Best Colleges at Oxford – 2025

If you’re dreaming of a historic campus, individual faculty mentorship, epic libraries, and prestige for your college experience, you may want to add Oxford to your wish list (University of Oxford acceptance rates are listed below). The oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford has quite literally stood the test of time, minting innumerable Nobel laureates, political leaders, and historical figures along the way. Oxford is well-known for its tutorial teaching method. As an enrolled student, you’ll rarely find yourself attending classes in a large lecture hall. Rather, undergraduates take small-group or one-on-one classes with faculty who are accomplished experts in their field. With this unique pedagogy in mind, let’s look at the best Oxford colleges.

Oxford Colleges—How Old is the University of Oxford?

A university brimming with history, Oxford has been a site of education since 1096. The oldest buildings on campus include St Mary’s Church, built in the 13th century, and Divinity School, built in the 14th century. On campus, older architecture exists alongside the new. A day in the life as an Oxford student may take you past St George’s Tower, built in 1020, on your way to get a coffee in what was once a medieval inn on Cornmarket Street. After class in the modern, spaceship-esque Blavatnik School of Government, built in 2016, you can hit the books in Queen’s College’s stunning 17th-century library.

Oxford Colleges—What Are the Application Requirements?

Applying to Oxford will look much like a regular college admissions process. Each of Oxford’s colleges require:

• UCAS Application
• Admissions tests
• Grade transcripts
• Personal statement (some majors require supplemental essays)
• Letter of reference

If you make it to Oxford’s shortlist, you’ll be asked to interview with one or more faculty members in your major department as your final application step. Though testing systems in the UK are different, Oxford does accept SAT/ACT scores and AP exam results.

Oxford College—What is the Acceptance Rate?

It’s no surprise that Oxford is a highly selective school. In a recent year, Oxford received more than 23,000 applications and accepted just 3,721. This gives Oxford an admission rate of just 16%.

That being said, each of Oxford’s 31 undergraduate colleges has its own independent admissions process. This means that some colleges are more selective than others, and each college may have different admissions priorities. When you apply, you can opt to apply to particular colleges or submit a general application to Oxford with no college preference.

When deciding which Oxford college is right for you, it’s a good idea to consider 1) whether that college offers your major, 2) acceptance rate (see below for the rate for each college), and 3) that college’s unique culture.

Oxford Colleges—Top 15 Colleges Ranked

We used the latest Norrington scores to rank all 31 Oxford colleges that accept undergraduate students. (Though now discontinued, the Norrington scores were based on how students performed on their final exams.) As with all rankings, we advise not to place too much emphasis on whether a school was listed at #1 or #27. Rather, use this list as a launching-off point to further explore the Oxford colleges that best suit your unique needs.

Please note — the average number of applications listed below represents only UK-based applicants. Oxford is cagey about college-specific applicant information on EU and international applicants. (Approximately 20% of Oxford’s undergraduate population are international students.)

1) Merton College

As far as Oxford colleges go, Merton is synonymous with academic rigor. Notable alumni include T.S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Nobel winners Anthony Leggett and Nikolaas Tinbergen. One of the oldest of the Oxford colleges, Merton features medieval and 17th-century buildings, a 13th-century chapel, and extensive gardens. Merton offers a smaller range of majors in more traditional subjects like Law, Mathematics, English, and History.

• Acceptance rate for 2023-2024: 14%
• Average applications received per year 2021-2023: 405
• Founded in: 1264

2) St John’s College

A competitive college in the heart of Oxford, St John’s prioritizes faculty-student connections in their small-group and one-on-one classes. Founded in 1555, St Johns is home to a 16th-century chapel, an expansive library, and peaceful gardens. St Johns offers a wide range of majors and applicants can expect to attend two twenty-minute interviews as part of their admissions process.

• Average acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 14%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 698
• Founded in: 1555

3) Lincoln College

A smaller-sized school with just over 300 undergraduate students, Lincoln students describe their school as having “a strong sense of community” and “the most incredible library.” Lincoln delivers instruction via large lectures, small group tutorials, and one-on-one supervision. Lincoln offers majors in just a handful of traditional subjects and encourages students to get involved in extracurriculars, athletics, and the popular Turl Street Arts Festival.

• Average acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 19.8%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 397
• Founded in: 1427

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

4) Brasenose College

Although Brasenose has a reputation as one of the friendliest of the Oxford colleges, that doesn’t mean it skimps on the academics. Brasenose students choose from a long list of majors and study with accomplished scholars. Outside of the classroom, Brasenose brings students together at their fancy-dress parties, Chinese New Year and Burns Night celebrations, charity auctions, diversity workshops, and summer arts festival.

