Oberlin College
Oberlin College has an acceptance rate of 34.2%, an average net price of $41,987, and an overall rank of #907 (Grade B). About 80.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $54,599 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Oberlin College is a private nonprofit university in Oberlin, OH. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Economics.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.0% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 29.3%, roughly 20.6 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Oberlin College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Oberlin College graduates 80.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 82.2% and keeps 91.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Oberlin College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $48,705 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $69,482 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,908 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,096 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,908 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $90,692 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 13.2% of Oberlin College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,176 to $50,738 depending on family income. Use Oberlin College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $32,410/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $50,738/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $54,599
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,877
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $25,488
- Debt-to-Earnings ~46.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 81.6%
- Employment Rate 92.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Oberlin College graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Oberlin College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Oberlin College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Oberlin College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Oberlin College graduates earn $54,599 median, the 29.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 700-760
- SAT Math 660-760
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 31-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,887
- Full-Time Students 99.4%
- Part-Time Students 0.6%
- Retention Rate 91.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 80.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 82.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Oberlin College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Oberlin College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 34.2%, Oberlin College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Oberlin College accepts 34.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1360 and 1520 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Oberlin College undergraduates. Music, Psychology, General, and Economics draw the most students.
- Music 14.9%
- Psychology, General 6.3%
- Economics 6.3%
- Biology, General 5.8%
- Political Science and Government 5.6%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 5.4%
See more majors
- History 4.9%
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $145,155
- 2. Economics $90,284
- 3. Political Science and Government $84,546
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $61,424
- 5. Area Studies $57,339
- 6. Biology, General $50,569
- 7. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $45,339
- 8. Music $40,937
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $145,155—255% more than Music ($40,937). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Oberlin College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 136 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- Music
- Psychology, General
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Physics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, Other
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Dance
- Archeology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,887
- Full-Time Students 99.4%
- Part-Time Students 0.6%
- Male Students 41.0%
- Female Students 59.0%
- Caucasian 60.9%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 9.2%
- Black 4.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 13.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Oberlin College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Oberlin College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Oberlin College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Oberlin College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 13.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Oberlin College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Oberlin College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Oberlin College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 29.3% ROI. Ranked #907 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $41,987 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $54,599 median earnings. With 80.9% graduating within 150% of normal time and 91.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Oberlin College's Positioning
With a B grade and #907 ranking, Oberlin College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $41,987 annually, Oberlin College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 91.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $29,391 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 29.3% ROI and $54,599 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $31,987+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Oberlin College ranks #907 of 1955 institutions, with 1678 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 80.9% graduation rate sits 18.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.0% first-year retention is 14.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 29.3% return on investment is 20.6 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,599 run about 11% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $41,987 is roughly $22,106 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.2% employment rate within three years sits 24.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $41,987 is about $22,106 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 13.2% trails the national share by 25.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- 52.2% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Oberlin College—a private nonprofit university in Oberlin, OH—at B overall. It is currently ranked #907 overall Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (D).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 91.0% retention, 80.9% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 82.2% earning an award within eight years. Return on investment currently measures 29.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $41,987 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $90,692.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $48,705 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,488 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 13.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Five years after graduation, graduates earn roughly $54,599 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 11% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.2%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 29.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
34.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Oberlin College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Oberlin College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/oberlin-college/
MLA (9th): “Oberlin College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/oberlin-college/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Oberlin College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/oberlin-college/.
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Ohio campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oberlin College's acceptance rate?
Oberlin College's acceptance rate is 34.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Oberlin College cost?
At Oberlin College, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $41,987 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $90,692 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $69,482. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Oberlin College's ranking?
Oberlin College ranks #907 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Oberlin College's graduation rate?
At Oberlin College, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 80.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 82.2%, and first-year retention is 91.0%.
What are Oberlin College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Oberlin College report median earnings of $54,599 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Oberlin College's student population?
Oberlin College enrolls about 2,887 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 70 North Professor Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
- Website www.oberlin.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$1.20B