Oberlin College vs St Olaf College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Oberlin College and St. Olaf College?

  Oberlin College and St. Olaf College, while both excellent liberal arts institutions, differ in several key aspects. Oberlin is known for its strong emphasis on social justice, its renowned Conservatory of Music, and its open curriculum. St. Olaf, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, offers a more structured academic environment with a strong focus on global engagement and a vibrant music program as well. Oberlin tends to attract students with a strong interest in activism and artistic expression, while St. Olaf draws students seeking a close-knit community with a strong sense of tradition and service.

• How do the academic programs at Oberlin and St. Olaf compare?

  Both colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Oberlin is particularly strong in music (through its Conservatory), creative writing, and interdisciplinary studies. St. Olaf excels in areas like biology, chemistry, economics, and music, with a notable emphasis on international studies and study abroad opportunities. Oberlin's open curriculum allows students greater flexibility in course selection, while St. Olaf has a more defined core curriculum that ensures a broad foundation in various disciplines.

• What is the campus culture like at each school?

  Oberlin's campus culture is known for its progressive and politically active student body. It's a place where individuality is celebrated, and students are encouraged to challenge norms. St. Olaf fosters a more traditional and community-oriented environment. Students at St. Olaf often describe the campus as welcoming and supportive, with a strong emphasis on faith, service, and building lasting relationships. While both campuses value inclusivity, Oberlin's culture is generally perceived as more overtly activist-oriented.

• How do the music programs at Oberlin Conservatory and St. Olaf compare?

  Oberlin Conservatory is one of the oldest and most prestigious music conservatories in the United States, offering rigorous training in performance, composition, and music history. St. Olaf's music program, while not a conservatory, is highly regarded and offers a wide range of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, and bands. Oberlin Conservatory is geared towards students pursuing a professional music career, while St. Olaf's program caters to students who want to pursue music alongside other academic interests. Both schools offer excellent opportunities for musical growth, but Oberlin provides a more intensive and specialized musical education.

• What are the opportunities for study abroad at Oberlin and St. Olaf?

  Both Oberlin and St. Olaf offer extensive study abroad programs. St. Olaf is particularly known for its strong emphasis on global engagement and offers a wide variety of programs in numerous countries. Oberlin also provides diverse study abroad options, often tailored to students' specific academic interests. While both schools encourage international experiences, St. Olaf's programs are often integrated more directly into the curriculum and may be more structured.

• What is the location like for each college?

  Oberlin College is located in the town of Oberlin, Ohio, a small college town about 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. The town is primarily centered around the college, offering a close-knit community feel. St. Olaf College is located in Northfield, Minnesota, a charming town about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis. Northfield is also a college town, shared with Carleton College, creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. Both locations offer a safe and supportive environment for students, with access to larger cities for cultural and recreational activities.

• How do the costs of attending Oberlin and St. Olaf compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Oberlin and St. Olaf is significant, as is typical of private liberal arts colleges. Tuition and fees are generally comparable, but it's important to consider financial aid packages. Both institutions offer need-based and merit-based scholarships. It's best to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) for each school based on your individual financial circumstances. Visit each college's financial aid website to use their net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

• What kind of student typically thrives at Oberlin versus St. Olaf?

  Oberlin tends to attract independent, intellectually curious, and socially conscious students who are comfortable with a high degree of autonomy. Students who thrive at Oberlin are often passionate about social justice, the arts, and challenging conventional thinking. St. Olaf, on the other hand, tends to attract students who value community, tradition, and a more structured academic environment. Students who thrive at St. Olaf are often drawn to its strong sense of community, its emphasis on service, and its commitment to global engagement. Consider your own personality, learning style, and values when deciding which college is the best fit for you.

• What are the career services like at Oberlin and St. Olaf?

  Both Oberlin and St. Olaf offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for life after graduation. These services typically include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, internship assistance, and networking opportunities. Oberlin's career services may be particularly strong in fields related to the arts, social justice, and non-profit organizations, while St. Olaf's career services may have strong connections in fields like business, healthcare, and education. Both colleges have alumni networks that can provide valuable support and mentorship to students.

• What are the athletic opportunities at Oberlin and St. Olaf?

  Both Oberlin and St. Olaf offer a variety of athletic opportunities for students. Oberlin competes in NCAA Division III athletics, with a range of varsity sports. St. Olaf also competes in NCAA Division III and has a strong athletic tradition, particularly in sports like cross country and swimming. Both schools also offer intramural sports and recreational activities for students who are not interested in varsity athletics. The level of competitiveness and the emphasis on athletics may be slightly higher at St. Olaf compared to Oberlin.