Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$42,745
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$13,705
$30k - $48k
$11,869
$48k - $75k
$18,194
$75k - $110k
$25,722
$110k+
$44,064
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$62,024
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$62,024
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$18,390
Books and Supplies
$1,908
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
9%
Average Aid Per Year
$34,379
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
9%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,658
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$33,569
Students receiving state aid
1%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$2,730
Students receiving federal aid
10%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,658
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$68,368
$30k - $48k
$63,379
$48k - $75k
$55,723
$75k - $110k
$47,952
$110k+
$32,659
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$67,818,552
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$28,864,964

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
38%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$4,925
Students receiving federal loans
35%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,968
Average Other Loans Per Year
$4,402
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Loan Default Rate
1%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$239

What Students Are Saying

The school isn't cheap. If you're in need of financial aid, you'll have plenty of opportunity to find it, it's just a matter of looking. Otherwise, what you experience and learn here is totally worth the somewhat hefty price tag.
Elliot from Somers Point, NJ
Oberlin is really expensive, mainly because it has the world renown professors, performers coming in, and opportunities for the students. However if you have financial need, Oberlin will meet it 100% and that is something that they guarantee.
Enimielen from San Antonio, TX
Let's be honest...the buck at Oberlin is HUGE! However, the education matches. The commitment to the student is extremely clear. My private teacher gives above and beyond the requirements for his students with additional lessons each semester, and a technique class for each freshman. In addition, the guest lecturers and artists giving concerts are educationally and financially worth an incredible price. Oberlin Conservatory has more Steinway pianos than anywhere in the world excluding the Steinway factory. This speaks to the type of equipment and resources with which the students work. The Conservatory Library never ceases to amaze me with the unreal amount of resources it provides. In addition to this, the orchestra tours and experiences are included in tuition. This year's tour to NYC in January is of no cost to the students participating. Oberlin provides a plethora of resources, highly renown faculty and guests, and will bend over backwards to provide what you need for your learning experience. Although Oberlin's tuition is extraordinarily high, this price reflects the incredible experiences and opportunities that await its students.
Stacy from Columbus, OH
If you can't tell from my first two paragraphs, Oberlin is pretty much worth the high cost. Great people, great education, and great atmosphere. Still, I can't give it 5 stars since I agree with many other Obies that the College could be a bit wiser (or at least more transparent) about spending. There are definitely a few things that I'm sure my student loans paid for that I wish they hadn't (because then I probably wouldn't have any student loans out). There's also a lot that I'm sure I'd be sad without, so I think 4 stars is appropriate.
Raven from Milwaukee, WI
Definitely. But it is true that Oberlin is a bit pricey.
M
I only give this three stars because there's so much buck involved at Oberlin. There are lots of amazing opportunities that you won't find anywhere else, but the tuition is very high, and this rating shows just how many great things there are by even going this high
Ethan from Hudson, OH
College is expensive theses days, and Oberlin is no exception. Though here you are guaranteed to be challenged and pushed to higher limits. You also develop a network of contacts that you wouldn't be able to meet pretty much anywhere else. The schools has a remarkable academic reputation, sending a high rate of graduates on to earn PhD's and earn great accolades. Worth every penny.
Johnny from Lorain, OH
Oberlin is very expensive, like most small, private colleges. But it's also a really good school. The answer to this question really depends on the individual's value of money as compared to other things though.
Kye from Berkley, MI
Socially, very diverse and totally different than any other college. However, I feel that if I hadn't gotten a huge scholarship I would not have gone here. Not needs blind but does cover 100% of demonstrated need which is very helpful IF you can get in despite being a low-income student.
Fresh(wo)man