Founded in 1887, Occidental College fully integrates the liberal arts and sciences with the cultural and intellectual resources of one of the world's great cities. Situated on a 120-acre residential campus in the heart of Los Angeles, our location serves as a springboard for putting theory into practice and ideas into action. At Oxy, students spend as much time in the lab, the field, the community and the studio as they do in the classroom. Oxy is a place for talented, hard-working, curious students to explore their current passions—and discover new ones. They benefit from our small-classroom environment and demanding yet supportive faculty, who are as dedicated to teaching and mentorship as their research. Our distinctive interdisciplinary and global approach gives students the chance to explore new ideas and perspectives, and connect with the world. With more than 40 majors and minors, one-of-a-kind programs like the Kahane United Nations Program and Campaign Semester and our emphasis on research through the Undergraduate Research Center and senior comprehensives, Occidental lays the groundwork for a compelling intellectual adventure. And the academic rigor on campus is enhanced by internships and partnerships across L.A., Southern California and beyond. Our graduates are strategic thinkers and effective communicators. Uncommonly inclusive and 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. It's an education that is distinctly Oxy.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Address
Admission Office
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314
Phone
800-825-5262
Email
admission@oxy.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Green Bean Coffee Lounge
Clapp Library
Samuelson Pavilion (The Cooler)
The Quad
Alumni Gymnasium Fitness Center
Clapp Library
Samuelson Pavilion (The Cooler)
The Quad
Alumni Gymnasium Fitness Center
Most Popular Places Off Campus
York Boulevard/Colorado Blvd.
Taco Trucks
Downtown LA
Old Pasadena
Little Tokyo
Taco Trucks
Downtown LA
Old Pasadena
Little Tokyo
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Most weekdays from February to November; limited availability December and January
as scheduled
800-825-5262
as scheduled
800-825-5262
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Immediately following campus tour
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
http://oxyathletics.com/Recruiting/Recruit_Home
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Varies
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Burbank Airport is 10 miles from campus. Super Shuttle and taxi service is available from the airport to campus. Los Angeles International Airport is farther from campus, but close enough that buses run from the airport to hotels in the Pasadena area not too far from campus. Amtrak trains and Greyhound/Trailways buses serve Los Angeles. Rapid Transit District bus service (public transportation) to campus is available from downtown L.A.: take either line 83 (on York Blvd.) or line 84 (on Eagle Rock Blvd.). Call 213-626-4455 for bus information and schedules.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From downtown L.A., take I-110 N. (Harbor Freeway). Follow signs for Pasadena. Take I-5 N. (Golden State Freeway) toward Bakersfield. Then take Rte. 2 (Glendale Freeway) going toward Glendale. Exit at Verdugo Rd.; turn left at the end of the off ramp onto Eagle Rock Blvd. Continue on Eagle Rock Blvd. for 5 traffic lights to Westdale Ave. Turn right onto Westdale and follow it until it ends at Campus Rd. From the Ventura Freeway (Rte. 134) heading east, go through Glendale to the Harvey Dr. exit. Turn right at the end of the off ramp and then left at the light onto Broadway. When Broadway merges with Colorado Blvd., continue on Colorado Blvd. to Eagle Rock Blvd. Turn right and continue for 4 traffic lights to Westdale Ave. Turn left onto Westdale and follow it to Campus Rd. From the Ventura Freeway (Rte. 134) heading west, exit at Colorado Blvd. Take Colorado Blvd. to Eagle Rock Blvd. (approximately one mile). Turn left onto Eagle Rock Blvd. and continue 4 traffic lights to Westdale Ave. Turn left onto Westdale and proceed to Campus Rd.
Local Accommodations
In the moderate range, about 15 minutes away, is Sheraton Pasadena (303 East Cordova Street, 626-449-4000). Ask for Occidental College's special rate). This property has a pool and exercise room. Also available, Westin Hotel (191 North Los Robles, Pasadena, 626-792-2727). This hotel has a full health club, exercise room, pool and jacuzzi. The least expensive place we suggest is also the closest to campus: Welcome Inn (1840 West Colorado Blvd., 323-256-1673). The California Institute of Technology entry also has suggestions for accommodations in Pasadena.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overview
Applicants: 6,301
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Average HS GPA: 3.70
GPA Breakdown
8%
4.0
43%
3.75 - 3.99
25%
3.50 - 3.74
18%
3.25 - 3.49
5%
3.00 - 3.24
1%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
690 - 750
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
670 - 750
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1370 - 1420
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
31 - 35
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Decision II — January 10
Regular — January 10
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
8.6:1
Total Faculty
277
with Terminal Degree
229
139
Women
138
Men
113
Minority
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
78%
Graduate in 5 years
83%
Graduate in 6 years
84%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Area Studies, Other.
East Asian Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Comparative Literature.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
French Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Cognitive Science.
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Research and Experimental Psychology, Other.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Music, General.
