Office of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Basics

There's a lot that goes into applying for financial aid, and we're here to help! Please reach out to our staff with any questions.

Types of Financial Aid

Oberlin meets 100% of demonstrated need for every admitted student who applies for need-based aid. Financial aid is generally awarded in a three-part package that includes grants/scholarships from all sources, low-interest student loans, and money earned through student employment. Typically between 70-80% of a student's award is made up of grants, with the balance composed of work-study and low-interest loans.

What is Demonstrated Need?

Your demonstrated need is the difference between your family contribution (determined by the CSS Profile) and the cost of attending Oberlin. Once aid is awarded, any out of pocket expense not covered by aid may be covered in a variety of ways, including loans and payment plans. Federal financial aid eligibility is determined by the information provided on the FAFSA.

Oberlin awards students both merit scholarships and need-based grants from our institutional resouces.

  • Merit scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic record.
  • Need-based grants are awarded based on a student's financial aid application and their demonstrated financial.
  • Applicants are also evaluted for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Pell Grants, and certain state grants for eligible students.

Learn more about scholarships

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans are available to eligible students each year. Students enter a payment grace period on these loans once they are no longer enrolled at an institution at least half time, and will enter loan repayment after 6 months, unless they return to at least half time enrollment.

Parents of undergraduate students who are enrolled in at least half time credits each term may also apply for loans under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program or through one of several educational loan programs offered by private lending institutions. 

Loans must be repaid.

Learn more about loans

Student Employment jobs are available to all students. Most financial aid packages include either Federal Work Study or Oberlin Student Employment.

Learn more about student employment

Applying for Aid

Follow the application process that fits your situation:

Estimate Your Cost of Attendance

MyinTuition Quick Cost Estimator
Net Price Calculator
Cost and Payment Options

Resources for Applicants

Consumer Information
Rights and Responsibilities
Glossary of Terms
Helpful Links and Contacts
Filing Institutional Complaints

Contact Us

Office of Financial Aid
Carnegie Building Room 124
52 W. Lorain St.
Oberlin OH 44074

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

Partner badge for the College Cost Transparency Initiative

College Cost Transparency

Oberlin College is committed to using the principles and standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in our student financial aid awards.