Finances for Incoming Students
Applying for Financial Aid
Last year, more than two-thirds of Oberlin students demonstrated financial need and received aid with an average award of more than $31,000—a total of about $49 million. Our Office of Financial Aid analyzes the information you provide on your College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE and establishes a "family contribution" amount for you. This amount will include contributions from both you and your parents. Your demonstrated need is the difference between this family contribution and the cost of attending Oberlin.
- How to Apply for Financial Aid
- Download Financial Aid Forms
- Financial Aid Checklist
- Instructions for Returning Students
Tuition & Fees
The chart below details the expenses involved in an Oberlin education for the current academic year. A number of payment plans and options are available to help make college affordable.
| Oberlin College Costs 2013-2014 | Estimated Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $46,250 | Books | $930 |
| Multi-Occupancy Room | $6,550 | Personal Expenses | $978 |
| Board | $6,054 | Travel | varies |
| Health & Activity Fees | $620 | ||
| Total | $59,474 | ||
Student health insurance is available for purchase at a cost of $900 per academic year, billed in the fall semester. Students who have other adequate coverage are not required to purchase this insurance.
Scholarships
Students admitted to Oberlin College are automatically considered for the following types of scholarships. You may receive a merit-based award even if you don't qualify for aid based on financial need.
Oberlin College National Merit Scholarships and National Achievement Scholarships
We sponsor a number of National Merit and National Achievement Scholarships in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. If you are a finalist in the National Merit or National Achievement Scholarship competition, you are eligible for consideration for these Oberlin-sponsored scholarships if you:
- Declare Oberlin as your first-choice college
- Have filed an application for admission to Oberlin College
- Have not been selected as a winner of other National Merit or Corporate National Merit Scholarships
College of Arts and Sciences
A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Office of Admissions makes the awards based on academic achievement and notifies students selected to receive merit awards at the time of admission.
Yellow Ribbon Project
Oberlin College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Project for post-9/11 veterans and their children. Additional financial aid funds are available to veterans and their children. Please visit the Financial Aid web site for additional information.
Conservatory Dean's Awards
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of audition ratings and ensemble needs. The Office of Conservatory Admissions notifies selected students at the time of admission.
Restricted Scholarship Programs
Oberlin College offers special scholarships for graduates of Oberlin High School and for children of Oberlin College employees. Contact us for more information about Restricted Scholarship Programs.
See the Financial Aid web site for more information on scholarship policies.
Loans
Many students must borrow money to meet the costs of their college education. Loans can be extremely useful, but understanding their terms and conditions may be confusing. We have centralized loan information to help you find answers to your questions about the loan process. This information is for students who have never borrowed funds before.
If you cannot find what you need here, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Student Employment
Oberlin participates in the Federal Work-Study Program. Most financial aid packages include on-campus employment during the academic year. Students typically work up to 20 hours per week in dining halls, the library, computing center, and academic and administrative departments.
Jobs and information are posted on the Student Employment web page.
