A straight answer: 34.2% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 34 actually get in. No guessing. Oberlin College is a COMP institution located in Oberlin, OH — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Oberlin College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Putting the Oberlin College Acceptance Rate into Perspective
Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Oberlin College offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.
An acceptance rate of 34.2% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.
Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Oberlin College, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.
Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.
Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool
For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Oberlin College is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.
When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Oberlin College
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Oberlin College based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherWhat Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data
At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering Oberlin College, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.
Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.
Turning Information into Confidence
Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.
If Oberlin College fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.
Should You Apply to Oberlin College?
If 34.2% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Oberlin College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Oberlin College Acceptance Rate
What majors are offered at Oberlin College, and what's their focus?
Oberlin College offers over 50 majors spanning the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Students can also pursue interdisciplinary majors or create custom majors to align with their passions and career goals.
What is the class size like at Oberlin?
Oberlin features small class sizes, with 76% of classes having between 2 to 19 students. This fosters personalized learning experiences and greater interaction with professors.
Does Oberlin require a senior thesis?
No, Oberlin does not require a senior thesis for most majors. However, many programs include extended projects, allowing students to showcase their knowledge and skills through practical work.
What is the Double Degree program at Oberlin?
The Double Degree program at Oberlin allows students to earn a degree from both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music, enabling a unique blend of skills in liberal arts and music.
How does Oberlin support interdisciplinary studies?
Oberlin supports interdisciplinary studies through custom majors and flexible program structures. This encourages students to explore diverse fields and combine their interests, enhancing their academic experience.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Oberlin College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success