Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Oberlin College, known for strong academics and progressive history, is a residential campus of 2,900 students. We are the only institution where a top-ranked liberal arts college and a world-renowned conservatory of music share a seamless student culture and campus. Students and faculty challenge conventional thought in music, science, the arts, or humanities, and are committed to sustainability and creative entrepreneurship. Oberlin was the first college to admit students of all races and the first to grant bachelor's degrees to women in a coed setting. Our legacy of inclusion and respect for diversity sets the tone for campus life today.

Virtual Tour

Academic Programs

Art & Design
Business
Economics
Government/Political Science
Liberal Arts
Music
Performing Arts
Research
Science
Social Science
Visual Arts

Student experience

Athletics
Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Disability Services
Intramural/Club Sports
LGBTQIA Services
On-Campus Housing
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

First year students may apply Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. A strong high school performance in a full range of challenging courses is essential. When making our admissions decisions, we draw upon a holistic review process that allows us to get a sense of not only the applicant’s academic qualifications, but also of what the applicant is like as a person, and what they will contribute to the Oberlin community. We seek an incoming class that represents a variety of talents, viewpoints, and achievements.

Transfer

An applicant is considered to be a transfer student if they have been enrolled in a degree-seeking program (regardless of how many credits have been earned), or if they have earned more than 30 semester hours of credit without being enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Transfer students may apply for either spring or fall semester. We accept transfer applications from students in their first, second, and third years of college, although students in their first year of study at another college may only apply for fall admission.

Additional Information

Oberlin offers one of the world’s great undergraduate educations. We’re a community built on strong connections between students and faculty, who will help you discover and develop your strengths, talents, goals, as well as the path to accomplish them. And through the Engaged Liberal Arts, you’ll take what you learn in your classes and put it into practice through internships, research, study away experiences, winter term, and career exploration. Oberlin students graduate with a plethora of real-world experiences, equipped and ready to make an impact and take on what’s next.

Visit us

Oberlin welcomes visitors and offers several different ways to spend time on campus exploring our classrooms and labs, visiting our living spaces, eating in our dining halls, and attending recitals or student concerts. General information sessions and tours are offered on weekdays and on Saturdays during the academic year. We also offer a variety of ways for prospective students to get to know us virtually. Learn about Oberlin, get an in-depth look at our campus, and ask us questions by attending live virtual tours and information sessions led by Oberlin students! Check availability and schedule an in-person or virtual visit on our visit website.

For me, the pleasure of teaching Oberlin students comes from their genuine love of learning and for sharing their enthusiasm. I get to play a role in their journeys – from first-year seminars to senior honors projects – building on the foundation and strength of the liberal arts tradition.
Roger Laushman, Associate Professor, Biology and Environmental Studies