Be sure to meet all deadlines. Students who do not complete the application process in a timely manner may not receive full consideration for financial aid.
Overview for Prospective Students
Oberlin is committed to providing financial resources to students who would be unable to pursue an Oberlin education without such assistance. Last year, approximately 80 percent of Oberlin students demonstrated financial need and received some form of aid, with an average grant of $32,000—a total of nearly $59 million.
To apply for need-based financial aid, complete the steps outlined in this section. Be sure to meet all deadlines.
Please note that Oberlin does not participate with the College Board IDOC Service.
Financial Aid Basics
Are you wondering what are the components of a financial aid award, what sources of aid are available, or how awards are determined? Start here.
Early Decision
Early Decision applicants should register for the College Scholarship Service PROFILE as soon as possible 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.
Special Circumstances
Undocumented Students
We recognize that undocumented students are ineligible to apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All applicants are required to submit the College Board PROFILE form. Please contact the financial aid office by email at financial.aid@oberlin.edu or call 800-693-3173 or 440-775-8142 with any questions.
Spring Semester Applicants
Applicants for spring semester will receive special financial aid application instructions after applying for admission.
Policies
Financial aid packages are based on both full-time enrollment at Oberlin and on-campus residence for a full academic year. Students who study abroad, enroll less than full time, live off campus, or commute will receive an adjustment to their financial aid packages.
Cost and Payment Options
See the detailed expenses involved in an Oberlin education, and read about the billing cycle and financing plans.
CSS Profile
Students applying to Oberlin College are asked to complete several forms and worksheets, including the CSS Profile application, to help the institution better assess how to equitably distribute the more than $59 million in institutional financial aid provided by the college. The CSS Profile has no bearing on the federal assistance students receive.
The priority deadline is February 15. If you missed the priority deadline, you still should complete the CSS Profile if you wish to be considered for institutional aid. If admitted, our financial aid department will make every effort to ensure you receive a financial aid package with your admission letter.
- You must complete the CSS Profile online.
- Include Oberlin College (code 1587) on your Profile registration.
- If tax returns are not yet available, complete the Profile with estimated income figures.
Who should submit a CSS Profile application?
Students who are interested in applying only for federal aid (federal and state grants, loans, and/or work-study) and not institutional aid (Oberlin College grants and scholarships) should complete just the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students wishing to be considered for both federal aid and institutional aid should complete both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Non-Custodial Parent
If your biological parents are separated, divorced or never married and not living together, your non-custodial parent must complete the Non-Custodial Parent Statement before the priority date of February 15. This form is required for determination of Oberlin College financial aid eligibility.
IF you complete the Non-Custodial Statement through the CSS Profile, please know that we WILL accept this form. However, CSS does not send this to Oberlin College directly. Therefore, you MUST print it out and scan and email or fax to the Financial Aid Office directly
PLEASE NOTE: Oberlin College does NOT participate in the iDoc system. All requested documents and forms MUST be sent directly to the Financial Aid Office. Please visit the Financial Aid Forms page for more information about submitting documentation.
FAFSA
Canadian students should skip this step.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive the best possible aid package, we encourage you to submit the FAFSA by the priority date of March 1, 2019. Applications can be submitted beginning October 1.
Students and parents will each need an FSA ID to complete this process. (The FSA ID ― a username and password ― has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites.
Learn how to create your FSA ID
You can save time when filing your FAFSA by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to pull your financial information directly into your FAFSA from your tax return. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is fast, accurate, secure, and streamlines the FAFSA filing process.
Alternatives to Submitting Online
If you choose NOT to file your FAFSA online, you may file using one of these alternate methods:
Complete a PDF FAFSA
- The FAFSA web site includes a FAFSA4caster - a free financial aid calculator that gives you an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.
- Be sure to include Oberlin College [Title IV code 003086] in the school section.
- Note: PDF FAFSAs must be mailed for processing)
Request a paper FAFSA
Request a paper FAFSA by calling us at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Federal Tax Documents
PLEASE NOTE: Oberlin College does NOT participate in the iDoc system. All requested documents and forms MUST be sent directly to the Financial Aid Office. Please visit the Financial Aid Forms page for more information about submitting documentation.
- Include copies of all W-2 forms.
- Do not send state tax returns.
- Be sure all tax returns are signed.
- If you file for a federal income tax extension, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
- If either you or your parent(s) are not required to file a federal tax return, a non-filer statement must be completed.
Dependent Verification
Complete the 2019-20 Oberlin Dependent Verification Form by March 1.
Check Status
Notifications of financial aid eligibility will be sent to students admitted for the fall semester beginning in late March, and after December 1 for students admitted for the spring semester.
If you have not received a response to your aid application and you believe you should have, it may be because your application is not yet complete. Review the application steps to ensure that you have completed all steps in a timely manner. Admitted students may check PRESTO!, Oberlin's online student records system, to see if any required documents are missing.
Learn More
When will I find out about my financial aid award?