Oberlin Joins Colleges that Change Lives

Oberlin College and Conservatory is now among 45 transformational liberal arts colleges and universities as a member of Colleges that Change Lives (CTCL). For more than 25 years, CTCL has promoted student-centered college searches, spotlighting standards found only within liberal arts institutions and faculty dedicated to mentoring students. To a tee, this is Oberlin.

CTCL is a nonprofit based on Loren Pope’s book of the same name. Pope, a longtime New York Times education editor and journalist, sought to alter the way students and families approached the college-search process. Rather than emphasizing rank, Pope formed his seminal ideals that celebrated colleges that provide students with a lifelong love of learning.

Oberlin distinguished itself as one of two schools—the other being DePauw University—in a rigorous process that began with nominations and was followed by an extensive application and campus visit from the CTCL board. 

“As both a liberal arts college and an undergraduate-only institution that centers each student in every aspect of their education, we feel an unmistakable resonance with the mission of CTCL,” says Manuel Carballo, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid at Oberlin. “We love the idea of joining a group of peers who so profoundly understand the value proposition of the liberal arts and who understand how to make the case compellingly to the next generation.”

CTCL and Oberlin share a paramount aim: the constant improvement of the educational system, focused on bringing in one-of-a-kind students to an unparalleled institution that best suits their needs. 

Executive Director Ann Marano enthusiastically welcomes Oberlin to CTCL, citing it as “mission aligned” and “doing remarkable work with and for students.” Marano, too, believes that Pope would be “thrilled” to see Oberlin join the ranks of these “distinctly different liberal arts and sciences colleges,” she says.

Since its founding in 1833, Oberlin has led the nation in its commitment to educational access and opportunity. Oberlin adopted a policy to admit Black students and granted undergraduate degrees to women alongside men before any other college in America. Oberlin’s commitment to welcoming students regardless of background endures, maintaining it as a quintessential CTCL institution.

“Oberlin’s quest for a more perfect and just world has always been a key part of its institutional DNA, and it has never been comfortable resting on its laurels,” Carballo says. “It’s not always easy, but there is such joy and purpose in the work: the feeling of being part of something that is truly important to the world. An Oberlin experience is indeed life-changing and, as such, a terrific match to CTCL.”

Learn more about Colleges that Change Lives and their mission here.