Oberlin vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oberlin College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,909 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, OH (Midsize Suburban setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Oberlin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oberlin College 9:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Oberlin vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oberlin or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than Oberlin ($18,595 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 25.5% lower than at Oberlin College ($14,540 vs. $19,510).
• Oberlin College is 160.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $41,508 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 160.5% higher at Oberlin than at Fisk University (about $41,508 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oberlin College than at Fisk University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oberlin College students is 56.9% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($35,780 vs. $22,811).

Oberlin vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oberlin College (1440) is 110 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Oberlin students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 1360/1520; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 31/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oberlin - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oberlin students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Oberlin (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Oberlin vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Oberlin vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oberlin and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Oberlin College earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fisk University graduates have a $579 lower median loan debt than Oberlin graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,579).
• Among borrowers, Fisk University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oberlin graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Oberlin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 38%)

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.