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Denison University vs Oberlin College

Denison University is a private university in Granville, OH, and Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH. Denison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 17% of applicants against 34% at Oberlin College. Oberlin College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $38,645 a year against $40,007 at Denison University. About 80% of students graduate at Oberlin College, compared with 79% at Denison University. Ten years after enrolling, Denison University alumni earn a median of about $67,753, against $58,343 for Oberlin College.

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Denison University

Granville, OH · Private

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Granville, OH
Oberlin, OH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,380
2,887
Acceptance rate
17%
34%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1320–1490
1360–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,007
$38,645
Full cost / yr
$81,900
$87,404
In-state tuition
$67,000
$67,366
Out-of-state tuition
$67,000
$67,366
Application fee
$0
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,656
$18,774
$30k - $48k
$13,086
$15,799
$48k - $75k
$17,827
$22,123
$75k - $110k
$20,839
$29,207
Over $110k
$48,472
$48,731
Outcomes
Graduation rate
79%
80%
Freshman retention
89%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,352
$38,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,753
$58,343
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
10%
First-generation students
17%
9%
International students
17%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
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 Denison University or Oberlin College harder to get into?
Denison University is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 34% at Oberlin College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Denison University or Oberlin College?
Oberlin College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $38,645 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,007 at Denison 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 Denison University and Oberlin College?
Before aid, Denison University costs about $81,900 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, Denison University or Oberlin College?
Denison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,656 there, against about $18,774 at Oberlin College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Denison University or Oberlin College?
Oberlin College is the larger of the two, with about 2,887 undergraduates against 2,380 at Denison University.
Does Denison University or Oberlin College have a better graduation rate?
Oberlin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 79% at Denison University.
Do graduates of Denison University or Oberlin College earn more?
Denison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,753 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,343 for Oberlin College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Denison University and Oberlin College require SAT or ACT scores?
Denison 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 Denison University and Oberlin College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320–1490 at Denison 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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