Occidental College

Occidental College is a small liberal arts school in an urban setting that allows students to explore internships and other employment opportunities and go on adventures to Hollywood and Venice Beach. Founded in 1887, the college currently has a student population of just over 2,000. The school is known for having a diverse student body and a picturesque setting. (The campus has been featured in many movies and TV shows.)

A total of 34 majors are offered at Occidental College. The most popular areas of study are: economics; international relations and affairs; biology/biological sciences; art/art studies; and sociology. Class sizes remain small with a student to faculty ratio of 9.5 to 1. About 70% of classes have less than 20 students.

All undergraduates must participate in the Core Program. The program includes: two first-year writing seminars called CSPs; a set number of courses in 3 of 6 geographical areas; a 102-level language course; a course concerning the pre-1800s and one on fine arts; three math and science classes with a science lab; and a senior-year exam within the student’s major.

Students can also take courses at the California Institute of Technology. There’s also the option of studying engineering at Occidental College for three years and finishing at Caltech or Columbia University to receive a Bachelor of Arts in the Combined Plan and a Bachelor of Science in engineering. Art majors can also take classes at the Art Center College of Design in nearby Pasadena.

Outside of the classroom, there are many opportunities for an active social life. There are more than 100 student-run organizations, including the “Occidental Weekly” newspaper, KOXY radio station and CatAList TV station. The school does have a Greek presence with 8 different societies; about 16% of men are in a fraternity and 22% of women are in a sorority. Occidental also competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and the NCAA Division III levels. There are 21 varsity sports teams and many intramural teams. About 25% of students participate in a sports program.

Students are required to live on campus during their first three years. There are 13 co-ed residences, but many of them are divided up into freshman, sophomore or junior housing. All residences have computer labs, common rooms and lounges. There are also communities like the Multicultural Hall (aka Pauley), the Women’s Center and the Food Justice House. Occidental College is ideal for students looking for a diverse community filled with opportunities both in and outside the classroom.

Early decision (Round 1): Nov. 15

Early decision (Round 2): Jan. 1

Regular decision: Jan. 15

Transfer decision: Nov. 1 (spring), Apr. 1 (fall)

Freshmen Admissions
Number of 2019 (Class of 2023) applicants: 7,500
Enrolled: 550
Yield: 20.8%
Acceptance rate: 37.3%

Early Decision Admissions
Number of ED applicants: 380
ED applicants admitted: 182
ED acceptance rate: 47.9%

Waitlist Admission Statistics
Number of waitlisted applicants: 568
Admitted off the waitlist: 8
Waitlist acceptance rate: 1.4%

Transfer Admissions
Number of transfer applicants: 442
Admitted transfer applicants: 84
Transfer acceptance rate: 19.0%

Grades
Average GPA: 3.65
Top 10% of High School: 53%

Middle SAT Range (25 to 75 Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 640-710
SAT Math: 630-710

Middle ACT Range (25 to 75 Percentile)
ACT Composite: 28-32
ACT English: 30-35
ACT Math: 26-30

SAT/ACT required

Writing portion recommended

SAT Subject Tests not required

Graduation Rates
4 years: 80.9%
5 years: 84.9%
6 years: 85.5%

Transferred to another school: 11%

Loan default rate: 1.1%

Total Rhodes Scholars: 10

Salary after attending: $50,600

R&D Expenditures: $1.76 million

Campus Safety
Sex offenses: 10
Robberies: 1
Aggravated assaults: 2
Burglaries: 11
Car thefts: 3

Tuition, room and board (2019-2020): $72,014
Total estimated cost of attendance (2019-2020): $79,194

Net Cost
Average: $37,173

By income
$0 to $30,000: $13,577
$30,001 to $48,000: $18,900
$48,001 to $75,000: $21,551
$75,001 to $110,000: $28,552
$110,001 and more: $46,183

Graduates with student debt: 55%

Average student debt at graduation: $32,055

Student to Faculty Ratio: 9.5 to 1

Women: 58%

Undergraduate Class Sizes
Under 20: 70%
20 to 39: 28%
40 to 99: 2%
100+: 0%

Student Population
Total: 2,036 (all undergrad)

Student Residence
In State: 37%
Out of State: 56%
International: 7%