“A trailblazing liberal arts college unified with a world-renowned music conservatory — pioneering coeducation and racial equity since 1833.”
Oberlin College stands as one of America's most historically significant educational institutions, having admitted African Americans in 1835 and women in 1837 — firsts that shaped the nation's approach to higher education. Today Oberlin remains distinctive for its dual structure: a rigorous College of Arts & Sciences and the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory of Music operate seamlessly on one integrated campus, allowing students to pursue degrees in music, liberal arts, or a demanding five-year double-degree program. This unique integration is rare among American institutions and creates an extraordinarily vibrant intellectual and creative environment where music permeates daily life. The college offers over 40 majors with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 94% of faculty holding terminal degrees, and 93% of students living on campus. The $1.2 billion endowment supports a strong commitment to both artistic excellence and social justice — values embedded in the institution's founding as an abolitionist community.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Music (Conservatory — Classical Performance)
commonly cited top-5 U.S. conservatory (peer reputation)
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action
Non-binding
Early Decision
Binding
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$67,366 – $70,200
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The liberal arts core offering over 40 majors across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. Known for rigorous academics and close faculty mentorship.
One of the nation's oldest and most prestigious conservatories, founded in 1865. Offers professional training in performance, composition, conducting, music education, and newly added music theater and recording arts.
Unique integrated program allowing ~180 students to earn dual degrees from both the Conservatory and College of Arts & Sciences.
4 years
One of the oldest continually operating conservatories in the United States (founded 1865). World-class faculty, exceptional performance venues, and deep integration with liberal arts curriculum distinguish this as one of America's premier music schools.
5 years
A rare opportunity to earn simultaneous degrees from a top liberal arts college and world-renowned conservatory. Approximately 180 students pursue this challenging path, gaining professional music training while completing a full liberal arts education.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $67,366
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
