Occidental College
- AOverall Grade
- 4 Year
- Los Angeles, CA
- 432 reviews
- AcademicsA
- ValueA
- DiversityA+
- CampusB+
- AthleticsC+
- Party SceneB
- ProfessorsA
- LocationA-
- DormsB-
- Campus FoodA+
- Student LifeB+
- SafetyC
Athletic Division
NCAA Division III (with football)
Athletic Conference
Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Address
1600 Campus Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Website
From Occidental College
Occidental College's beautiful campus in Los Angeles serves as a springboard for putting theory into practice. In more than 40 majors and minors, students benefit from a small-classroom environment with stimulating faculty. Our distinctive approach offers a chance to explore new ideas, and the academic rigor on campus is enhanced by internships and partnerships across L.A. Consciously collaborative, our students seek to embrace difference and make a difference in the world. Occidental is reinventing the liberal arts and sciences for a new generation of problem solvers, creators, and thinkers.
Occidental College Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
42%
SAT Range
1280-1440
ACT Range
27-32
Application Fee
$65
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Considered but not required
Accepts Common App
Yes
Will You Get In?
Test Scores and High School GPA for Occidental College See Other Colleges
Cost
Net Price
$33,738/ year
National
$15,523Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$35,704/ year
National
$7,535Students Receiving Financial Aid
71%
Academics
Professors
A
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
9:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
- 89%
- of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.27 responses
- 70%
- of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.33 responses
- 52%
- of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.33 responses
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
1,952Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
20
Undergrads Over 25
1%
Pell Grant
20%
Varsity Athletes
21%
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
100%
Poll
- 47%
- of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.34 responses
Poll
- 63%
- of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.40 responses
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$50,600/ year
National
$33,028Graduation Rate
84%
National
49%Employed 2 Years After Graduation
89%
National
83%- 56%
- of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.18 responses
Occidental College Reviews
432 reviews
All Categories
Occidental is one of the best liberal arts institutions in the western United States. The school is particularly strong in the following areas: Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Media/Arts and Culture, and Diplomacy/World Affairs (basically Political Science). Research here is better than at top level universities where most of the good research is reserved for graduate students - summer opportunities are available. Food is great, campus atmosphere is great, campus safety is good, facilities are a mix, housing is okay, health systems are great, athletics are incredibly family-like and great to be a part of. Many clubs and organizations to get involved in. Good access to the city, good local food and attractions. Excellent resources for post-graduation.
I am currently a rising sophomore at Occidental College. Though this college is not too highly ranked, once any student arrives here, they will experience the full benefits of a liberal arts college. First of all, financial aid is extremely generous. Many peers have told me about how Occidental has offered them the best financial aid, which is always a great motive to come to this college. Next, with small faculty to student ratio, professors are all very accessible and easy to meet for office hours any time one may need help. Professors show they really want to build a relationship with their students, and constantly promote deep discussions for critical thinking. Though there are still problems in terms of diversity and within administration, staff and students have consistently shown their efforts into creating a better and safer community for all, which I extremely appreciate.
Occidental College, lovingly referred to as "Oxy" by students, alumni and professors is a college like no other. Being one of the only liberal arts colleges in a big city the opportunities I've had afforded to me are unparalleled. The possibilities for academic and cultural enrichment are endless, and Oxy helps students access them all.
The small size creates a community where the professors know more than your name, they know and care about your learning style and mental health. I love going to class knowing it won't just be a huge lecture, I can expect dynamic discussions where my voice will matter and I can grow by interacting with my professors and classmates.
Overall, I would recommend Oxy to anyone who wants a liberal arts experience mixed with the opportunities that can only be found in a global city like Los Angeles. It is a truly amazing place that I am grateful to spend four years.
The small size creates a community where the professors know more than your name, they know and care about your learning style and mental health. I love going to class knowing it won't just be a huge lecture, I can expect dynamic discussions where my voice will matter and I can grow by interacting with my professors and classmates.
Overall, I would recommend Oxy to anyone who wants a liberal arts experience mixed with the opportunities that can only be found in a global city like Los Angeles. It is a truly amazing place that I am grateful to spend four years.