Oberlin Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in History

This fall, Oberlin College and Conservatory welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history, with 894 students enrolled from an applicant pool that exceeded 10,000—also the largest ever. 

This newest class of Obies includes 829 first-year and transfer students in the College of Arts and Sciences, and 111 undergraduates entering the conservatory. Both divisions welcome 41 students who are enrolled in the Double Degree program. 

The Class of 2026 is distinguished by its high academic achievements, boasting an exceptional average GPA of 4.0 (weighted, with a 3.8 unweighted average).

“When we select a class, we look for students who will shine in and out of the classroom, who will challenge and support each other, and who, because of their unique experiences and backgrounds, will learn from each other and enrich our community, providing us the diversity of thought that is so special about the liberal arts experience,” says Manuel Carballo, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “We know you are up to the task.”

Haven’t met your Oberlin Class of 2026 yet? Here’s some things you’ll want to know:

• They represent an incredible 53 countries and 42 states—and the District of Columbia.
• Two out of every three students come from public high schools.
• 62 percent submitted test scores—even though Oberlin was test-optional during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle and will continue to pilot a test-optional model through the 2022-2023 application year.
• 29 percent identify as students of color.
• 8 percent are international students. 
• 68 students identify as the first in their family to attend a four-year college. 
• 118 will participate on Oberlin’s athletic teams.

The talents and passions of the newest generation of Obies takes many forms: One is the founder of a mental-health awareness organization for her country’s youth; another created a facial-recognition program using deep learning algorithms for his Ring doorbell; and yet another patented a tick-prevention device. There’s also a TikTok book reviewer with 23,000 followers, a slew of novelists, and a student-athlete who served as president of their local Future Farmers of America chapter.

Many in the incoming class are experienced in various forms of activism and have logged countless hours of community service at home and throughout the world. More than half of our class come to Oberlin with backgrounds in music and theater. 

“By becoming an Obie, students make a deliberate choice to join a community imbued with strong academics, a rich history with a deep commitment to social justice, and outstanding artistic opportunities,” Carballo says. “This community encourages intellectual discourse, fosters understanding, and knows how to be true to its values.”

View all the highlights from Orientation and Welcome Week on our Flickr page.