Oberlin College logo

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

A pioneer in coeducation and social justice, Oberlin blends rigorous liberal arts with a world-renowned music conservatory.

Oberlin College stands as a beacon of progressive education and artistic excellence, nestled in Oberlin, Ohio. Founded in 1833, it holds the distinction of being the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the United States, alongside the nation's oldest continuously operating conservatory of music. This unique combination offers students an unparalleled opportunity to pursue academic rigor in over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations within the College of Arts & Sciences, or to immerse themselves in the world-class Oberlin Conservatory.

From its inception, Oberlin was driven by a radical vision of social justice. It made history in 1835 by becoming one of the first U.S. colleges to admit African Americans, and then again in 1837 as the first to admit women. This pioneering spirit continues to shape its identity, fostering a vibrant community known for engaged student activism and a commitment to critical thinking and social change. Its motto, "Learning and Labor," reflects a long-standing dedication to both intellectual and practical pursuits.

Prospective students and families will find a campus rich in history and forward-thinking initiatives. Beyond its academic and musical prowess, Oberlin cultivates an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives alongside a deep sense of community responsibility. With a substantial endowment supporting its mission and a legacy of presidents committed to evolving its educational offerings, Oberlin prepares its graduates to make a meaningful impact on the world, embodying its historical commitment to making a positive difference.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1833, it is the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the United States.
  • Home to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States.
  • Pioneered diversity by admitting African Americans in 1835 and women in 1837, making it among the first U.S. colleges to do so.
  • Offers over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations within its College of Arts & Sciences.
  • Operates with a substantial endowment of approximately $1.48 billion (2025).

Timeline

1833
Founded as the Oberlin Collegiate Institute by John Jay Shipherd and Philo Stewart.
1835
Becomes one of the first colleges in the United States to admit African Americans.
1837
Becomes the first college in the United States to admit women.
1850
Name officially changed from Oberlin Collegiate Institute to Oberlin College.
1970
Featured on the cover of Life magazine as one of the first colleges with co-ed dormitories.
1994
Nancy Dye becomes Oberlin's 13th president and its first female president.
2017
Carmen Twillie Ambar becomes Oberlin's 15th president and its first African-American president.
2019
Found liable for libel and tortious interference in the Gibson's Bakery lawsuit, with initial damages of $44 million.
2022
Pays Gibson's Bakery $36.59 million, concluding the litigation.
🏛️
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 education.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Oberlin College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search