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Oberlin College vs Shawnee State University

Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH, and Shawnee State University is a public university in Portsmouth, OH. Oberlin College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 34% of applicants against 72% at Shawnee State University. Shawnee State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,381 a year against $38,645 at Oberlin College. About 80% of students graduate at Oberlin College, compared with 45% at Shawnee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Oberlin College alumni earn a median of about $58,343, against $39,596 for Shawnee State University.

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Oberlin, OH
Portsmouth, OH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,887
2,247
Acceptance rate
34%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1360–1520
890–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,645
$14,381
Full cost / yr
$87,404
$21,974
In-state tuition
$67,366
$10,626
Out-of-state tuition
$67,366
$17,358
Application fee
$100
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,774
$12,310
$30k - $48k
$15,799
$11,956
$48k - $75k
$22,123
$14,326
$75k - $110k
$29,207
$16,787
Over $110k
$48,731
$18,754
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
45%
Freshman retention
91%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,871
$35,080
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,343
$39,596
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
39%
First-generation students
9%
43%
International students
10%
3%
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 Shawnee State University harder to get into?
Oberlin College is harder to get into. It admits about 34% of applicants, compared with 72% at Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,381 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 Shawnee State University?
Before aid, Shawnee State University costs about $21,974 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 Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,310 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 Shawnee State University?
Oberlin College is the larger of the two, with about 2,887 undergraduates against 2,247 at Shawnee State University.
Does Oberlin College or Shawnee State University have a better graduation rate?
Oberlin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 45% at Shawnee State University.
Do graduates of Oberlin College or Shawnee State University earn more?
Oberlin College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,596 for Shawnee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Oberlin College and Shawnee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Oberlin College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shawnee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Oberlin College and Shawnee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1360–1520 at Oberlin College and 890–1180 at Shawnee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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