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Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's degrees · City

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About Occidental College

Occidental College (informally Oxy) is a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1887 as a coeducational college by clergy and members of the Presbyterian Church, it became non-sectarian in 1910. It is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the United States. Occidental's current 120-acre (49 ha) campus is located in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, and was designed by architect Myron Hunt. Due to its proximity to Hollywood and its architecture, the campus is frequently used as a filming location for film and television productions. Occidental is a founding member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and its 20 varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division III. The college's curriculum emphasizes diversity, global literacy, and civic engagement. Notable alumni include President Barack Obama, a Cabinet member, several members of the United States Congress, CEOs of notable companies, 10 Rhodes Scholars, and recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Tony Award and Emmy Award.

Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

44%

Acceptance

$38,263

Net price

1,877

Enrollment

81%

Grad rate

Report Card

A

Academics

Graduation & retention rates

B-

Value

Earnings vs. cost of attendance

A

Career Outcomes

Graduate earnings after 10 years

C-

Affordability

Average net price after aid

B

Selectivity

How hard it is to get in

A

Diversity

Racial & ethnic balance of students

Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).

Admissions

44%

Acceptance rate

1,452

SAT average

32

ACT midpoint

SAT Reading690750
SAT Math690770
ACT Composite3134

Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.

Cost & Financial Aid

$38,263

Average net price

$66,274

In-state tuition

$66,274

Out-of-state tuition

$19,252

Room & board

$1,250

Books & supplies

$84,800

Total cost of attendance

17%

Students receiving Pell grants

37%

Students with federal loans

$23,000

Median student debt

Average net price by family income

$0–30K
$20,705
$30–48K
$17,655
$48–75K
$21,468
$75–110K
$28,033
$110K+
$54,959

Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.

Popular Majors

After Graduation

$75,951

Median earnings (10 yrs)

$52,209

Median earnings (6 yrs)

81%

Graduation rate

90%

Retention rate

86%

Earn more than a HS grad

$24,676

Instructional spend / student

Student Body

1,877

Total enrollment

1%

Part-time

19

Avg. age at entry

18%

First-generation

Gender balance

59% women
41% men

Race & ethnicity

White
46%
Hispanic
18%
Asian
16%
Two or more races
10%
Black
4%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%

Occidental College FAQ

Is Occidental College a public or private school?

Occidental College is a private nonprofit institution located in Los Angeles, CA.

What is the acceptance rate at Occidental College?

Occidental College has an acceptance rate of 44%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.

How much does Occidental College cost?

The average annual net price at Occidental College is $38,263 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $66,274.

What is the graduation rate at Occidental College?

About 81% of students at Occidental College complete their degree, according to federal completion data.

How much do Occidental College graduates earn?

Ten years after enrolling, Occidental College students earn a median of $75,951 per year.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Occidental College?

Admitted students at Occidental College have an average SAT score of 1,452 and an ACT midpoint of 32. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.

How many students attend Occidental College?

Occidental College enrolls about 1,877 students.

Campus

Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — The original uploader was Geographer at English Wikipedia. · CC BY 1.0. Additional images are representative.

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