Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
Olin College of Engineering
Needham, Massachusetts 02492-1200
Campus Vibe
Highly selective — top graduate earnings
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private suburban institution in Needham, Massachusetts. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1540.
A small campus of 373 undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
92% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $129,455 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,575.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1540
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by mid-December
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by early February
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by mid-March
Reply by May 1
SAT/ACT optional permanently.
Olin-specific essays and creative responses required.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
78.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,287
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
3
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
View all 3 majors›
Babson-Olin-Wellesley Consortium
Students can take courses, join clubs, use libraries and facilities, and attend events at all three institutions. Free shuttle service connects the campuses.
Programs (3)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
99%
- •99% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Top Industries
Rankings
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Compact suburban campus in Needham; walkable campus but car or shuttle helpful for off-campus.
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Babson Collegewalkable
Partner institution with cross-registration and shared shuttle.
Wellesley College
Partner institution with cross-registration and shared shuttle.
Needham Town Center
Shopping and dining in downtown Needham.
Boston
Downtown Boston is 12 miles away, accessible by car or public transit.
Transfer Admission
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements