College Profile: Kenyon College

I recently had the pleasure of taking a counselor tour of Kenyon College. Nestled in Gambier, Ohio, Kenyon College is one of America’s classic liberal arts colleges; small in size but rich in history, character, and tradition. It is often thought of as a “writer’s college,” but I found it to be full of opportunities for all areas of study. Plus, the students I met were creative, ambitious, and fantastic. 

Fun Facts:

• Kenyon is Ohio’s oldest private college, founded in 1824. 

• The college’s colors are purple and white. 

• 100% of Kenyon students live on campus — Kenyon is one of the few fully residential colleges in the U.S.

• The campus sits on ~1,000 acres, including a 380-acre nature preserve area. It is stunning!

• Kenyon’s lengthwise pedestrian route, Middle Path, runs ~3,534 feet and connects many key parts of campus. 

• The Lowry Center (formerly the Kenyon Athletic Center) is a major hub for athletics and student life; it opened in 2006 and was designed by architect Graham Gund. 

• Kenyon has a strong athletic profile: the college leads the nation in NCAA Division III championships, with ~62 national titles to date. 

• As I mentioned before, the school is sometimes called “The Writers’ College” because of its emphasis on writing, the influence of The Kenyon Review, and its literary legacy. 

• Kenyon maintains a collection of historical artifacts (“Kenyoniana”) around campus, including Philander Chase’s desk, his Bible box, and Lord Kenyon’s parliamentary robe. 

  
  

History:

• In 1824, Philander Chase, the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio, founded Kenyon College. The institution was incorporated December 29, 1824. 

• Chase first began the college in Worthington, Ohio, but soon purchased land (~8,000 acres) in Knox County and established the Gambier campus by 1825. 

• The first permanent building, “Old Kenyon,” was begun around 1827 and occupied by 1829.

• Over the years, Kenyon evolved from its Episcopal roots into a more broadly liberal arts institution. 

• In the mid-20th century, under President Gordon Keith Chalmers (1937–1956), Kenyon played a key role in initiating what became the Advanced Placement (AP) program. 

• The college continues to preserve and celebrate its heritage. For example, in the bicentennial timeline, the practice of matriculation book signing was reaffirmed (dating back to the 1840s). 

• In 2024, the college celebrated its 200th anniversary, marking two centuries of academic life and growth. 

  
  

Traditions:

• Matriculation Oath & Book SigningEach incoming class takes a matriculation oath and signs a Matriculation Book, a custom in place for over a century. 

• First-Year Sing / Senior SingEntering first-year students gather on the steps of Rosse Hall to sing Kenyon songs, symbolically welcoming them to the community. On the eve of commencement, seniors return to the same steps to sing again. 

• Avoiding the Peirce Dining Hall SealStudents traditionally avoid stepping on the college seal embedded in the entrance hall of Peirce Dining Hall — folklore says it’s bad luck or may jeopardize graduation. 

• Kenyon Pealers & Church BellsThe Church of the Holy Spirit on campus houses a 10-bell chime set (installed in 1879), rung manually by a group called the Kenyon Pealers on Fridays and special occasions. 

• Planting a Tree TraditionDuring the bicentennial celebrations, first-year students joined in planting a Red Sunset Maple outside Rosse Hall, a symbolic act tying new classes to campus heritage. 

• Stewardship of KenyonianaThe campus’s archives and displays showcase historic objects from Kenyon’s past — students, faculty, and visitors often engage with these artifacts (e.g. Philander Chase’s desk, Lord Kenyon’s robe). 

  
  

Student Statistics & Academic Profile:

• 50 majors, minors, and concentrations offered. 

• ~30% of students major in the natural sciences. 

• Around 110 students per year engage in college-funded research projects across disciplines. 

• Over 200 study abroad / off-campus programs in more than 60 countries. 

• 44 students annually serve as apprentice teachers in languages (e.g. ASL, Arabic, Chinese, French, etc.). 

• All students live on campus; Kenyon offers ~28 residence halls, from historic to modern. 

• Campus footprint: ~680 acres of green space, 10+ miles of trails. 

• About 40% of the food served in the dining hall is locally sourced, including produce from Kenyon’s own farm. 

• 100+ student clubs and organizations in arts, culture, media, Greek life, performance, etc. 

  
  

Admissions & Enrollment (Recent Class of 2026 data):

• From a record 8,635 applications, Kenyon admitted 535 first-year and 22 transfer students. 

• The incoming class came from 39 states, 20 countries, and 460 different high schools. 

• Average weighted high school GPA for entering students: ~ 3.98 

• Average ACT: 32; average SAT: 1421 

• Composition: ~10% international citizens; ~24% domestic students of color; increased economic diversity in the class. 

  
  

Academics & Faculty:

• Student-faculty ratio: around 9:1.

• Culture of small, discussion-based classes, close professor-student interaction, and strong writing emphasis. 

• Kenyon is heavily involved in summer research opportunities and internship placements. Many students earn summer research funding.

• Kenyon is nationally recognized for producing Goldwater Scholars (a prestigious award for undergraduate science research). 

Why Kenyon Might Be a Great Fit for You:

Choosing a college is about more than rankings; it’s about the environment in which you’ll grow, learn, and connect. I always encourage my students to look outside the box of schools they might already know to find their true Dream School. 

Here’s what I found that stands out at Kenyon:

• Close-knit community & residential life: With 100% of students living on campus, there’s a continuous sense of community and connection.

• Intellectual engagement & writing focus: Whether or not you major in English, Kenyon places a strong emphasis on writing, critical thinking, and deep discourse.

• Opportunities for research and global experience: Many students jump into research early, and the breadth of off-campus programs is impressive for a school of its size.

• Tradition, history, and identity: Kenyon’s rituals and care for its past give a sense of continuity and belonging.

• Balanced lifestyle: Even with rigorous academics, many students describe the atmosphere as cooperative rather than hyper-competitive. Professors are approachable and eager to mentor.

• Strong athletic and extracurricular culture: With a leading number of NCAA Division III national titles, club sports, intramurals, and many clubs/organizations, there’s space for diverse interests.

  
  

I encourage you to visit in person, and definitely check out the website at https://www.kenyon.edu/.