Oberlin College
Oberlin College has an acceptance rate of 34.2%, annual tuition of $67,366, average net price of $38,645, and a national rank of #1044 (Grade B-), with a 80.9% six-year graduation rate, about 2,887 undergraduates, and median earnings of $38,871 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 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 -74.9%, roughly 160.2 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 six years 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
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 | $67,366 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,908 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,510 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,908 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $87,404 |
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 9.6% 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 $18,774 to $48,731 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 $29,207/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $48,731/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $38,871
- 10-Year Median Earnings $38,871
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 81.6%
- Employment Rate 73.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Oberlin College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
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 $38,871 median, the -74.9% 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 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 91.0%
- Graduation Rate 80.9%
- 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, Political Science and Government, and Area Studies draw the most students.
- Music 15.5%
- Political Science and Government 6.1%
- Area Studies 5.0%
- Biology, General 5.0%
- Psychology, General 5.0%
- History 5.0%
See more majors
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 4.6%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.3%
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 $156,925
- 2. Economics $93,318
- 3. Political Science and Government $65,609
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $48,762
- 5. Area Studies $46,571
- 6. Psychology, General $43,093
- 7. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $34,593
- 8. Music $32,993
- 9. Film/Video and Photographic Arts $23,519
- 10. Biology, General $22,684
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $156,925—592% more than Biology, General ($22,684). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard 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 – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 133 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Area Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard 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
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- History
- Biology, General
- Area Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Economics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Dance
- Engineering, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Archeology
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
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 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.0%
- Female Students 59.0%
- Caucasian 60.9%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 9.2%
- Black 4.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 9.6%
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 similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 9.6% 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 similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 -74.9% ROI. Ranked #1044 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,645 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $38,871 median earnings. With 80.9% graduating within six years 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 #1044 ranking, Oberlin College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,645 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 $27,052 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -74.9% ROI and $38,871 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,645+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Oberlin College ranks #1044 of 6101 institutions, with 1627 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% six-year 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%.
- -74.9% return on investment is 160.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $38,871 run about 11% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,645 is roughly $21,248 higher than the national median of $17,397.
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.
- 73.8% employment rate within three years sits 5.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,645 is about $21,248 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 9.6% trails the national share by 29.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Oberlin College—a private nonprofit university in Oberlin, OH—at B- overall. It is currently ranked #1044 nationally Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (D+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 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 and 80.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -74.9% 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 $38,645 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $87,404.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $48,759 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 9.6% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $38,871 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 11% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 73.8%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -74.9%, 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
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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 College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Oberlin College cost?
At Oberlin College, listed tuition and fees are $67,366 per year, and the average net price after aid is $38,645. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Oberlin College's ranking?
Oberlin College ranks #1044 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 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 six-year graduation rate is 80.9%, and first-year retention is 91.0%.
What are Oberlin College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Oberlin College report median earnings of $38,871 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Oberlin College's student population?
Oberlin College enrolls about 2,887 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 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