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Case Western Reserve University vs Oberlin College

Case Western Reserve University is a private university in Cleveland, OH, and Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH. Oberlin College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 34% of applicants against 37% at Case Western Reserve University. Oberlin College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $38,645 a year against $41,190 at Case Western Reserve University. About 87% of students graduate at Case Western Reserve University, compared with 80% at Oberlin College. Ten years after enrolling, Case Western Reserve University alumni earn a median of about $87,989, against $58,343 for Oberlin College.

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Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH · Private

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cleveland, OH
Oberlin, OH
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,437
2,887
Acceptance rate
37%
34%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
1360–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,190
$38,645
Full cost / yr
$85,851
$87,404
In-state tuition
$66,608
$67,366
Out-of-state tuition
$66,608
$67,366
Application fee
$70
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,025
$18,774
$30k - $48k
$18,506
$15,799
$48k - $75k
$20,849
$22,123
$75k - $110k
$26,159
$29,207
Over $110k
$53,061
$48,731
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
80%
Freshman retention
92%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$75,613
$38,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$87,989
$58,343
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
10%
First-generation students
11%
9%
International students
11%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College harder to get into?
Oberlin College is harder to get into. It admits about 34% of applicants, compared with 37% at Case Western Reserve University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
Oberlin College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $38,645 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,190 at Case Western Reserve University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Case Western Reserve University and Oberlin College?
Before aid, Case Western Reserve University costs about $85,851 a year and Oberlin College about $87,404. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
Oberlin College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,774 there, against about $19,025 at Case Western Reserve University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
Case Western Reserve University is the larger of the two, with about 6,437 undergraduates against 2,887 at Oberlin College.
Does Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College have a better graduation rate?
Case Western Reserve University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 80% at Oberlin College.
Do graduates of Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College earn more?
Case Western Reserve University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $87,989 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,343 for Oberlin College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Case Western Reserve University and Oberlin College require SAT or ACT scores?
Case Western Reserve University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Oberlin College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Case Western Reserve University and Oberlin College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1430–1540 at Case Western Reserve University and 1360–1520 at Oberlin College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school