
1000 Olin Way, Needham, MA 02492-1200, USA


Franklin W Olin College of Engineering provides a range of varsity sports for students seeking competitive athletics. The college competes in NCAA Division III and offers opportunities in sports such as basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball. While the selection of varsity teams is not extensive compared to larger institutions, these programs emphasize a balance between athletics and academics, supporting students who wish to maintain high academic performance alongside their athletic commitments.
In addition to varsity sports, Olin encourages participation in club and intramural athletics, offering a more flexible and inclusive environment for students to stay active and engaged in sports. These programs cater to a wide variety of interests and skill levels, providing a community-driven alternative to the more rigorous demands of varsity competition.
Facilities supporting athletic activities include a gymnasium and outdoor fields, designed to accommodate both the varsity teams and recreational participants. The college's emphasis remains on fostering teamwork, leadership, and fitness within the student body while ensuring that athletes can focus on their engineering studies.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering offers a variety of student organizations that provide opportunities for involvement beyond the classroom. These groups include the Council of Olin Representatives, which likely serves to represent student interests, as well as Stay Late and Create, a group that encourages collaborative projects and innovation.
Students can also participate in Support, Encourage and Recognize Volunteerism (SERV), which focuses on community engagement and volunteer efforts. For those interested in engineering competitions and hands-on design, the Mini Baja team offers a platform to build and race off-road vehicles. Additionally, the Olin Fire Arts Club provides an outlet for creative expression through fire performance arts.
Total enrollment data shows 194 men and 179 women at the college, though participation percentages in these groups are not specified.
At Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, the student body predominantly consists of traditional college-age individuals, with the majority of undergraduates falling between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, most students are aged 18 to 19 or 20 to 21, with smaller numbers in the 22 to 24 age range and very few below 18. There are no reported graduate students, indicating an undergraduate-focused campus.
The institution enrolls few transfer students, highlighting a freshman population that accounts for nearly the entire entering class. This freshman cohort is relatively small compared to many other engineering schools, placing the college in the lower 30th percentile in terms of first-year enrollment size nationwide.
When it comes to ethnic diversity, Franklin W Olin College reflects a varied but modestly sized community. White students constitute the largest group but remain in the bottom 30 percent nationally in terms of representation. Hispanic, African American, Asian, and students identifying with two or more races each represent a smaller but noticeable portion of the population, often ranking in the bottom 35 to 40 percent nationally. Data on Native American and Pacific Islander populations are unavailable. The diversity profile suggests a campus with some degree of ethnic representation, though overall numbers remain lower compared to many peer institutions.
Although precise statistics on in-state versus out-of-state students, as well as international representation, are not available, the data points to a student body that is fairly concentrated and homogeneous in several respects. Prospective students seeking a close-knit community of mostly traditional-age undergraduates might find this environment particularly fitting.
Student life at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering offers several cultural and wellness amenities despite its relatively small size. The campus supports a range of arts activities, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, and a chorus, providing creative outlets for students. However, there are no campus radio, band, or TV stations, which may limit certain media engagement experiences.
Health and psychological resources are available, with access to a health clinic and counseling services to support student well-being. Some common campus support centers, such as legal services, veterans affairs, and a women's center, are not present, which prospective students may want to consider based on their personal needs.
The overall active participation in arts and health services complements the college's focused academic environment, balancing technical education with opportunities for personal growth and support.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering provides students access to a single main library, named the Franklin W. Olin Library. The college does not have additional libraries on campus, placing it in the lower range compared to other institutions in terms of library quantity.
Students benefit from both physical and digital access to library resources, with established hours ensuring reliable availability. There are study rooms available, supporting students who need dedicated spaces for collaborative or individual work. The library staff are trained to assist students effectively, and the college facilitates access to shared collections beyond its own holdings, which can be valuable for research and learning purposes.
Total enrollment
402Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
98Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
37 full time, 24 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Franklin W. Olin LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes