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Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH·Private nonprofit·2,950 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 79% graduation rate; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

33%
Accept
2,950
Students
$39,184
Net Price
79%
Grad Rate
$45,500
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Oberlin College is a private nonprofit institution located in Oberlin, Ohio with approximately 2,950 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 33% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $39,184 per year. The graduation rate is 79%, and the typical graduate earns $45,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Oberlin, Ohio, United States. Founded as the Oberlin Collegiate Institute in 1833, it is the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the United States and the second-oldest continuously operating coeducational institute of higher learning in the world. The Oberlin Conservatory of Music is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States.

Worth considering if you're drawn to progressive liberal arts education and the arts conservatory — the 89% freshman retention rate suggests students generally find their footing here. The $39,184 average net price is real money, so weigh it carefully against median earnings of just $45,500 ten years out, which is modest for the cost. The 79% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, so ask admissions hard questions about what's pulling the other 21% away before graduation.

Founded
1833
Setting
Fringe town

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts28%
Social Sciences15%
Biological Sciences11%
Psychology7%
Physical Sciences5%
English4%
Computer Science4%
Mathematics3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Sinclair LewisRobert A. MillikanThornton WilderHenrietta Swan LeavittWillard Van Orman QuineStanley CohenBill IrwinRoger SperryLena DunhamGeorge Herbert MeadJohn CazaleWilliam Goldman

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1440
Reading 75th %ile760
Math 75th %ile750

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite32

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,646
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,646
Avg Net Price
$39,184
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants9%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
79%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
89%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White62%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,950 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Oberlin College

70 N Professor St

Oberlin, OH 44074

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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