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Oberlin College vs Ohio State University-Main Campus

Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH. Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public university in Columbus, OH. Oberlin College admits about 34% of applicants and Ohio State University-Main Campus about 61%, making Oberlin College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,339 a year at Ohio State University-Main Campus after aid, and about $38,645 at Oberlin College. About 88% of students graduate at Ohio State University-Main Campus, compared with 80% at Oberlin College. Ten years after enrolling, Ohio State University-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $60,409, against $58,343 for Oberlin College.

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Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Oberlin, OH
Columbus, OH
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,887
45,638
Acceptance rate
34%
61%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1360–1520
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,645
$17,339
Full cost / yr
$87,404
$30,305
In-state tuition
$67,366
$13,244
Out-of-state tuition
$67,366
$40,022
Application fee
$100
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,774
$4,885
$30k - $48k
$15,799
$5,751
$48k - $75k
$22,123
$9,807
$75k - $110k
$29,207
$20,461
Over $110k
$48,731
$27,359
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
88%
Freshman retention
91%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,871
$51,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,343
$60,409
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$19,976
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
20%
First-generation students
9%
26%
International students
10%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
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 Oberlin College or Ohio State University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Oberlin College is harder to get into. It admits about 34% of applicants, compared with 61% at Ohio State University-Main Campus. 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 State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,339 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 State University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Ohio State University-Main Campus costs about $30,305 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 State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,885 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 State University-Main Campus?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 45,638 undergraduates against 2,887 at Oberlin College.
Does Oberlin College or Ohio State University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 80% at Oberlin College.
Do graduates of Oberlin College or Ohio State University-Main Campus earn more?
Ohio State University-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,409 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 State University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Oberlin College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ohio State University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Oberlin College and Ohio State University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1360–1520 at Oberlin College and 1310–1480 at Ohio State University-Main Campus. 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