Olin College of Engineering
About Olin College of Engineering
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts, opened in 1997 to rethink how engineers are taught. It has no academic departments and no tenure, students build real things from their first semester, and every one of them is on a half-tuition scholarship.
Founded
1997
Location
Needham, Massachusetts
Students
377
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
25.2%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
96.4%
Above national average
Tuition
$66,398
Per year
Avg Net Price
$25,171
After financial aid
SAT Average
1520
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$129,455
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
About 4 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
N/A
Deadline
Dec 15
Olin College of Engineering accepts 25.2% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1520 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1520/ 1600
ACT Scores
35/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
96.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
98%
4-Year Grad
78%
6-Year Grad
97%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
91.8%
$/Student
$34.0K
Class Size
Small
78% of students graduate on time, and 91.8% 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
$66,398
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,810
Books & Supplies
$240
Total Cost of Attendance
$86,474
After Financial Aid
$25,171
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
N/A
Receive Grants
12.1%
Take Loans
25.3%
Don't let the $66,398 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $25,171 after financial aid, a 62% discount.
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 Olin College of Engineering fund their education.
While in School
12.1%
Get Grants
Free money
25.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$89,945
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 25.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Olin College of Engineering.
Gender
47.2%
Female
53%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
377
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
N/A
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
N/A
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (47% women, 53% men). 7.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
377
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Olin College of Engineeringearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$129,455
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 3Engineering, General
$109K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$88K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
—
18 grads
A degree from Olin College of Engineering pays off quickly. Graduates earn $105K just six years out, growing to $129K by year ten, more than double the national median.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Olin College of Engineering
What is the acceptance rate at Olin College of Engineering?▾
How much does Olin College of Engineering cost?▾
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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.