Occidental College Overview

Occidental College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Los Angeles, CA. It has an enrollment of 1,952 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 38.24%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $29,663. Tuition is $58,426.00 without financial aid.

Occidental College is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Occidental College, 91.79% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Occidental College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1.

Occidental College Website

Occidental College Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 38.24%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1422.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 32.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Occidental College Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $29,663.

The average tuition is:

• $13,983, when family income is less than $30,000

• $13,285, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $14,770, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $21,467, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $44,948, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 32.79% of students received a federal student loan and 18.11% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $58,426.00 without financial aid.

Occidental College Net Price Calculator

Occidental College Majors/Salaries

Occidental College has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Occidental College here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,670
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,933
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,047
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,078
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,132
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,779
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,967

Occidental College Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Occidental College

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.00%
• Asian: 13.47%
• Black: 4.56%
• Hispanic: 15.78%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.15%
• Non-resident alien: 5.79%
• Two or more races: 11.12%
• Unknown: 2.15%
• White: 46.98%

At Occidental College, 0.41% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Occidental College Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Occidental College?

Occidental College has a vibrant school spirit with a strong sense of community. The school spirit is most notably seen during sporting events, where students come out to support their sports teams with cheers and enthusiasm. There is also a strong sense of school pride among students, with many participating in traditions such as the annual spirit week, where students dress up and participate in activities to showcase their Tiger pride. Additionally, the college community holds various events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals, that foster a sense of unity and excitement among students.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Occidental College?

At Occidental College, some of the popular extracurricular activities include: 1. Athletics: Occidental College has 21 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III and many students participate in intramural sports. 2. Clubs and Organizations: There are over 100 student-run clubs and organizations on campus including cultural, social, political, and academic groups. 3. Performing Arts: Occidental College has a thriving performing arts program with opportunities for students to participate in theater productions, music performances, and dance groups. 4. Community Service: Many students at Occidental College are involved in community service projects such as volunteering at local organizations or participating in service trips abroad. 5. Research: There are many opportunities for students to participate in research projects with faculty members, ranging from environmental studies to neuroscience. 6. Entrepreneurship: There are resources available for students who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs, including an entrepreneurship club and a startup incubator program. 7. Outdoor Adventure: Occidental College is located in Los Angeles which offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, surfing, and skiing.

How are the food choices at Occidental College?

Occidental College has a variety of dining options available on campus, including a main dining hall, multiple cafes and markets, and a food truck. The main dining hall offers a rotating selection of meals and cuisine options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Students with dietary restrictions or preferences can also work with the dining services team to create custom meal plans. Overall, students generally report being satisfied with the food choices at Occidental College.

Is there Greek life at Occidental College?

Yes, Occidental College does have a Greek life system on campus. There are currently 6 active chapters of social fraternities and sororities at Occidental College. They include Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Delta Omicron Tau sorority, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority. Greek life at Occidental College offers opportunities for social networking, leadership development, and community service. It is important to note that participation in Greek life is optional and not a part of the college’s academic requirements.

What is Occidental College known for?

Occidental College, commonly known as Oxy, is a private liberal arts college located in Los Angeles, California. It is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate research, personalized education, and commitment to social justice. The college is also known for its outstanding programs in diplomacy and world affairs, media and cultural studies, and interdisciplinary studies. Moreover, Occidental College has notable alumni, including Barack Obama, Jack Kemp, and Ben Affleck.

What are the most popular school clubs at Occidental College?

Occidental College has a diverse range of student organizations and clubs catering to different interests. Some of the most popular school clubs at Occidental College are: 1. Oxy Arts Collective: This club is dedicated to promoting various forms of art on campus and organizing art exhibitions and workshops. 2. Sustainability Club: This club focuses on promoting sustainable practices on campus and raising awareness about climate change and environmental issues. 3. Model UN: This club is dedicated to simulating the United Nations and discussing topics of global significance. 4. Queer Straight Alliance: This club supports and advocates for LGBT+ students and creates a safe and inclusive campus environment. 5. Oxy Democrats: This club is dedicated to promoting Democratic values and political engagement on campus. 6. Oxy Sunrise: This club is a branch of the national Sunrise Movement and is focused on climate activism and advocacy. 7. Black Student Alliance: This club provides a community and space for Black students on campus and promotes Black culture and history. 8. Oxy Improv Club: This club offers a space for students interested in improvisational theater to meet and perform. 9. Women’s Rugby Club: This club promotes rugby as a sport and creates a community for women interested in the sport. 10. Phi Beta Kappa: This is an honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes liberal arts education.

Is the campus at Occidental College safe?

Occidental College is generally considered to be a safe campus. The college has its own Campus Safety Department that operates 24/7 and provides a wide range of services including patrolling the campus, providing escorts, responding to emergencies, and providing safety education and awareness programs to the community. Occidental College also provides safety training to students, faculty, and staff on an ongoing basis. However, it’s always important to remember that no campus can be completely immune to crime, so it’s always a good idea to take appropriate precautions and be aware of your surroundings.