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Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Learning and Labor

1833
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
2,950
Total Students
$1.5B
Endowment
(2025)
$65K
Tuition (In-State)
$65K
Tuition (Out-State)
$39K
Avg Net Price
33%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Graduation Rate
6-year
89%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Oberlin College

Pioneering coeducation and progressive thought, Oberlin blends liberal arts with world-class music.

Oberlin College, a private liberal arts institution nestled in Oberlin, Ohio, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance. Founded in 1833 as the Oberlin Collegiate Institute, it holds the distinction of being the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the United States, and the second-oldest continuously operating coeducational institute of higher learning globally. Complementing its robust liberal arts offerings is the renowned Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the nation, providing unparalleled opportunities for aspiring musicians.

From its earliest days, Oberlin was shaped by a visionary commitment to social progress. It made history in 1835 by becoming one of the first U.S. colleges to admit African Americans, followed by admitting women in 1837 – a groundbreaking move that set a precedent for inclusivity in higher education. This foundational spirit of progressive activism has continued throughout its history, defining its vibrant student culture and commitment to challenging norms. The college's motto, "Learning and Labor," reflects its deeply rooted values of intellectual pursuit combined with practical engagement and community contribution.

Today, Oberlin's College of Arts & Sciences offers an expansive curriculum with over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations, providing students with a rich and diverse academic landscape. Students benefit from an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and active participation in college affairs, including representation on committees. The institution's storied past, combined with its ongoing dedication to innovation and social responsibility, makes Oberlin a dynamic and transformative place to learn and grow.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1833, it is the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the U.S.
  • Home to the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States.
  • One of the first U.S. colleges to admit African Americans (1835) and the first to admit women (1837).
  • Offers over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations through its College of Arts & Sciences.
  • Features an endowment of $1.5 billion, supporting its academic mission.
  • Led by Carmen Twillie Ambar, the first African-American president and second woman to hold the position.

Timeline

1833
Founded as the Oberlin Collegiate Institute by John Jay Shipherd and Philo Stewart.
1835
Became one of the first colleges in the United States to admit African Americans.
1837
Became the first college in the United States to admit women.
1850
Name officially changed to Oberlin College.
1970
Featured on the cover of Life magazine as one of the first colleges with co-ed dormitories.
1970
Robert W. Fuller became president, significantly tripling minority enrollment and initiating the 'Oberlin Experiment'.
1994
Nancy Dye became the 13th and first female president of Oberlin College.
2017
Carmen Twillie Ambar became the 15th president, the first African-American person to hold the position.
2019
Found liable for libel and tortious interference in the Gibson's Bakery lawsuit.
2022
Paid Gibson's Bakery $36.59 million to settle the lawsuit after appeals were dismissed.
🏛️
193 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Oberlin College

🏫

Oberlin Conservatory of Music

The oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States, offering world-class musical training.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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