Oberlin College: 34.9% Acceptance Rate

34.9%Acceptance

$64,646Tuition

2,950Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$58,343Earnings

#25 in OhioPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Oberlin College

Oberlin has shaped progressive culture since 1833, producing filmmakers like Lena Dunham and directors like Julie Taymor. The 2,950 students split time between rigorous liberal arts courses and one of America's most strong music conservatories. This small Ohio town becomes a laboratory for student activism and artistic experimentation. Students score an average 1445 on the SAT, reflecting the academic intensity that has made Oberlin a feeder school for graduate programs and creative careers.

The sticker price hits $85,496, but most families pay far less after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,257 on average, while those from wealthy households ($110,000+) still get help, paying $48,245. Graduates carry a median debt of $26,000 and earn $58,343 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works better than many liberal arts colleges, especially given Oberlin's network strength in arts and activism.

Only 5.45% of students come from Ohio, creating a nationally diverse community where 88.78% return for sophomore year. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your work. With 21 varsity sports but zero athletic scholarships, student-athletes compete for love of the game while pursuing demanding academics.

Academics & Faculty

Oberlin operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across the humanities, sciences, and arts. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship and small seminar-style classes that encourage deep discussion. Oberlin's world-well-known Conservatory of Music is one of the country's oldest and most strong music schools, attracting strong talent from around the globe. The 81.52% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Students benefit from the college's modern ExCo program, where anyone can teach courses on unconventional topics. Oberlin pioneered environmental studies programs and maintains a reputation for producing socially conscious graduates who challenge conventional thinking.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 72.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 81.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 79.5%
Retention Rate: 88.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,343
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

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Campus Life

The small town of Oberlin wraps around campus like a college town should, with tree-lined streets connecting academic buildings to the famous conservatory where music students practice until late at night. With 2,694 housing spots for 2,950 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and cooperative houses where students cook communal meals and debate everything from politics to philosophy. Only 5.45% of students come from Ohio, creating a diverse mix of perspectives in this rural setting about 35 miles southwest of Cleveland.

Winters hit hard here with lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Erie, so pack that heavy coat alongside your protest signs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your opinions, which matters at a school built on activism since 1833. Weekends might find students at house parties in the co-ops, attending student concerts, or organizing for causes they believe in. The college's progressive reputation isn't just marketing - students here actually show up for social justice work between studying for their rigorous liberal arts coursework.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 2,694 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1833

Campus Safety (2023)

26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	7	7
Dating Violence	3	3
Stalking	3	1
Arson	1	0
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–33°F
July Avg: 61°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.0"
Annual Snowfall: 44.5"

Student Demographics

Oberlin draws students from across the country, with only 5% coming from Ohio. The school attracts creative and socially conscious students who value its dual reputation for musical excellence and progressive activism. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's historic commitment to gender equality and liberal arts programs that traditionally appeal to female students. Despite the high sticker price, Oberlin serves a economically diverse population through generous financial aid. Students here tend to prioritize artistic expression and social justice over conventional career paths.

Men: 41.5%
Women: 58.5%
White: 62.0%
Black: 4.4%
Hispanic: 8.2%
Asian: 5.3%
In-State Students: 5.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 8.8%

Location

Oberlin sits in a small college town 35 miles southwest of Cleveland, Ohio. The town has just 8,300 residents, with the college forming the heart of the community. This classic college town setting means students walk tree-lined streets where local businesses cater to campus life. The rural surroundings of Lorain County offer farmland and small communities typical of northern Ohio. Only 5.45% of students come from in-state, showing Oberlin's national draw despite its small-town location. The campus houses 2,694 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where most student life centers around the college. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Oberlin with similar schools in the region.

Address: Oberlin, Ohio 44074

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $58,343
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,586
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 81.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Oberlin College?

Oberlin College accepts 34.87% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need strong academic credentials, with admitted students scoring an average of 1445 on the SAT. The school values intellectual curiosity and social consciousness alongside academic achievement.

How much does Oberlin College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Oberlin College is $39,184, lower than the full cost of attendance of $85,496. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $19,257. The college meets demonstrated need through grants averaging $35,040.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Oberlin College?

Oberlin College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 2,950 students. This small liberal arts environment fosters close mentoring relationships between professors and students. The college operates on a distinctive Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term.

What do Oberlin College graduates earn after graduation?

Oberlin College graduates earn a median salary of $58,343 ten years after graduation. The 92.8% employment rate reflects strong career outcomes despite the school's liberal arts focus. Many graduates pursue careers in music, arts, education, and social justice fields that align with Oberlin's progressive values.

Where is Oberlin College located and what is campus life like?

Oberlin College sits in the small town of Oberlin, Ohio, with housing capacity for 2,694 students in a tight-knit community. The retention rate of 88.78% suggests students feel connected to the campus culture. Only 5.45% of students come from Ohio, creating a diverse geographic mix despite the rural setting.

Is Oberlin College known for its music program?

Oberlin College houses one of the most strong conservatories in the country alongside its liberal arts college. The school has produced notable creative alumni including filmmaker Lena Dunham and director Julie Taymor. Founded in 1833, Oberlin has a long history of combining artistic excellence with social activism and progressive values.