Oberlin is a four-year, highly selective independent liberal arts college and conservatory of music known for its academic excellence and its commitment to social engagement and diversity. The College of Arts & Sciences offers 46 majors and an 11:1 student/faculty ratio.
Founded in 1833 by a Presbyterian minister and a missionary, it holds a distinguished place among American colleges and universities. It was the first college to grant bachelor's degrees to women in a coeducational environment and, historically, was a leader in the education of African Americans. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission. The Oberlin community is known for its exemplary academic and musical pedagogy and its commitment to social justice, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship.
Our legacy of inclusion and respect for diversity sets the tone for campus life today. The presence of a top liberal arts college and a world-class conservatory of music on a single campus is rare and enriching. Here, students live, dine, play, and study together in a community of intense learning and discovery. We revel in our differences as much as we value the sense that we are all in this together. We share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of our determination, intellect, and creativity.
Together, the campus and community create a place of urban sensibility reflecting the music, art, and cultural richness of the world. Oberlin's size, residential character, variety, and selectivity provide an atmosphere that is conducive to intellectual and personal growth.