Students Say
Occidental College, in northeast Los Angeles, offers undergrads an "intellectually stimulating" environment, one that "really encourages [them] to take a proactive role in their education" and "experiment with a wide range of courses." As this student shares, "I love the interdisciplinary aspect of academics. I can really tailor my coursework to what I am interested in." Undergrads also appreciate that Oxy emphasizes a global perspective. Beyond traditional study abroad programs, students can enroll in courses that include an international field trip. For example, they might travel with faculty to study marine biology in Costa Rica or music history in Austria. Students can also apply to spend a semester at the U.N., completing internships with country missions or various NGOs. Back at home, undergrads have classes with professors who "encourage critical analysis, ask interesting questions, and allow students to create informed opinions about the subject." They also do a great job of "finding ways to connect [their] lectures to the real world." Perhaps more importantly, Oxy professors are "very willing to have students help them with their research." And while they work hard to ensure their "courses are challenging," it's clear the faculty "want to see you succeed." Undergrads report that instructors often "go the extra mile to make themselves available" and that "there are plenty of opportunities to get extra help on the tough material." Best of all, it's evident that professors "are invested in cultivating real relationships with students."
Degrees
Bachelor's
Master's
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Andrea Elliott '96
Pulitzer-winning NY Times reporter
Terry Gilliam '62
Film director and producer
Jacqueline Nguyen '87
Judge, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Barack Obama '83
Former U.S. President
Joanna Hall Gleason '72
Tony Award-winning actress
Namandje Bumpus '03
Pharmacologist
Dr. Sammy Lee '43
Two-time Olympic gold medalist, diving
Academic Rating
89/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
78%
Graduate in 5 years
83%
Graduate in 6 years
84%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$69,700
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$141,100
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$72,300
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$144,800
Percent High Job Meaning
50%
Percent STEM
22%
Students Say
Overall, “Occidental does a great job of providing its students with excellent resources and opportunities,” and this certainly extends to career services. Indeed, as one junior succinctly states, the “career development support is fantastic.” Undergrads really appreciate that Oxy runs a robust internship program, one in which they can earn course credit. Students also have the opportunity for “transformational summer experiences with employers throughout the Los Angeles area” through Oxy’s flagship InternLA program, which awards them a stipend and places them in real-world work situations at nonprofits. Not only can students earn academic credit for many of the internships arranged through the career services office, but it also provides them with invaluable insight into potential career tracks. Lastly, according to PayScale.com, the median starting salary for recent Oxy graduates is $66,900, and 56 percent of students report taking away a great deal of meaning from their job.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Jan 10
Notification Date
Mar 20
Required Forms
FAFSA
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
State Aid
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$46,423
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$45,617
Average Need-Based Loan
$5,444
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
50%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$27,682
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$33,523
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$62,850
Required Fees
$596
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,240
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
On-Campus Room and Board
$18,284
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal and Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
98/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,854
Foreign Countries Represented
29
Demographics
13.29%
Asian
4.12%
Black
17.46%
Hispanic
47.99%
Caucasian
1.52%
Unknown
4.12%
International
59% female
41% male
68% are out of state
98% are full time
2% are part time
Students Say
One of the many reasons students love Occidental is because it's really easy to find "a good niche of close friends at Oxy." As one undergrad notes, "If you're involved on campus, expect your friend group to continually grow." This welcoming and supportive nature even extends into the classroom, where "there is a communal desire to help each other succeed." Undergrads assert that their peers are "socially and politically conscious" and care deeply about issues affecting the world at large. Although some do acknowledge that it can feel as though the school maintains an "overwhelmingly left-wing atmosphere," they also insist that "every student at Oxy treats all persons equally, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious views," and most are readily "accepting of different opinions." Indeed, there's an emphasis on inclusion and visibility that is evident from groups like the First Gen Coalition and Chinese Culture Club, as well as themed housing like Women in Wellness and The Latinx Culture Collective. These all make it easy for students to foster a strong sense of community at Occidental.
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
82%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
87/99
First-Year Students living on campus
100%
Campus Environment
Large Urban
65/99
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Frat Sorority
Dorms Female
Frat Sorority
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
As you stroll around the campus, it's not hard to see that students are "excited to be at Occidental" and "people are really passionate about their extracurricular activities and internships." Undergrads can join a wide range of groups, including a sketch comedy troupe, a fiber arts club, and a food justice organization. Sports are also a popular social outlet. In fact, 45% of the student body is involved in athletics, be it a varsity, club, or intramural team. Additionally, school-sponsored events are typically well attended. Students often flock to hear "guest speakers [or participate in] dialogues and workshops." They also love going to the "dances, trivia nights, movie screenings, fashion shows, concerts, and food tastings" that Oxy organizes. And of course, off-campus "house parties are a huge source of fun on the weekends." And speaking of off-campus, undergrads appreciate that they have "Los Angeles as [their] backyard," especially since the school is "not isolated from the surrounding community like many other college campuses." It's common to see students hitting up "music shows, bars, and clubs" or heading out to "go to the beach, go shopping in L.A., go out to eat in Eagle Rock, and go hiking."
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Disability Services
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Michelle Obergfoll
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
Psycho-educational evaluation/assessmentDocumentation Required for ADHD
Psycho-educational evaluation/assessmentSpecial Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
100
Number of Honor Societies
8
Number of Social Sororities
3
Number of Religious Organizations
8
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
24% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Tigers)
10 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Water Polo
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Water Polo
Women's Sports (Tigers)
12 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Water Polo
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Water Polo
Student Services
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: USC
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: UCLA
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: USC
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: UCLA
Sustainability
92/99
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
No
% food budget spent on local/organic food
29%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
No
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
No
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
No
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
No
School Developed Bicycle Plan
No
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
IBM, Dell, Apple, Gateway
