Arts & Sciences Admissions

It’s nice to meet you! We’re so glad you’re here.

New to Oberlin? Welcome!

For nearly 200 years, Oberlin has offered one of the world’s great undergraduate educations. Here, students pursue multiple passions and interests within a supportive, collaborative community. We focus on undergraduate teaching, hands-on research projects, culturally immersive study away experiences, and world-class music opportunities.

An Oberlin education is extraordinary, and each person experiences it differently. But there are some common themes!

Oberlin meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for every student

Visit & Explore

(and the answer to “so where are you, anyway?”)

Oberlin College is an integral part of Oberlin, Ohio, a quintessential college town located 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. Our fair city was recently named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine for its historical architecture, quaint shopping and galleries, and many cultural and entertainment offerings.

2/3 students participate in research
$5 rent a real Picasso for
500+ performances each year (many free!)
2025 Carbon neutral by

Affordability

Oberlin’s financial aid policy is simple: we meet the full demonstrated financial need of every single Obie, and also offer generous merit scholarships including our $10,000 Commitment Scholarship (renewable every year!) which is given to all admitted students.

Applying to Oberlin

We make it as easy as possible:

  • Apply through the Common App or the Coalition/Scoir Application
  • No application fee
  • No supplemental essay
  • ACT/SAT scores are totally optional
A flowering tree outside a campus building.

While we look for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, we also seek individuals who care about the world, who believe they can improve it, and who have the courage to try.

If that describes you, we encourage you to apply!

We’re Here to Help

The (Real) Student Experience

Want the inside scoop? Explore a variety of unfiltered perspectives about living and learning at Oberlin.

Grid of many friendly faces.

Your Admissions Team

We love connecting with prospective students, and we’re here to help! Reach out anytime with questions or to just to say hi.

An admissions counselor meets with a student.

Obies Working in Admissions

We employ more than 50 students here in Admissions and, like the counselors, they love connecting with prospective students!

A student leads a tour group.

Please introduce yourself!

Tell us a bit about yourself, and we’ll keep you informed about Oberlin and our admissions process. We’ll send you general information about Oberlin, as well as updates about deadlines, campus visit programs, and opportunities to meet with us when we travel to your area.

A student adjusts electronic lab equipment.