About Occidental College
The sticker price reaches $82,970 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $75,000 typically pay around $18,000 per year, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median salary of $75,951 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $23,000. The 85% six-year graduation rate suggests most students successfully complete their degrees and move into well-paying careers.
Nearly 60% of students are women, and the campus draws equally from California and other states. The Tigers compete in Division III athletics with 18 varsity sports, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic scholarships. The 87% retention rate indicates students generally love their Occidental experience enough to stick around.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.1%
- Retention Rate
- 87.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,951
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,078 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,779 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $36,132 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | Bachelor | $31,670 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,047 |
Campus Life
The Southern California weather means you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. Students spend weekends exploring LA's beaches, museums, and music venues, taking advantage of their proximity to Hollywood and Santa Monica. The 58.79% female student body creates a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Occidental's reputation as a launching pad for future leaders shows in campus discussions that blend academic theory with real-world politics. The Tigers compete in 18 Division III sports with 364 total athletes, fostering school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Students often gather in the campus quad for study groups or impromptu discussions that reflect the college's liberal arts mission of developing critical thinkers.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,650 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
44 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–68°F
- July Avg
- 62°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 48.0%
- Black
- 4.1%
- Hispanic
- 17.5%
- Asian
- 13.3%
- In-State Students
- 43.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.0%
Location
- Address
- Los Angeles, California 90041-3392
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,951
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,966
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Occidental College?
Occidental College accepts 39.40% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1440, reflecting the college's reputation for attracting academically strong students to its strong liberal arts programs.
How much does Occidental College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Occidental College is $39,329, lower than the sticker price of $82,970. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,872 on average, demonstrating the college's commitment to making its top education accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Occidental College?
Occidental College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,844 students total. This intimate setting allows for the close mentorship and rigorous academic discourse that defines the liberal arts experience at this strong Los Angeles institution.
What do Occidental College graduates earn after graduation?
Occidental College alumni earn a median of $75,951 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 93.5% employment rate. The college's strong alumni network includes President Barack Obama and actor Ben Affleck, opening doors across politics, entertainment, and business.
Where is Occidental College located and what is campus life like?
Occidental College sits in Los Angeles with housing capacity for 1,650 students, creating a residential campus feel within a major metropolitan area. The 87.19% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the tight-knit community of 1,844 undergraduates who call themselves Tigers.
Is Occidental College known for producing political leaders?
Occidental College has produced remarkable political figures, most Barack Obama who transferred after two years. With 85.10% of students graduating within six years, the college continues its tradition of preparing future leaders through rigorous liberal arts education and close faculty mentorship.
