Oberlin College
About Oberlin College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio. It includes a renowned Conservatory of Music alongside strong liberal arts programs in political science, biology, and the humanities. Oberlin was the first college in the U.S. to regularly admit women and Black students.
Founded
1833
Location
Oberlin, Ohio
Students
2,900
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
34.2%
Selective
Graduation Rate
80.9%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,366
Per year
Avg Net Price
$38,645
After financial aid
SAT Average
1447
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$58,343
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
34.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$100
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Oberlin College accepts 34.2% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1447 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1447/ 1600
ACT Scores
32/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
80.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
91%
4-Year Grad
72%
6-Year Grad
82%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
79.2%
$/Student
$26.1K
Class Size
Small
72% of students graduate on time, and 79.2% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,366
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,510
Books & Supplies
$1,908
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,404
After Financial Aid
$38,645
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$18,774
Receive Grants
9.6%
Take Loans
31%
The total cost of attendance runs about $87,404/yr, including $19,510 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $38,645.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Oberlin College fund their education.
While in School
9.6%
Get Grants
Free money
31%
Take Loans
Must repay
$111,580
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $58K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Oberlin College.
Gender
59%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,887
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
13
Graduates
8.9%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 9.5% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
2,887
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Oberlin College fields 13 varsity teams with 488 student athletes, about 17% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
North Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
488
17% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
280
Men
208
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Oberlin Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$58,343
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Music
$17K
136 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$18K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$62K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$23K
53 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$30K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$47K
49 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Oberlin College
What is the acceptance rate at Oberlin College?▾
How much does Oberlin College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Oberlin College?▾
How much do Oberlin College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.