| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Oberlin, Ohio — a small town about 35 miles southwest of Cleveland.
Founded: 1833
Type: Private liberal arts college and conservatory
Student Population: ~2,900 (including ~2,200 in the College of Arts & Sciences and ~600 in the Conservatory of Music)
Campus Size: 440 acres
Academic Calendar: Semester system
Home to the first coeducational college and the first to regularly admit African American students.
Known for its progressive values, academic rigor, and creative arts.
Includes both a top-tier liberal arts college and a world-renowned conservatory of music.
Emphasizes social justice, sustainability, and intellectual freedom.
Arts & Sciences:
Biology
Neuroscience
Environmental Studies
Psychology
Political Science
English
Economics
Computer Science
Comparative Literature
Conservatory:
Performance (Voice, Piano, Strings, etc.)
Composition
Music Education
Jazz Studies
Conducting
Music Theory
Consistently ranked among the Top 40 liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
The Oberlin Conservatory is regarded as one of the best undergraduate music programs in the world.
Known for producing a high number of PhD candidates, especially in the sciences and humanities.
Tuition (2024–2025): ~$65,000/year
Room & Board: ~$17,000/year
Total Estimated Cost: ~$82,000/year
Financial Aid: Need-based and merit-based aid available, including for international students
Welcoming community with strong international student support.
Offers financial aid to international students based on need.
Diverse campus with students from over 40 countries.
Over 175 student organizations, from activism and debate to dance and improv.
Vibrant arts scene with regular concerts, theater, and art exhibitions.
Strong commitment to environmental sustainability — home to the Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies, a model for green building.
Residential campus with themed housing (e.g., Sci-Fi Hall, language houses, co-ops).
Strong record of graduates entering top graduate schools, especially in law, medicine, and the arts.
Alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Grammy-winning musicians.
Active career center and strong internship programs, often linked to arts, research, education, and public service.
Offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in over 45 majors, plus minors and concentrations. Interdisciplinary learning is strongly encouraged.
Biology
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Studies
Neuroscience
Mathematics
Psychology
Politics
History
English
Comparative Literature
Philosophy
Economics
Sociology
Anthropology
Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies
Africana Studies
East Asian Studies
Latin American Studies
Jewish Studies
Law and Society (Concentration)
Offers Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees and double-degree programs (BA + BM in 5 years). It’s one of the top undergraduate conservatories in the world.
Performance (Voice, Piano, Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, Harp, Guitar, Organ)
Composition
Jazz Studies
Musicology
Music Theory
Music Education
Conducting (primarily graduate level)
Oberlin is famous for its Double-Degree Program, where students can earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music in five years. It’s ideal for academically and musically gifted students.
Musical Studies (BA in music for non-conservatory students)
TIMARA (Technology in Music and Related Arts – a fusion of music, sound design, and tech)
Creative Writing (one of the strongest undergrad programs in the U.S.)
Environmental Studies (a nationally respected program with a sustainability focus)
Integrative Concentrations (e.g., Global Health, Business, Journalism)
Oberlin offers strong advising and preparation for:
Pre-Med
Pre-Law
Pre-Business
Graduate School in STEM and Humanities
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Environmental Studies |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Chemistry & Biochemistry |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Computer Science |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Mathematics |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Physics |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Psychology |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Economics |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Politics |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Sociology |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
English |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Creative Writing |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
History |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Philosophy |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Comparative Literature |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Africana Studies |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
East Asian Studies |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Latin American Studies |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Law and Society (Concentration) |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Music (Musical Studies - BA, not BM) |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Business (via Integrative Concentration) |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
|
Global Health (via Integrative Concentration) |
4 Years |
~$65,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Music in Historical Performance |
2 Years |
~$39,000–$42,000 |
|
Master of Music in Contemporary Chamber Music (in partnership with Cleveland Institute of Music) |
2 Years |
N/A |
Offers over 45 majors in the College of Arts & Sciences and many music programs in the Conservatory of Music.
Known for strong programs in:
Creative Writing
Neuroscience
Environmental Studies
Politics
Music Performance & Composition
Students can also pursue the Double-Degree Program (BA + BM) in 5 years.
Students from over 40 countries
Dedicated support through the International Student Resource Center (ISRC)
Access to cultural programming, immigration advising, mentorship, and events
Need-aware admission for international students (financial need is considered during admissions).
Offers need-based financial aid through the CSS Profile.
Limited merit scholarships are also available.
Some students receive significant aid, even full demonstrated-need coverage.