• Average acceptance rate for 2023: 13%
• Applications received for 2023: 961
• Founded in: 1509

5) New College

One of the largest Oxford colleges, New College prioritizes student welfare and offers extensive academic and personal support to help each of its 700 students succeed. New College boasts an award-winning music practice building, and the newly constructed Gradel Quadrangles offer living spaces, common rooms, performance venues, and classrooms for students to gather and work.

• Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 18.9%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 615
• Founded in: 1379

6) St Catherine’s College

One of Oxford’s newest colleges, St Catherine’s is a hub of innovation, research, and contemporary culture in a modern campus setting. St Catherine’s is a larger, diverse college of 526 students who come from over 50 different nations. Students are evenly split between the arts and sciences. Many get involved in the college’s Music Society, sports teams, and drama workshops, all of which feature distinguished visiting lecturers.

• Average acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 20.8%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 600
• Founded in: 1962

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

7) Worcester College

A college of 400 undergraduates, Worcester students describe their school as a “community” with a “tangible sense of support.” Undergraduates live on campus for all three years of study and choose from a well-rounded list of majors in the humanities, arts, and sciences. A lively campus in the heart of Oxford, students can find community at Worcester’s Arts Week festival, comedy nights, and Poetry and Music Societies.

• Average acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 12.4%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 912
• Founded in: 1741

8) Balliol College

Founded in 1263, Balliol encourages academic excellence, independent thinking, and social responsibility. Although it is well known for its mathematics program, Balliol offers a broad selection of majors in STEM and the humanities. Students with multiple academic interests can also combine their studies with joint degrees. With just 70 enrolled undergraduates, students at this Oxford college can expect a tight-knit community.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 16.2%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 592
• Founded in: 1263

9) Harris Manchester College

The only Oxford college dedicated to mature students, every enrolled student at Harris Manchester is over 21. Since there is no upper age limit at Harris Manchester, students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Some students are pursuing their first undergraduate degree, some are earning their fourth, and some are changing careers. Regardless, Harris Manchester puts inclusivity first and values the diversity of its students.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: Not listed
• Average applications received per year 2020-22: Not listed
• Founded in: 1786

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

10) St Anne’s College

A larger college of about 400 students, St Anne’s values “opportunity, collaboration and being forward looking and far reaching.” St Anne’s boasts the largest library of the Oxford colleges and allows students to major in a traditional subject or a broader subject family. With career preparation in mind, St Anne’s also offers numerous paid work and research internships to its students.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 24%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 425
• Founded in: 1879

11) The Queen’s College

Founded in 1341, Queen’s College offers students a place to study amid impressive neoclassical architecture. A hub for research, Queen’s College is known for its beautiful library with three floors built in the 17th, 19th, and 21st centuries. Students at this college also have the chance to participate in the Queen’s College Symposium’s interactive research talks.

• Acceptance rate for 2022-2023: 22%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 375
• Founded in: 1341

12) Corpus Christi College

Founded during the Renaissance, Corpus Christi remains dedicated to creativity and intellectual development to this day. Corpus faculty expect commitment, maturity, and ambition. Outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to attend daily tea times and make use of community spaces like the boathouse and Beer Cellar.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 22%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 265
• Founded in: 1517

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

13) St Peter’s College

With a student body of about 400, St Peter’s is one of the larger Oxford colleges. Originally created to offer students with limited means access to an Oxford education, St Peter’s still aims to increase education access for underrepresented students. St Peter’s offers a broad range of majors and gives students many chances to connect through athletics, arts clubs, and the college’s student-run bar.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 25.6%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 346
• Founded in: 1929

14) University College

With buildings from the 17th through 21st centuries, University College is an eclectic college right in the middle of Oxford. “Univ” students describe their school as “historic and unpretentious” and “an incredibly friendly place.” A lively, mid-size college, Univ students can attend comedy nights, choir performances, cultural dinners, and other events every week of the year.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 22%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 439
• Founded in: 1634

15) Jesus College

Founded in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth I, Jesus College’s original Dining Hall and Chapel are still standing today. Known among the Oxford colleges for its focus on innovation, students can study and conduct research in the award-winning Chen Yu Tung Building’s study spaces and its new Digital Hub.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 18.9%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 491
• Founded in: 1571

Oxford Colleges—Acceptance Rates (Continued)

16) Keble College

As one of the biggest colleges at Oxford, Keble College boasts an impressive array of majors and facilities. Founded on the belief that all its students should dine together, Keble College claims to have the longest dining hall at Oxford. (It’s giving Harry Potter vibes.)

