Applying for Aid: International Students

Oberlin is privileged to be one of the few American colleges and universities able to offer substantial financial assistance to international students.

Overview for International Students

Oberlin provides grants, scholarships, loans, and on-campus employment to meet 100% of calculated financial need for all international students who apply for financial aid. In recent years, about half of our international students received institutional financial aid, with the average aid package covering about two-thirds of the cost of attendance.

The international financial aid budget is not unlimited. Consequently, the international admission process is extremely competitive—particularly for students with high financial need. Fewer than 15 percent of international applicants are admitted in a typical year.

Deadlines

Steps Early Decision I Early Decision II Regular Decision
Application Deadline November 15 January 2 January 15
Financial Aid Deadline November 15 January 2 January 15
Notification December 15 February 1 April 1
Reply Due January 2 February 15 May 1

Students who submit their financial aid application materials by the deadline will receive their aid and scholarship package along with their notification of admission. International students will be expected to contribute the same amount of out of pocket expense each year they attend Oberlin. Your aid will not increase due to changes in circumstances, changes in the exchange rate, etc. 

Applying for Financial Aid

As a need-aware institution, Oberlin considers a student’s financial circumstances when making admissions decisions. Applying for need-based financial aid places you in Oberlin’s most competitive applicant pool. For students enrolling in the fall of 2024, the admit rate for all international students was approximately 8%. Applicants who can contribute at least $35,000 USD per year towards their educational expenses are the most competitive for admission.

Any international student wishing to apply for need-based financial aid must do the following:

  • Indicate that you are applying for financial aid on your Oberlin application.
  • Submit the required financial aid forms that are listed in your Oberlin applicant portal.
  • Submit the CSS Profile (Oberlin's code is 1587). If you are unable to submit the CSS Profile or if paying the fee would present a financial burden, you may complete and upload the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA).
  • Submit parental income documentation. Please supply both the original document and an English translation. These documents may include:
    • Annual tax return filed by parents to either state or federal entity, if applicable
    • Salary certification from parent's employer
    • Other income documentation as requested

You will not be eligible to receive need-based aid at any point during your enrollment at Oberlin if:

  • You do not apply for need-based financial aid prior to receiving your admissions decision
  • You apply for and are determined to be ineligible for need-based aid

Canadian citizens are required to submit the CSS Profile. They should not submit the ISAFA. No international students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) since they are ineligible for federal student aid.

Exchange rates: Your Oberlin financial aid package will reflect the prevailing exchange rate when packages are determined. Oberlin does not adjust financial aid for fluctuations in exchange rates.

Special Scholarships

In addition to general need-based financial aid, Oberlin has several merit-based scholarships for which eligible students may be considered.

More about scholarships for international students

Loans

While Oberlin does occasionally offer limited loans to international students directly, please know that there are lending opportunities available through other organizations. Many will require a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a cosigner.

Here are a few options for international student loans, listed in no particular order or preference:

Student Employment

During the first academic year at Oberlin, students on F-1 visas are allowed to work only on campus. No special permission is needed. On-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session. Full-time, on-campus work is allowed when school is not in session.

Students on F-1 visas who have been enrolled at Oberlin on a full-time basis for one full academic year may engage in temporary off-campus employment to gain practical experience in their field of study through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Here are the basic rules:

  1. You must be authorized to work by the Designated School Official (DSO).
  2. Authorization cannot be backdated and work cannot begin before the DSO has given permission.
  3. The proposed employment must be related to your major field of study and commensurate with your level of study.