campus employment requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation after the first academic year, arranged through the International Student Office.
Ques. Is SAT or ACT required for Kenyon College admission?
Ans. Kenyon College remains test-optional through the Fall 2027 admissions cycle, so Indian applicants may apply without SAT or ACT scores. Students who submit scores typically report SAT 1,340 to 1,500 or ACT 30 to 34. Test scores can strengthen scholarship consideration but are not mandatory for admission or aid.
Ques. What is the application fee for Kenyon College?
Ans. Kenyon College charges a USD 65 (INR 6,143) application fee through the Common Application. Fee waivers are available for applicants who demonstrate financial need through their school counsellor or via the Common Application fee waiver request. Indian applicants can also request waivers by emailing the admissions office directly with counsellor verification.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers finance Kenyon College?
Ans. Major Indian lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo and Prodigy Finance fund Kenyon College degrees for eligible Indian students. State Bank of India offers loans up to INR 1.5 crore for US undergraduate study. Loan sanction depends on co-signer income, collateral and Kenyon’s I-20 form issued after admission.
Ques. How does Kenyon handle dependent visa applications?
Ans. Kenyon issues F-2 dependent visa documents for spouses and children of enrolled F-1 students. The primary student must show additional financial proof of USD 10,000 per dependent per year. F-2 dependents cannot work in the US but children can attend K-12 schools and spouses can enrol in part-time study without additional authorisation.
Ques. What documents does WES require for Kenyon transcript evaluation?
Ans. WES needs sealed Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets sent directly by CBSE, ICSE or state boards to the WES Canada office. Processing takes 7 to 15 business days after all documents arrive. Kenyon accepts course-by-course evaluations for transfer credit claims, though most Indian applicants apply as first-year students without transfer credits.
Ques. Are joint degree programs available at Kenyon College?
Ans. Kenyon offers 3-2 dual-degree engineering programs with Case Western Reserve, Columbia University, Rensselaer Polytechnic and Washington University in St Louis. Students spend three years at Kenyon plus two years at the partner engineering school. Kenyon also runs a Concentration in Public Policy and cross-disciplinary programs in Environmental Studies, Neuroscience and Law and Society.
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Kenyon College Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 96,350/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.8 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.4 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Kenyon College Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.commonapp.org/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Kenyon College Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1362 | 1263 | 1460 | 45 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 685 | 640 | 730 | - |
| Mathematics | 677 | 623 | 730 | - |
| ACT | 31 | 29 | 33 | 68 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 32 | 29 | 35 | - |
| Mathematics | 29 | 26 | 31 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Kenyon College Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3041 | 2803 | 238 | - |


















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