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Kenyon College vs Oberlin College

Kenyon College is a private college in Gambier, OH, and Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH. Kenyon College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 31% of applicants against 34% at Oberlin College. Kenyon College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $38,512 a year against $38,645 at Oberlin College. About 84% of students graduate at Kenyon College, compared with 80% at Oberlin College. Ten years after enrolling, Kenyon College alumni earn a median of about $71,830, against $58,343 for Oberlin College.

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Kenyon College

Gambier, OH · Private

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Gambier, OH
Oberlin, OH
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,732
2,887
Acceptance rate
31%
34%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1358–1503
1360–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
31–33
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,512
$38,645
Full cost / yr
$87,590
$87,404
In-state tuition
$71,520
$67,366
Out-of-state tuition
$71,520
$67,366
Application fee
$0
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,242
$18,774
$30k - $48k
$26,319
$15,799
$48k - $75k
$19,156
$22,123
$75k - $110k
$23,757
$29,207
Over $110k
$51,432
$48,731
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
80%
Freshman retention
92%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,627
$38,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,830
$58,343
Median debt at graduation
$18,527
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
10%
First-generation students
Not reported
9%
International students
12%
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 Kenyon College or Oberlin College harder to get into?
Kenyon College is harder to get into. It admits about 31% 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, Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
Kenyon College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $38,512 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,645 at Oberlin College. 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 Kenyon College and Oberlin College?
Before aid, Oberlin College costs about $87,404 a year and Kenyon College about $87,590. 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, Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
Kenyon College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,242 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, Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
Oberlin College is the larger of the two, with about 2,887 undergraduates against 1,732 at Kenyon College.
Does Kenyon College or Oberlin College have a better graduation rate?
Kenyon College has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 80% at Oberlin College.
Do graduates of Kenyon College or Oberlin College earn more?
Kenyon College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,343 for Oberlin College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kenyon College and Oberlin College require SAT or ACT scores?
Kenyon College 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 Kenyon College and Oberlin College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1358–1503 at Kenyon College 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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