Financial Aid Overview

Each year, Oberlin dedicates more than $87 million dollars to financial aid to support students and their families and is committed to making higher education affordable for all who aspire to join the Oberlin community.

At Oberlin College, our financial aid policies reflect a historic commitment to inclusion and academic excellence. Oberlin’s financial aid packages meet 100 percent of the demonstrated need for every student, both within and outside the United States, as calculated by the Office of Financial Aid. More than two-thirds of students receive need-based assistance.

If you are new to the process, take a look at Financial Aid Basics to learn about how financial aid works at Oberlin, and try the Quick Cost Estimator. If you’re looking for specific information, start with Financial Aid Policies and then look into the loans, outside scholarships, and student jobs that can be sources of aid. And if you're ready to apply, take a look at the application process for prospective, returning, and international students.

The Office of Financial Aid is here to help. Feel free to send us questions or comments.

Our Commitment to You

To ease the burden of the high cost of college, Oberlin will award a renewable $10,000 Oberlin Commitment Scholarship to all new students who apply and enroll in the College of Arts & Sciences and/or the Conservatory of Music in fall 2024.

Our $10,000 Commitment

Applying for Aid

Prospective Students

For first-time applicants for financial aid at Oberlin: prospective and transfer applicants (including Canadian citizens and U.S. citizens living outside the United States).

Prospective Students: Get Started

Returning Students

For students who have received financial aid from Oberlin in a prior year and who are returning to campus for the next academic year.

Returning Students: Get Started

International Students

Oberlin provides grants, scholarships, loans, and on-campus employment to enable international students to meet all demonstrated financial need.

International Students: Get Started

Estimating Cost

MyinTuition Quick Cost Estimator

Answer six straightforward questions to see an estimate of your financial aid award.

Try the Quick Cost Estimator

Net Price Calculator

Use the Department of Education-based template to estimate the cost of attending.

Use the Net Price Calculator

Types of Financial Aid

Grants and Scholarships

We set aside over $87 million for student grants and scholarships each year.

Student Loans

Federal student loans have a low fixed interest rate and must be paid back.

Federal Work-Study

Part-time federal work-study jobs pay an hourly wage on campus and count as part of your financial aid package.

Early Decision Applicants

Have you registered for the College Scholarship Service Profile? Register soon so that results of the Profile can be used to estimate financial aid eligibility. If all forms have been completed on time, financial aid awards for Early Decision applicants are sent soon after notification of admission.

How to register for the CSS Profile

Additional Resources