Apply via Common Application
Official transcripts (translated to English if necessary)
English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
Standardized tests (SAT/ACT): Optional
Letters of recommendation
Personal essay + Oberlin supplement
CSS Profile for financial aid consideration
Safe, residential campus in Oberlin, Ohio
175+ student clubs and organizations, many with global or cultural focus
Special-interest housing options (e.g., language houses, co-ops)
24/7 security and wellness support
Excellent arts scene, concerts, and student performances throughout the year
Pre-arrival guidance & orientation
Visa and immigration advising (F-1 visa support)
Peer mentoring programs
Access to internships and CPT/OPT career services
Community-building events and cultural celebrations
Located about 35 miles (56 km) from Cleveland, Ohio
Easy access to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Oberlin accepts applications through:
Common Application (preferred)
QuestBridge (for eligible low-income, high-achieving students)
Admission Type |
Deadline |
Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I (ED I) |
November 15 |
Mid-December |
|
Early Action (EA) |
November 15 |
Late December |
|
Early Decision II (ED II) |
January 2 |
Late January |
|
Regular Decision (RD) |
January 15 |
Late March |
Early Action is non-binding; Early Decision is binding (if accepted, you must enroll).
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Completed Common App |
Includes Oberlin-specific questions |
|
High School Transcript |
Official and translated if not in English |
|
School Report |
Submitted by school counselor |
|
Essay (Personal Statement) |
Required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
1–2 academic recommendations |
|
SAT/ACT Scores |
Optional (test-optional policy) |
|
English Proficiency (Intl. only) |
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test |
|
Application Fee |
$60 (fee waivers available) |
|
CSS Profile (for Financial Aid) |
Required for all financial aid applicants, including international |
Must show English proficiency unless studying in an English-medium school.
May be asked to provide a school profile or curriculum explanation.
Must submit the CSS Profile to be considered for need-based aid.
Interview (Optional but encouraged) — Can be virtual or in-person
Arts Supplements — Optional for students with talent in music, visual art, theater, or dance
Additional Writing Samples or Portfolios — May help in creative writing or visual arts programs
Oberlin uses a holistic admissions approach — meaning they evaluate:
Academic achievement
Extracurricular involvement
Leadership potential
Personal essays
Letters of recommendation
Demonstrated interest (visits, interviews, etc.)
Accepted students confirm enrollment by May 1 (Regular Decision)
Early Decision students are expected to withdraw other applications if admitted
Domestic Students: Submit FAFSA + CSS Profile
International Students: Submit CSS Profile only
Aid decisions are released with admission offers
Oberlin College offers one main intake for undergraduate students each academic year:
Intake Term |
Application Deadline |
Semester Begins |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (August Start) |
Nov 15 (ED I/EA), Jan 2 (ED II), Jan 15 (RD) |
Late August |
Oberlin does not offer Spring or Summer intake for first-year students.
Completion of secondary/high school diploma or equivalent
Strong academic record with emphasis on:
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Foreign Language (recommended)
Competitive GPA (usually 3.5+ unweighted, but no official cutoff)
SAT/ACT scores are optional
If submitted, competitive scores are:
SAT: 1350–1500 (middle 50%)
ACT: 30–34 (middle 50%)
If your first language is not English or you haven't studied in English for the last 2–3 years, you'll need one of the following:
Test |
Minimum Recommended Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
100+ |
|
IELTS |
7.0+ |
|
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
120+ |
Common Application form
Personal essay and Oberlin-specific questions
High school transcripts (translated to English if needed)
1–2 letters of recommendation
Optional interview (especially recommended for international students)
Ranking Organization |
Ranking / Rating |
|---|---|
|
US News & World Report |
Top 40 Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. |
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not ranked (QS does not include most liberal arts colleges) |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Not individually ranked (focuses on large research universities) |
|
Forbes – Top Colleges |
Top 100 Overall; Top 30 Liberal Arts Colleges |
|
Niche.com |
A+ Rating; Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges in America |
|
Wall Street Journal / THE |
Top 100 U.S. Colleges (overall) |
|
Princeton Review |
High ratings in: |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD) |
Available to International Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oberlin Merit Scholarships |
Merit-Based |
Outstanding academic achievement & leadership |
Up to $30,000/year |
Yes |
|
Oberlin Conservatory Scholarships |
Merit-Based |
Musical talent and audition performance (BM) |
(Partial to Full) |
Yes |
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Need-Based |
Demonstrated financial need (via CSS Profile) |
Up to full need met |
Yes |
|
Posse Foundation Scholarship |
Leadership-Based |
U.S. high school students nominated by Posse Org. |
Full Tuition |
U.S. students only |
|
Bonner Scholars Program |
Service-Based |
Commitment to community service |
Up to full need met + stipend |
U.S. students only |
|
Talent-Based Scholarships |
Merit-Based |
Art, creative writing, music (submitted portfolio) |
N/A |
Yes |
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Oberlin, Ohio, USA |
|
Campus Size |
~440 acres |
|
Housing Requirement |
On-campus housing required for first 3 years |
|
Total Residence Halls |
15+ residence halls and themed/language houses |
|
Room Types Available |
Singles, Doubles, Triples, Suites, Co-ops |
|
Special Housing Options |
Gender-inclusive housing, identity-based housing, quiet floors, co-ops |
|
Dining Options |
Multiple dining halls + student-run co-ops |
|
Meal Plans |
Required for most students unless in co-ops or off-campus |
|
Internet & Tech |
Free high-speed Wi-Fi, tech support, printing stations |
|
Campus Safety |
24/7 Campus Safety Office, secure access to dorms |
Oberlin has a thriving arts scene. Whether you’re part of the Conservatory of Music or just love music, there are constant performances, concerts, recitals, and jam sessions happening across campus. Students can also get involved in theater productions, dance troupes, art exhibits, and literary magazines. Even non-Conservatory students often collaborate on creative projects with musicians and artists.
