Private nonprofit Institution

Occidental College — Los Angeles, California

Annual Tuition $63,446

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 39.9%

Selective

Enrollment 1,844

Active Students

Avg. Salary $75,951

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Los Angeles, California
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Founded 1/1/1966

Academic Mission & Environment

"Occidental College stands as a pillar of higher education in Los Angeles, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,844 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Occidental College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Occidental College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences
27.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
11%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
10.2%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
9%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary
7.8%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
6%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Occidental College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Occidental College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Occidental College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Occidental College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Occidental College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 39.9%
Difficulty Moderate

Occidental College maintains an acceptance rate of 39.9%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 41.2%
Women Enrollment 58.8%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 690 - 750
SAT Mathematics 670 - 750
ACT English 32 - 35
ACT Mathematics 28 - 33
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Occidental College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $63,446
Out-of-State Tuition $63,446

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 16%
Median Student Debt $23,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $63,446, graduates see a median starting salary of $75,951, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Occidental College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $75,951

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 85.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $39,329
Median Salary (6yr) $52,209
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Occidental College in Los Angeles?

1,844 Students

Gender Comparison

41.2% Men
58.8% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

87.2%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
13.3%
Black
4.1%
White
48%
Unknown
1.5%
Hispanic
17.5%
Two or More Races
11.3%
International
4.1%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 17.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 42.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $75,275
Average Family Income $104,313
Median Family Income $76,004

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

49.5%
50.5%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Los Angeles Campus Environment

Located at 1600 Campus Rd, Occidental College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
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How does Occidental College compare?

Common Questions about Occidental College

Is Occidental College a good college in Los Angeles, California?
Occidental College is a recognized institution in Los Angeles with an enrollment of 1,844 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.
Is Occidental College worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $75,951 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Occidental College cost for California residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Occidental College is approximately $63,446. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $63,446. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Occidental College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Occidental College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 42.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Occidental College good for Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs?
Occidental College reports program activity in Social Sciences and Biological Sciences. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Occidental College?
Graduates of Occidental College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $75,951, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Occidental College?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Occidental College's official admissions website.
Does Occidental College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Occidental College's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Occidental College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Occidental College earn a median salary of $75,951 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Occidental College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?
Compare Occidental College's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.
Where is Occidental College located and what is the campus like?
Occidental College is located at 1600 Campus Rd in Los Angeles, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,844 learners.
Who typically attends Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA?
The student body at Occidental College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 17.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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