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Oberlin College
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Oberlin College - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Diversity

B+
Where does this grade come from?View all Diversity rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American 6%
Asian American 7%
Hispanic 5%
International 6%
Native American 1%
White 75%
Unknown 0%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 91%
Common States of Residence
  • California
  • Foreign Countries
  • Illinois
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 3%
18-19: 49%
20-21: 40%
22-24: 6%
25+: 1%
Female Faculty 41%
Male Faculty 59%
Faculty Diversity African American: 5%
Asian American: 8%
Hispanic: 4%
International: 0%
Native American: 0%
White: 82%
Unknown: 1%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Diversity is an issue at the heart of most Oberlin politics. Some students say the campus is very diverse, while others complain it isn’t nearly as diverse as it should be. The main point of contention comes from the fact that an overwhelming majority of Oberlin students are of European descent, and are from middle- to upper-class backgrounds. In addition, most students identify with left-leaning (and extreme left) politics, and it isn’t necessarily a campus that welcomes anti-abortion or pro-Republican sentiments.

Despite a certain degree of political and class/race homogeneity, Oberlin does draw students from a wide variety of backgrounds. For example, you might just as easily meet a football-loving ?utist from Erie, Pennsylvania, a transgendered computer whiz from New York City, or a neuroscience and religion double major from India. The combinations of interests and talents are endless at Oberlin, and that’s what makes its students so unique. The sizeable international student population, as well as the diversity of sexual orientations and identities, serves to enrich the already widely varied student body.

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Oberlin Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at Oberlin College

pianobunny

'12

Music Performance

4.6
A

Very Accepting of Minorities

Oberlin College has a very diverse campus with many organizations designed to make people with varying beliefs and lifestyles feel comfortable. They even provide living space for people who are exploring their sexuality, a substance-free living area and a dormitory with only female residents. The students are mostly liberal and very concerned and active in providing and developing a "green" energy-saving campus.

Mar 19, 2011

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Diversity at Oberlin College

SoapyBS

'14

Biology and Biological Sciences

2.3
C

Not Much Diversity

Despite Oberlin's history of being the first school to accept African Americans, there aren't very many here. Though there's some diversity regarding ethnicity, there's not as much as I was expecting/hoping for. Also, while there is a pretty large Jewish community, it seems most people here are either agnostic or atheist.

Mar 09, 2011

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Diversity at Oberlin College

namiller

'13

Medicine and Medical Studies

4.2
A-

Very Diverse

Oberlin College is a very liberal college with a diverse population of ethnic diversity, religion and sexual orientation.

Jan 05, 2011

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Page 1 of 7

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

The campus is extremely accepting of its sizeable gay, transgender, transsexual, and questioning communities. One of the largest events of the year is the Drag Ball, and the school also hosts Transgender Awareness Week, and offers a fair number of Queer Studies courses. On-campus student groups, such as Queers and Allies of Faith, and LGBTU tend to be very active and outspoken. At Oberlin, it’s not about tolerance, but acceptance and understanding.

Political Activity

Most students are politically and socially liberal, some radically so. Students tend to be very outspoken about their political views, and there is hardly a day that goes by without some sort of protest, rally, or petition. Some students complain that the campus is overly politicized, while others say it is only superficial politicization, and not that radical at all.

Economic Status

Students come from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, though it is no secret that the majority is from predominantly middle- to upper-class families. Still, a significant number of students are on scholarships and financial aid, and those who are wealthy tend not to be showy about it

Most Common Religions

There are various Christian groups on campus, and a sizeable Jewish student population. There is also a Muslim Students Association, and a Pagan Awareness group, not to mention a very vocal agnostic contingent of the student population.

Minority Clubs on Campus

Minority student organizations are a strong social force on campus, and every year there are cultural shows and performances put on by various groups. The Third World House dormitory and co-op provides a safe space for students of minority or financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and the Afrikan Heritage House hosts cultural events and a political space for students of African ancestry. Every year different minority groups join together for the Colors of Rhythm dance performance.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Oberlin

Name: Veronica Colegrove

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Major: Latin/Computer science

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