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Oberlin College vs Ohio Northern University

Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH, and Ohio Northern University is a private university in Ada, OH. Oberlin College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 34% of applicants against 74% at Ohio Northern University. Ohio Northern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,478 a year against $38,645 at Oberlin College. About 80% of students graduate at Oberlin College, compared with 75% at Ohio Northern University. Ten years after enrolling, Ohio Northern University alumni earn a median of about $80,928, against $58,343 for Oberlin College.

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private

Ohio Northern University

Ada, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Oberlin, OH
Ada, OH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,887
2,489
Acceptance rate
34%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1360–1520
1175–1400
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,645
$24,478
Full cost / yr
$87,404
$53,580
In-state tuition
$67,366
$39,800
Out-of-state tuition
$67,366
$39,800
Application fee
$100
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,774
$18,525
$30k - $48k
$15,799
$19,223
$48k - $75k
$22,123
$22,336
$75k - $110k
$29,207
$25,605
Over $110k
$48,731
$27,710
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
75%
Freshman retention
91%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,871
$62,686
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,343
$80,928
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
21%
First-generation students
9%
24%
International students
10%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Oberlin College or Ohio Northern University harder to get into?
Oberlin College is harder to get into. It admits about 34% of applicants, compared with 74% at Ohio Northern 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, Oberlin College or Ohio Northern University?
Ohio Northern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,478 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 Oberlin College and Ohio Northern University?
Before aid, Ohio Northern University costs about $53,580 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, Oberlin College or Ohio Northern University?
Ohio Northern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,525 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, Oberlin College or Ohio Northern University?
Oberlin College is the larger of the two, with about 2,887 undergraduates against 2,489 at Ohio Northern University.
Does Oberlin College or Ohio Northern University have a better graduation rate?
Oberlin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 75% at Ohio Northern University.
Do graduates of Oberlin College or Ohio Northern University earn more?
Ohio Northern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,928 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,343 for Oberlin College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Oberlin College and Ohio Northern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Oberlin College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ohio Northern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Oberlin College and Ohio Northern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1360–1520 at Oberlin College and 1175–1400 at Ohio Northern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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