Kenyon College vs Oberlin College
Kenyon College is very selective with a 30.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Oberlin College (33.0%). Graduates of Kenyon College earn $13,487 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,830 vs $58,343). For families earning $48k–$75k, Kenyon College is more affordable at $13,777 net price vs $23,475. Students at Kenyon College graduate with less debt ($18,527 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. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1440, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Gambier, 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), Kenyon College is more affordable at $8,865 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $45,073 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. Kenyon College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (10%), 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.
Kenyon College
- 1 Economics$50,856
- 2 Film/Video and Photographic Arts$35,060
- 3 International/Global Studies$29,685
- 4 Biology, General$28,055
- 5 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$26,739
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.
Kenyon College
- 1 English Language and Literature, General
- 2 Economics
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Biology, General
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.
Kenyon College
- International students9%
- Tuition (international)$54,720
- Est. total cost/year$67,850
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
Kenyon College is more selective with a 30.7% acceptance rate, compared to 33.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
Kenyon College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,830 compared to $58,343. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Kenyon College has a lower net price at $13,777 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 Kenyon College vs Oberlin College?
Kenyon College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 86.8%, 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: Kenyon College or Oberlin College?
Oberlin College has a larger international student population at 10% 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 Kenyon College and Oberlin College?
At Kenyon College, Economics graduates earn a median of $50,856 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.