Oberlin College vs Kalamazoo College
Oberlin College and Kalamazoo College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Oberlin, located in Ohio, boasts a lower acceptance rate (32%) compared to Kalamazoo's (63%), indicating a more selective admissions process. While Oberlin's student body is slightly larger, both colleges share a commitment to small class sizes, fostering personalized learning environments. Kalamazoo's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students. In terms of academics, Oberlin offers a wider range of majors, including unique programs like Africana Studies and Environmental Studies, while Kalamazoo focuses on a core curriculum with strengths in the humanities and social sciences. Both colleges boast impressive graduation rates, with Oberlin's slightly higher (89% vs. 86%). Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more distinctions and determine which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Kalamazoo College |
![]() Oberlin College |
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Overview |
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Location | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Oberlin, Ohio |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Fringe |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Quarter | 4-1-4 |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 85.0% | 91.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 79.6% | 34.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$100
Graduate:
$100
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SAT range | 1160 - 1380 | 1338 - 1460 |
ACT range | 24 - 30 | 30 - 34 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 34.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 11.0% | 22.0% |
Total number of applicants | 3,350 | 10,597 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,666 | 3,639 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 382 | 864 |
Yield rate | 14.3% | 23.7% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $68,832 | $73,914 |
Average net price | $27,395 | $44,689 |
Tuition | $53,976 | $59,384 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,316
Meal plan:
$5,916
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Room/dormitory:
$8,858
Meal plan:
$8,996
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Available payment plans |
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|
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $40,208 |
93.0%
Average amount $34,607 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
32.0%
Average amount $5,066 |
34.0%
Average amount $5,142 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $13,150 |
4.0%
Average amount $4,519 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,241
Men 43.7% Women 56.3% |
2,942
Men 41.6% Women 58.4% |
Graduate students | N/A |
11
Men 72.7% Women 27.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 5.2% | 11.1% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Fringe |
Dormitory capacity | 834 | 2,694 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 10:1 | 9:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 76.4% | 82.3% |
Dropout rate | 23.1% | 17.3% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees)
Music (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
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