JCU vs. Oberlin

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oberlin College is larger than JCU based on total student enrollment (2,909 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Oberlin College is in Oberlin, OH (Midsize Suburban setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Oberlin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Oberlin College 9:1.

JCU vs. Oberlin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU or Oberlin? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at John Carroll University than Oberlin ($30,030 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 25.6% lower than at Oberlin College ($14,520 vs. $19,510).
• Oberlin College is 33.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCU (about $16,866 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.4% higher at Oberlin than at John Carroll University (about $16,866 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Oberlin College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 0% larger than aid received by Oberlin College students ($35,785 vs. $35,780).

JCU vs. Oberlin Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU or Oberlin? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Oberlin and JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oberlin College (1440) is 180 points higher than at JCU (1260).
• Incoming Oberlin students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at JCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Oberlin College 1360/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Oberlin College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Oberlin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oberlin students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at JCU (3.66).
• JCU has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Oberlin (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 19.5% at Oberlin.

JCU vs. Oberlin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU and Oberlin? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Oberlin College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than John Carroll University's (71%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Oberlin graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oberlin College graduates have a $360 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($26,579 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Oberlin graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($274 vs. $278).
• More Oberlin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.