Financial Assistance Department
Oberlin College, a prestigious institution in Ohio, has announced a series of financial aid initiatives aimed at making an excellent education more accessible for students from the Midwest region and beyond.
The Federal School Code for FAFSA is 003086, making it easy for prospective students to apply for financial aid. Oberlin's new Midwest Merit Scholarship initiative is one such offering, granting up to $20,000 per year to high-achieving students from the Midwest states, including Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and more.
To be eligible, students must be residents of these states, have a competitive GPA of around 3.5 or higher, and strong standardized test scores (if submitted). Demonstrated leadership, community involvement, or special talents may also be considered in the selection process. It's important to note that this scholarship is merit-based, focusing on academic achievement and potential rather than financial need.
The Midwest Merit Scholarship is designed to attract and support talented students from the region who choose to attend Oberlin College and Conservatory. This scholarship can be combined with other financial aid offers from Oberlin, including need-based aid, making it a significant resource for admitted students from the Midwest.
While specific application procedures for the Midwest Merit Scholarship are not extensively detailed, it is generally awarded automatically upon admission to qualified applicants from the Midwest. Prospective students should indicate their residency and academic credentials clearly in their application.
In addition to the Midwest Merit Scholarship, Oberlin offers the Oberlin Commitment Scholarship, a renewable $10,000 award given to all new students enrolling in the College of Arts & Sciences and/or Conservatory of Music. All applicants to these programmes are considered for merit-based scholarships.
Oberlin College meets 100% of demonstrated need for every student as calculated by the Office of Financial Aid. This means that international students can also apply for financial aid. Grants and scholarships typically make up about 75% of a student's award at Oberlin College, with work-study and low-interest loans composing the balance.
For precise details about eligibility, award amounts, and application deadlines, checking Oberlin College’s official admissions and financial aid webpage or contacting their admissions office directly is recommended. This is especially important as information may be updated for the 2025-26 admissions cycle.
To estimate need-based financial aid, Oberlin's Quick Cost Estimator provides an easy way to get an initial idea, asking just six questions. The Net Price Calculator, based on the Department of Education's template, provides a more comprehensive estimate of college costs.
In conclusion, Oberlin College is committed to providing access to an excellent education, offering various financial aid options to support students from the Midwest and beyond. By offering scholarships like the Midwest Merit Scholarship, the Oberlin Commitment Scholarship, and considering all applicants for merit-based scholarships, Oberlin is making a significant investment in its students' futures.
The Midwest Merit Scholarship, awarded automatically to high-achieving students from the Midwest region, can be coupled with other financial aid options at Oberlin College, thereby benefiting students who excel academically. This scholarship is a component of Oberlin College's broader commitment to finance education, extending to business, finance, and education-and-self-development fields, as it aims to make an excellent education accessible for students from various backgrounds.
In addition to the Midwest Merit Scholarship, Oberlin College offers the Oberlin Commitment Scholarship, a renewable award applicable to students enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences and/or Conservatory of Music, demonstrating its commitment to funding educational pursuits in different areas, including business and finance.