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 14.2%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 774
• Founded in: 1870

17) Mansfield College

Founded as a theology college in Birmingham in 1838, Mansfield College only became a full college in 1995. From its beginnings, Mansfield College has provided a place for religious freedom and (respectful) dissent. It also boasts one of the highest rates of state-sector students at Oxford.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 24.1%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 283
• Founded in: 1886

18) Wadham College

Billing itself as a progressive and inclusive community, Wadham College offers comfy accommodations, various clubs and societies, and its own student music festival (Wadstock).

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 21.7%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 500
• Founded in: 1610

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

19) St Hugh’s College

Situated on 14 acres in North Oxford, St Hugh’s College prides itself on being an inclusive and supportive college. St Hugh’s also aims to support Black, Caribbean, and African students and scholars through the Lady Ademola Project.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 26.5%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 381
• Founded in: 1886

20) Oriel College

Known for its love for the performing arts, Oriel College is the fifth-oldest college at Oxford. Additionally, Oriel guarantees accommodation for the entire duration of a student’s time at Oxford.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 22.4%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 329
• Founded in: 1326

21) Christ Church College

Home to one of the largest libraries in Oxford, Christ Church offers most degree courses. As a bonus, it also has its very own picture gallery that includes Renaissance and Baroque paintings.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 19.8%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 600
• Founded in: 1546

22) Magdalen College

Pronounced, “maudlin,” Magdalen College offers a guaranteed accommodation and extensive financial support. According to their website, C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia while at Magdalen.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 11.7%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 808
• Founded in: 1458

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

23) Trinity College

Describing itself as “world-facing, Oxford-facing and street-facing,” Trinity College prioritizes student success and wellbeing. With its 60,000-volume library, Chapel, and numerous social spaces, Trinity is a haven for academically inclined students.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 17.6%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 400
• Founded in: 1555

24) St Edmund Hall

Known as “Teddy Hall,” it is one of the most central colleges in Oxford. Among its many social clubs and activities, it offers a Wednesday Workshop for creative writers.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 24.3%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 384
• Founded in: 1278

25) Exeter College

As Oxford’s fourth-oldest college, Exeter offers both top-notch academics and a sense of history. If you’re fortunate enough to attend Williams College in Massachusetts, you could study at Exeter for a year through its WEPO program.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 19.3%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 457
• Founded in: 1314

26) Somerville College

Founded for women who refused the mandatory Anglicanism of Oxford, Somerville was an all-girls college until 1994. Since then, it has continued its tradition of welcoming the excluded. One of Somerville’s most famous students is the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 24.9%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 402
• Founded in: 1879

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

27) Hertford College

Located next to the famous Bodleian Library, Hertford balances a socially progressive tradition with an appreciation of history. Like many colleges, it offers an “alternative prospectus” written by students.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 18.4%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 599
• Founded in: 1282

28) Pembroke College

Having just celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2024, Pembroke both appreciates its rich history and looks forward to the future. The famous Methodist preacher George Whitefield is a noted alum of Pembroke.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 20.2%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 258
• Founded in: 1624

29) St Hilda’s College

One of the few colleges at Oxford that foregrounds its commitment to trans inclusivity, St Hilda’s hosts an annual Gender Equality Festival. It also has the coolest coat of arms of any college, featuring two unicorns and a snake.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 28.4%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 344
• Founded in: 1893

30) Lady Margaret Hall

Lady Margaret Hall was the first college to give women an Oxford education (it admitted its first male cohort in 1979). LMH also has a strong commitment to free speech, sustainability, and gender equality.

 

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: 22.6%
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 433
• Founded in: 1878

Best Colleges at Oxford – Oxford University Acceptance Rates (Continued)

31) Regent’s Park

Historically, Regent’s Park prepared Baptist ministers. Though no longer exclusively theological, Regent’s Park still has about twenty ministerial students in the college.

• Acceptance rate for 2021-2023: Not listed
• Average applications received per year 2021-23: 700 (estimate)
• Founded in: 1810

Oxford Colleges—Final Thoughts

While the number of Oxford colleges can feel overwhelming, take heart! With a bit of research and determination, you’re sure to find the right combination of location, size, and academic focus.

More questions about UK, Irish, or European universities? Check out the links below.

• 5 Reasons Why American Teens Should Consider College in the UK
• Best Universities in the UK for U.S. Students
• Best Colleges at Cambridge
• Oxford Summer Courses
• Reach Cambridge
• Best Universities in Ireland for U.S. Students
• Going Abroad for College