Oberlin is known for being a progressive and inclusive community. Students are deeply engaged in activism, social justice, and community service. The campus supports many identity-based organizations and cultural events. There's a strong focus on LGBTQ+ support, anti-racism work, and creating safe, affirming spaces for all.
Most students live on campus in a wide range of housing options—from traditional dorms to themed houses, language houses, and co-ops, where students cook and clean together. These co-ops are a distinctive part of Oberlin life and foster close community living at lower cost. Oberlin’s campus has a close-knit, residential feel that encourages collaboration and connection.
Dining at Oberlin includes multiple cafeterias and student-run co-ops. The food is known to be inclusive of dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.). The co-ops, in particular, are beloved by students for their organic, home-cooked meals and community spirit.
With over 175 clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone—student government, debate, comedy groups, outdoor clubs, volunteer programs, and cultural orgs. Students are also heavily involved in sustainability, environmental activism, and peer education programs.
While Oberlin is not known as a sports powerhouse, it does compete in NCAA Division III athletics, with opportunities in soccer, basketball, track, and more. For non-athletes, there are plenty of intramural sports, fitness classes, and access to workout and wellness spaces. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the natural areas around Oberlin and student-organized adventure trips.
The Career Development Center helps students with internships, job placements, and grad school applications. Oberlin has strong networks in education, the arts, public service, and social innovation. Many students do summer research or off-campus internships, often funded by Oberlin’s grants and fellowships.
Nearly half of Oberlin students participate in study abroad programs, with options in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Programs focus on language immersion, fieldwork, or academic exchange, and the college helps students find opportunities aligned with their majors and interests.
Oberlin’s Career Development Center (CDC) offers a wide range of resources, including:
One-on-one career advising
Resume and cover letter support
Interview and networking workshops
Internship and job databases
Career treks and employer info sessions
Alumni networking events
The college also offers funding for unpaid internships through grants and fellowships.
90%+ of students are employed, in graduate school, or in service programs (e.g., Fulbright, Peace Corps) within 6 months of graduation.
Many students receive graduate school acceptances from top universities, such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, UC Berkeley, and MIT.
Oberlin is one of the top producers of PhDs among liberal arts colleges, especially in:
Biology
Chemistry
Music
English
Political Science
Average Starting Salary: ~$55,000–$65,000/year
Students in tech, consulting, and finance tend to earn higher (up to $80,000+)
Graduates in public service, education, or arts may start lower, but often receive fellowships or go to grad school
Amazon
Teach For America
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U.S. Department of State
McKinsey & Company
Cleveland Clinic
New York Philharmonic (for Conservatory grads)
Major orchestras, nonprofits, and public service organizations
Oberlin students are very competitive for:
Law School (e.g., Harvard, Columbia, NYU)
Medical School (with strong pre-med support)
Graduate programs in Music, Public Policy, Literature, and Sciences
Students receive Fulbright, Watson, and Truman Scholarships
Oberlin supports global careers through international internships and language programs
Overall Acceptance Rate: Approximately 34%–36%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate: Higher than Regular Decision (estimated around 45%–50%)
Regular Decision Acceptance Rate: Slightly lower, more competitive
High School GPA (Unweighted): ~3.6–4.0
SAT (Middle 50%): 1350–1500 (optional)
ACT (Middle 50%): 30–34 (optional)
Oberlin practices holistic admissions, considering academics, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest.
It is test-optional, so submitting SAT/ACT scores is not required.
Acceptance rates may vary slightly by major or program (e.g., Conservatory of Music is more selective and requires an audition).
Oberlin College and Conservatory
38 E. College Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
USA
Oberlin is a small, historic college town in northeastern Ohio.
It's about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Cleveland, a major city offering cultural, professional, and travel access.
The town is known for its progressive roots, walkability, safety, and strong town-gown community relationship.
The nearest airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) — about a 30–40 minute drive from campus.
Transportation options include shuttle services.
