Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Oberlin, Ohio |
| Online | oberlin.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Oberlin College, located in the small town of Oberlin, Ohio, approximately 35 miles southwest of Cleveland, combines a private liberal arts college with a distinguished conservatory of music on its historic 440-acre campus. Founded in 1833 as one of the first American colleges to admit African American students and women, Oberlin features a mix of Victorian and modern architecture, including the notable Peters Hall and the Allen Memorial Art Museum. The college maintains a selective admissions process and is recognized for its strong programs in music, environmental studies, and creative writing, while the Oberlin Conservatory of Music stands as the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. Students are required to live on campus for three years, residing in traditional residence halls or themed housing communities, and the campus operates on a unique schedule that includes a winter term for independent projects and research.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Oberlin is rated within the top 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Oberlin College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#155 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#122 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in Ohio
#4 in Best Private Colleges in Ohio
#541 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#26 in Best Value Colleges in Ohio
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1370/1510 |
| ACT | 30/33 |
| GPA | 3.67 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | High |
| Application Fee | $100 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,908 |
| Other Fees | $946 |
| Room and Board | $18,942 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,908 |
| Total One Year Cost | $87,404 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 26% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| Biology | 12% |
| English and Literature | 9% |
| Ethnic Studies | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Oberlin are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=204501 IPEDS survey data for Oberlin College.
Current students may use the Oberlin College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025