Office of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Basics

We know the financial aid process can be confusing, so our staff is available to address your questions and walk you through it.

Have you heard about Oberlin’s $10,000 commitment?

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.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid is generally awarded in a three-part package that includes grants, low-interest student loans, and money earned through student employment. Oberlin is committed to keeping the “self-help” portion of aid packages—the loan and work-study components—as low as possible. Typically between 70 percent and 80 percent of a student's award is made up of grants, with the balance composed of work-study and low-interest loans.

How Is My Financial Aid Award Determined?
What Scholarships Does Oberlin Offer?

Applying for Financial Aid

Follow the application process that fits your situation: first year applicants, returning students, or international students. 

Financial Aid Forms
When Will I Find Out About My Financial Aid Award?
Check My Financial Aid Status Using Banner Self Service!

Students who defer their enrollment

If you have been admitted but choose to defer your enrollment to the next academic year, you need to do the following to ensure your need-based aid is awarded for the next year:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the next academic year by going here. We do not require deferred students to complete the CSS Profile form again. 
  • Upload your required income documents on our upload page here. You can see your requirements in Self Service in Banner. This is accessible via Oberview.
  • The deadline to complete these steps is March 1st. We will not award your aid until your financial aid file is complete with our office. 
  • If you are not interested in receiving need-based aid and have been offered a scholarship, please notify our office by email at financial.aid@oberlin.edu that you will not be applying for need based financial aid. *PLEASE NOTE that if you want to borrow through the federal loan programs, for either the Federal Direct Stafford Loan for students or the Federal Direct PLUS loan for parents, you do need to complete the FAFSA and provide all other income documents. 

How Much Does Oberlin Cost?

MyinTuition Quick Cost Estimator
Cost and Payment Options
Net Price Calculator

Resources for Applicants

Consumer Information
Rights and Responsibilities
Glossary of Terms
Helpful Links and Contacts
Send Us Questions and Comments
Filing Institutional Complaints

Contact Us

Office of Financial Aid
Carnegie Building Room 123
52 W. Lorain St.
Oberlin OH 44074

Phone: (800) 693-3173 or (440) 775-8142
Fax: (440) 775-8249
financial.aid@oberlin.edu