Oberlin College

Oberlin College is committed to making education accessible, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. All admitted students receive a minimum of $10,000 in merit aid, renewable each year, and the average financial aid package awarded to students in 2023 was $50,505. The college also offers an Internship+ Commitment, providing up to $5,000 in funding to support a summer internship or performance-based experience.

Oberlin College has a selective admission policy, with an acceptance rate of approximately 33%. The college seeks students who are engaged, determined, intellectual, and creative, embracing the idea that one person can change the world. Oberlin is test-optional and considers a range of factors in the admissions process, including academic achievement, leadership, and personal qualities.

Oberlin College combines a top-ranked liberal arts college and a prestigious music conservatory on a single campus, fostering a unique interdisciplinary environment. The college emphasizes undergraduate teaching, hands-on research, and culturally immersive study away experiences. Students can participate in the Experimental College (ExCo) program, where they can teach and receive credit for classes on topics not covered by existing departments.

Oberlin alumni have a strong track record of success, with many pursuing graduate degrees and research careers. For the last century, Oberlin alumni have gone on to earn more PhDs than the graduates of any other baccalaureate institution. Graduates can be found innovating in various fields, with employers ranging from Google to NPR to Goldman Sachs.

Oberlin is known for its progressive student activism and a strong sense of community. With over 175 student clubs and organizations, there are opportunities for students to engage in social justice, music, faith, identity, politics, sports, and art. The Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA) provides student-run housing and dining options, fostering a collaborative and accountable community.

The Oberlin College Office of Campus Safety provides a range of public safety services, including mobile, bicycle, and walking patrols of the campus. Campus Safety officers work closely with the Oberlin Police Department and Oberlin Fire Department to ensure a safe and secure campus. Emergency services are available 24/7, and the college provides resources for health and safety, including counseling and crisis response.

Oberlin offers various opportunities for honors and advanced research, including the Oberlin College Research Fellowship (OCRF) and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF). Students can work one-on-one with professors on cutting-edge research, co-author papers, and present at academic conferences. The college also supports experiential learning through internships, study away experiences, and winter term projects.

Oberlin welcomes students from over 50 countries, fostering a diverse and global community. The International Student Resource Center (ISRC) provides dedicated support through cultural programming, immigration advising, mentorship, and events. While Oberlin is need-aware for international students, it offers need-based financial aid and limited merit scholarships.