Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, founded in 1997, is a small, innovative engineering college in Needham, Massachusetts, known for its project-based curriculum and tuition-free education (through generous scholarships). Olin's unconventional approach emphasizes creativity, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning. All students receive a degree in engineering with concentrations in areas like robotics, bioengineering, or design. The college's hands-on pedagogy includes the signature 'SCOPE' program where seniors work on industry-sponsored projects.
Olin's 75-acre campus features modern maker spaces, design studios, and collaborative learning environments. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, Olin fosters close mentoring relationships. The college's partnership with Babson College and Wellesley College allows for cross-registration and joint programs. Olin's alumni are engineering innovators and entrepreneurs who lead in technology companies and startups worldwide. The college's experimental approach serves as a model for engineering education reform.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Acceptance Rate
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (Olin College of Engineering) is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 21.66% indicates that only 22 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, Olin College of Engineering considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Admission Requirements
Olin College of Engineering GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Olin College of Engineering is 3.9. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.6 and 3.9, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Olin College of Engineering GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Olin College of Engineering utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.90 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.70 – 3.89 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.49 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Olin College of Engineering, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (Olin College of Engineering) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Average SAT Score: 1540
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 1540 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1540 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1560 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1480, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Olin College of Engineering. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 775 | 760 | 790 |
| SAT Reading | 745 | 720 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1540 | 1480 | 1560 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1480 then you are below most of the admitted students at Olin College of Engineering and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1560 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (Olin College of Engineering) with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (Olin College of Engineering) are good but the admission staff at Olin College of Engineering tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (Olin College of Engineering) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Olin College of Engineering is 35.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 35 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 34 | 32 | 36 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 35 | 34 | 35 |
Can I get into Franklin W Olin College of Engineering with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 35.Olin College of Engineering Profile
Name: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (Olin College of Engineering)
City: Needham
URL: www.olin.edu/
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 02492-1200
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
How much does a degree from Olin College of Engineering Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is USD: 81486. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
13.47% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 22.02 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Olin College of Engineering and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Olin College of Engineering as your choice in the form.
How much a Olin College of Engineering Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 129455. An average Olin College of Engineering graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| Northwestern University | Northwestern University, IL | 1526 | 34 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1514 | 34 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1500 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1534 | 34 |
| Washington University in St Louis | Washington University in St Louis, MO | 1530 | 34 |
| Dartmouth College | Dartmouth College, NH | 1533 | 34 |
| Princeton University | Princeton University, NJ | 1535 | 35 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $129455 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $81486 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 21.66 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.9. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.6, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.6, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.6 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.5 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Franklin W Olin College of Engineering if my GPA is below 3.5
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.9, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1540 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1480-1560
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.