America's oldest coeducational liberal arts college with a world-class conservatory, founded on principles of social justice and artistic excellence.
Oberlin comprises two distinct divisions: the College of Arts & Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. The College offers over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations spanning sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts. The Conservatory features 42 areas of private, applied study organized into 11 divisions including Conducting and Ensembles, Jazz Studies, Historical Performance, and Keyboard Studies. Oberlin pioneered the nation's first double degree program in 1910, allowing students to earn both a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts in five years. The college emphasizes faculty-controlled academic governance and freedom of inquiry, a commitment dating to its founding.
Founded in 1833 by John Jay Shipherd and Philo Stewart as a Christian missionary institution, Oberlin became a beacon of progressive activism and abolitionism. In 1835, it admitted African Americans on an equal basis—a radical measure at the time. Two years later, in 1837, it became the first college to admit women (beyond Franklin College's brief 1787–89 experiment). The college's motto, 'Learning and Labor,' reflects its original manual labor system. Oberlin's commitment to social justice and academic freedom shaped American higher education and produced generations of minister-abolitionists and civil rights advocates.
Oberlin's 440-acre suburban campus in Ohio hosts a fully residential community where College and Conservatory students live and learn together. The college is known for vibrant student activism, a strong cooperative housing tradition through the Student Cooperative Association, and a rich musical culture. Campus facilities include Finney Chapel, Mudd Library, the Conservatory Complex, and the Koi Pond. Students engage in NCAA Division III athletics (NCAC), numerous clubs and organizations, and traditions including the Cat and the Cream performance venue. The college maintains a commitment to sustainability, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2025.
Oberlin operates separate admissions processes for the College of Arts & Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. The Double Degree Program admits students who are accepted to both schools, either initially or through a Change of Degree process up to the third year. Approximately 200 students currently pursue double degrees, with 60% completing both degrees in five years. The college provides dedicated advisors for each school and integrates schedules to allow seamless participation in lessons, ensembles, and liberal arts courses. International students and transfer applicants are welcome.