Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH · Private · 2,887 undergrads
- Admit rate: 34.2% (11,039 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1360–1520 (ACT 31–34)
- Undergraduates: 2,887 (9.5% international)
- Average net price: $38,645 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 81% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
- Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
- Early Decision II: Jan. 5, 2027
- Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027
Editor's notes
- It's free to apply and there's no Oberlin essay, which makes Oberlin easy to add to a list. That also means your personal essay and your one teacher letter carry the personal side of the file; the CDS rates both important, behind only rigor, rank and GPA.
- Early decision matters here. 35% of the enrolling Arts and Sciences students in the Class of 2030 came through ED, and there are two binding rounds plus a non-binding early action on Nov. 1. If Oberlin isn't your clear first choice, early action gets you an answer by mid-January without a commitment.
- Musicians, plan two applications. The Conservatory has its own fee, portal forms due three days after the Common App, and auditions. If you want both a BM and a BA, you must apply to both divisions for the Double Degree Program.
- Use the optional extras if you have them. Oberlin invites art and performance supplements and research abstracts after you submit, and talent and extracurriculars count as important in its CDS.
