Occidental College
Founded in Los Angeles in 1887, Occidental College is a 4-year private liberal arts college in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most creative cities in the world. As one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast, Oxy offers more than 40 majors and minors, and one-of-a-kind programs like the Kahane United Nations Program, and Campaign Semester. Oxy lays the groundwork for a compelling intellectual adventure, as research opportunities, study abroad opportunities, and internships are key components of an Oxy education.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 15 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 10 | May 1 |
| Other | January 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
15%
Submitting ACT
26%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 33
Average SAT Composite: 1386
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
1,942
Total Number of Undergrads
1,942
Classroom Sizes
0
100
78%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
84%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
9:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $63,446 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $63,446 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $18,284 |
| Books and Supplies | $1240 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
17%
Average Aid Per Year
$33,025
17%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$9,018
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$30,419
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
43%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$8,272
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$20,050
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$211
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
100
Size of Town
Major city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
0
100
81%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Tigers
School Colors
orange and black
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Southern California Intercoll Ath Conf
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Los Angeles
San Francisco
New York
Seattle
Orange
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$59,400
What Students Are Saying
The campus was really beautiful, and all of the students seem like family. The school strives to offer many unique academic opportunities such as internships, research abroad and grants for students to do undergraduate research. The students really love the school.
Clarice from Portland, OR
Oxy is a close community of students who are academically driven, but enjoy spending time with their friends in the sun. The weather is great, the people are even better, and you'll find classes and professors here that speak to you. You'll be treated well and will be given the tools you need to succeed.
Emma from Shoreline, WA
Occidental was definitely not my first choice, but I am so glad that it was what I chose in end. The campus is beautiful, everything is about 5-10 minutes away from each other, and there are so many opportunities that are emailed to us weekly!
Stephanie
A small liberal arts college in southern California, Oxy is great for anyone looking for a personal college experience. I loved knowing almost everyone on campus, from students to professors to facilities workers. Also the quality of instruction from professors in classrooms of 15 people or less is fabulous.
Janet from Glendale, CA
Occidental College is an excellent school that has many opportunities for its students. The student body and faculty is warm, supportive, and friendly. The academics are rigorous and rewarding.
Kathleen from Chino, CA
As a private liberal arts establishment, Occidental College's main focus is on undergraduate study and research. With a smaller student body of under 2,000 students, there are many opportunities to become leaders and participants in cultural clubs, abroad programs, independent studies, and other programming. However, diversity does not suffer from these numbers, but rather equally thrives and is nourished, since Occidental College values voices of different perspectives and encourages communication of all types.
Masha
Great environment and students are all nice.
Study environment is balanced and there aren't as many distractions.
School doesn't get enough credit for how hard it is.
Study environment is balanced and there aren't as many distractions.
School doesn't get enough credit for how hard it is.
Chad from Los Angeles, CA
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