Oberlin vs. EMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oberlin College is larger than EMU based on total student enrollment (2,909 students vs. 1,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, OH (Midsize Suburban setting); Eastern Mennonite University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Oberlin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Mennonite University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oberlin College 9:1; Eastern Mennonite University 9:1.

Oberlin vs. EMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oberlin or EMU? 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 Eastern Mennonite University than Oberlin ($25,021 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Mennonite University are 32.5% lower than at Oberlin College ($13,170 vs. $19,510).
• Oberlin College is 53.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than EMU (about $23,446 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.4% higher at Oberlin than at Eastern Mennonite University (about $23,446 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oberlin College than at Eastern Mennonite University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oberlin College students is 10.5% larger than aid received by Eastern Mennonite University students ($35,780 vs. $32,378).

Oberlin vs. EMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oberlin or EMU? 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 EMU and Oberlin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oberlin College (1440) is 120 points higher than at EMU (1320).
• Incoming Oberlin students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at EMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 1360/1520; Eastern Mennonite University 1040/1590.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 31/34; Eastern Mennonite University 25/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oberlin - Test optional; EMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman EMU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Oberlin (3.67).
• EMU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Oberlin (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Oberlin vs. 12.4% at EMU.

Oberlin vs. EMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oberlin and EMU? 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 Eastern Mennonite University's (66%).
• Graduates of Oberlin College and EMU have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $43,900), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Mennonite University graduates have a $3,129 lower median loan debt than Oberlin graduates ($23,450 vs. $26,579).
• Among borrowers, EMU graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oberlin graduates ($242 vs. $274).
• More Oberlin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EMU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.