Is Denison similar? Any others?
Miami of Ohio. If Catholic schools an option, University of Dayton, Xavier, Marquette.
For kids looking for greek life, lax bros etc. – that exists at Denison but is just one “flavor” of experience. What I appreciated about Denison is that the student body is a blend of “types” – there are sorority girls but also kids who live at the Homestead (the student-run organic farm just off campus), bluegrass kids (there is a concentration in Bluegrass in the Music major), activists, artists (fine arts facility gorgeous, and now building a new/renovated performing arts facility). President Weinberg is explicit about creating a community where kids experience difference.
Perhaps Ohio Wesleyan
@Midwestmomofboys Thank you! I’m especially looking forward to seeing Denison. It sounds like a great, well rounded school. In your experience, does the school feel quiet when walking around or do you feel some energy? That seems to be a factor for D when looking at schools.
@citymama9 On campus feel – campus is on the crest of a hill, and not compact like Kenyon, so unless students are moving between class times, it is probably not going to feel crowded. At the same time, between music, arts, sports, lectures, cultural activities, there is always something happening. The Vail series – a year long music series which brings a variety of artists to campus – is a fabulous resource. The Lugar Center brings political figures to campus with a focus on bipartisanship. The first year program runs free weekend outings to Columbus to get the kids exploring the city, from trips to arts district, zoo, sporting events – students sign up and transportation is provided. Students regularly walk down to the village to grab ice cream, pick up shampoo at CVS, eat at the Pub etc.
@Midwestmomofboys every time you post about Denison, I get even more impressed about the school!! 
I will say, though, that I felt like Denison’s campus has a tighter feeling than Kenyon’s campus. The buildings are closer together. Not a bad thing. Just different. Less relaxing if that makes sense? Closer to an actual neighborhood of cute houses. Kenyon is isolated and and seems more spread out to me. Both campuses feel contained which S19 liked.
@homerdog Oh dear, I don’t want to set expectations too high! We visited Denison the first time as a safety, and were very impressed but thought that “higher ranked” schools would be kid’s focus. Over time, other schools dropped down the list for different reasons, and Denison kept climbing. Throw in substantial merit aid – for a full pay family without full pay resources – and the decision became pretty simple by the end!
My S went to visit Denison with his father, who was prepared to hate everything about Ohio in general and Denison in particular. Let’s just say that he’s one of those people who saw and believed the New Yorker cartoon showing that the world ends at the Hudson River.
For the better part of the day they were there, I was getting texts about how beautiful and amazing it was. DH continued to lobby for the school right up to the end, and it stayed a contender pretty much up to D day. DS ultimately didn’t pick it, but we have all remained enthusiastic.
Ymmv, but our family was really excited by this one. My sense, having known it 40 years ago, was that it is a school whose star is rising (and has been rising). They have a big endowment and are using it well. Excited to hear how you like it.
Perhaps Wooster and DePauw in addition to Kenyon and Denison.
Depaul, Creighton, Butler?
I would say, DePauw. Outstanding school, great Greek system, and charming campus.
Thirding DePauw!
Thanks for the suggestions. Depauw is a school of interest. Any opinions about Butler? I know more about Depauw. How do they compare?
@citymama9 We are in IN and know kids at both Depauw and Butler, but I did not research them for my kids so do not know them well.
Depauw is smaller than Butler a traditional LAC, gorgeous athletic facilities (only part of campus we saw when we were there for away game from my kid), greek life predominates but is very open and accessible (a girl we know who is the last person you would think would “go greek” found her people in her sorority and loves Depauw). Town is not much, and campus is 30-40 minutes from Indy.
Butler is larger, on the north side of Indy, much more accessible to city life. D1 basketball is a big deal. Wider range of majors than traditional LAC, so things like communications disorders or accounting. Take this with a grain of salt, but Depauw seems to attract a more studious, academic kid, at least when we look at the kids we know who have gone to Depauw and Butler. Butler seems to have a wider swath of kids, we know a bunch of kids there who are just not terribly academic or intellectual.
@Midwestmomofboys As always, you are so helpful. Thank you so much!