At $39,329/yr net price, Occidental College graduates earn $75,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,329 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $157,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,872/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,801/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,577/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,983/yr |
| $110,001+ | $55,885/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,078 | $23,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $21,250 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,779 | $25,700 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $36,132 | $19,275 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | Bachelor | $31,670 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $19,764 |
The Risk Factor
85.1% of students at Occidental College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Occidental College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $75,951 median earnings after ten years provide a decent return on the $39,329 annual net price, but this masks significant variation between programs.
Mathematics and economics majors see the strongest returns, with mathematics graduates earning $57,318 and economics graduates earning $55,078. These programs justify the investment better than most liberal arts options at Oxy. Political science graduates face a tougher financial reality, earning just $37,779 while carrying $25,700 in median debt.
The school's Los Angeles location helps with job prospects, particularly for economics and mathematics graduates who can access finance and tech opportunities. However, the limited financial aid creates a barrier for many families. Only 16% of students receive aid, meaning most pay close to the full net price.
Your biggest financial risk is choosing a lower-earning major while paying premium tuition. Sociology and area studies graduates earn in the low $40,000s or below, making it difficult to justify the total cost of attendance. The 85% graduation rate is solid, reducing the risk of leaving without a degree.
Occidental makes financial sense if you can afford the net price without heavy borrowing and plan to study mathematics or economics. Students needing substantial aid or interested in lower-earning liberal arts fields should consider more affordable alternatives. The school works best for families who value the small liberal arts experience and can pay most costs upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Occidental College worth the high cost?
Occidental College graduates earn $75,951 after 10 years, which is solid but may not justify the $39,329 annual net price for many students. The math and economics programs show better returns, but other popular majors like political science start at just $37,779.
What are the best paying majors at Occidental College?
Mathematics leads at $57,318 and economics follows at $55,078 in starting salaries. Avoid sociology and area studies if ROI matters to you, as these programs start around $40,000 despite the same tuition cost.
How much debt do Occidental College students graduate with?
The median debt is $23,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, students in lower-paying majors may still struggle with loan payments given the weak earning potential in some programs.
Does Occidental College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $39,329 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is much higher. Still, this remains expensive for a school where many graduates earn under $40,000 in their first jobs.