Case Western Reserve University vs Oberlin College
Case Western Reserve University is very selective with a 28.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Oberlin College (33.0%). Graduates of Case Western Reserve University earn $29,646 more per year at the 10-year mark ($87,989 vs $58,343). For families earning $48k–$75k, Case Western Reserve University is more affordable at $19,106 net price vs $23,475. Students at Case Western Reserve University graduate with less debt ($24,000 vs $26,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Oberlin College has a higher yield rate (21.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Case Western Reserve University has a higher median SAT (1490 vs 1440).
Cleveland, OH
Oberlin, OH
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Oberlin College is more affordable at $19,257 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $49,117 vs $48,245.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Case Western Reserve University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (17%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Case Western Reserve University
- 1 Computer Science$71,575
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$69,854
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$68,219
- 4 Chemical Engineering$66,325
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$63,997
Oberlin College
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$76,460
- 2 Economics$41,205
- 3 Political Science and Government$29,685
- 4 Sociology$28,236
- 5 Neurobiology and Neurosciences$27,750
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Case Western Reserve University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 5 Mechanical Engineering
Oberlin College
- 1 Music
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Economics
- 5 Political Science and Government
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Case Western Reserve University
- International students19%
- Tuition (international)$52,448
- Est. total cost/year$69,028
- School typePublic
Oberlin College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$57,654
- Est. total cost/year$75,888
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 19% international enrollment, Case Western Reserve University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
Case Western Reserve University is more selective with a 28.7% acceptance rate, compared to 33.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
Case Western Reserve University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $87,989 compared to $58,343. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Case Western Reserve University has a lower net price at $19,106 per year vs $23,475. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Case Western Reserve University vs Oberlin College?
Case Western Reserve University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 87.0%, compared to 79.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Case Western Reserve University or Oberlin College?
Case Western Reserve University has a larger international student population at 19% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Case Western Reserve University and Oberlin College?
At Case Western Reserve University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $71,575 within two years. At Oberlin College, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $76,460. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.