Chances of Getting Into Oberlin College
Oberlin, Ohio • Private University • #31 National • Founded 1833
Oberlin Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Oberlin SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Oberlin College
Oberlin College is a legendary progressive institution — the first college to regularly admit both women and Black students. Home to the renowned Oberlin Conservatory of Music, it attracts brilliant, creative, and activist-minded students. Oberlin's double-degree program (BA + BM in 5 years) is world-class.
Top Programs
What Makes Oberlin Unique
- Oberlin Conservatory — one of the top music programs in the world
- Double-degree program: BA (Arts & Sciences) + BM (Conservatory) in 5 years
- First college to regularly admit women and Black students
- Strong activist and progressive culture
- ExCo (Experimental College) — students teach courses to each other
Oberlin Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Oberlin Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Oberlin: Admission Tips
If applying to the Conservatory, your audition is everything
Oberlin values individuality and social consciousness — be authentic
ED acceptance rate is very high; strong option if Oberlin is your fit
Arts supplements are welcome for Arts & Sciences applicants too
Show intellectual curiosity beyond your intended major
The Brutal Truth About Oberlin Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 28% acceptance rate, Oberlin rejected over 8,640 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Oberlin, having a 3.72 GPA and 1390 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Oberlin doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Oberlin genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 28%-acceptance-rate basket.
Oberlin Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Oberlin College?
Oberlin College has an acceptance rate of 28% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 12,000+ applicants, approximately 750 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Oberlin?
The average GPA of admitted students at Oberlin College is 3.72. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.57, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Oberlin?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Oberlin students is 1310-1470. The average SAT score is 1390. For ACT, the range is 30-33 with an average of 32.
Is Oberlin hard to get into?
Yes, Oberlin College is selective with an acceptance rate of just 28%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Oberlin cost?
Tuition at Oberlin College is $62,398 per year, with total cost of attendance at $79,600. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $44,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Oberlin?
Your chances of getting into Oberlin College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 28% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Oberlin
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