Occidental College
Occidental College is a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, CA ranked #541 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,877 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 44.2%. Students most often pursue International Relations and National Security Studies and Economics.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 89.8% first-year retention, and 80.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $38,263, about $21,265 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -65.9%, roughly 151.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,209. That's about $8,521 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Occidental College has an acceptance rate of 44.2%, annual tuition of $66,274, average net price of $38,263, and a national rank of #541 (Grade B+), with a 80.9% six-year graduation rate, about 1,877 undergraduates, and median earnings of $52,209 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Occidental College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Occidental College graduates 80.9% of students within six years and keeps 89.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Occidental College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $66,274 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,252 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,880 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $84,800 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 16.6% of Occidental College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,705 to $54,959 depending on family income. Use Occidental College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $28,033/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $54,959/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,209
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,209
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.6%
- Employment Rate 85.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Occidental College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Occidental College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Occidental College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Occidental College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Occidental College graduates earn $52,209 median, the -65.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 690-750
- SAT Math 690-770
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 31-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,877
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 89.8%
- Graduation Rate 80.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Occidental College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Occidental College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 44.2%, Occidental College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Occidental College accepts 44.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1380 and 1520 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Occidental College undergraduates. Economics, International Relations and National Security Stud, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Economics 15.9%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 7.7%
- Biology, General 7.3%
- Political Science and Government 5.6%
- Psychology, General 5.0%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 4.8%
See more majors
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 4.0%
- Cognitive Science 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. International Relations and National Security Studies $84,200
- 2. Economics $80,191
- 3. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $70,680
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $68,098
- 5. Biology, General $67,384
- 6. Computer Science $63,845
- 7. Sociology $62,892
- 8. Political Science and Government $57,825
- 9. Psychology, General $57,024
- 10. Fine and Studio Arts $47,894
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: International Relations and National Security Studies grads earn $84,200—76% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($47,894). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Occidental College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 80 graduates)
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)▼
- Economics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Computer Science
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Mathematics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Area Studies
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Physics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Biology, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,877
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.3%
- Female Students 58.7%
- Caucasian 45.6%
- Asian 16.1%
- Hispanic 17.6%
- Black 4.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 16.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Occidental College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Occidental College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Occidental College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Occidental College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Occidental College has a diverse student body, with 45.6% identifying as White. About 16.6% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Occidental College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Occidental College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Occidental College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -65.9% ROI. Ranked #541 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,263 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,209 median earnings. With 80.9% graduating within six years and 89.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Occidental College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #541 ranking, Occidental College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,263 annually, Occidental College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 89.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $26,784 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -65.9% ROI and $52,209 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,263+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Occidental College ranks #541 of 6101 institutions, with 1515 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 80.9% six-year graduation rate sits 18.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 89.8% first-year retention is 13.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -65.9% return on investment is 151.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,209 run about 20% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,263 is roughly $20,866 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 89.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.8% employment rate within three years sits 17.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,263 is about $20,866 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 16.6% trails the national share by 22.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Occidental College is a private nonprofit university based in Los Angeles, CA and earns a B+ overall grade. It stands at #541 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 89.8% retention and 80.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -65.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,263 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $84,800.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $46,537 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 16.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $52,209 six years after entry. That sits about 20% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 85.8%.
The ROI comes in near -65.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
44.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Occidental College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other California campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Occidental College's acceptance rate?
Occidental College's acceptance rate is 44.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Occidental College cost?
At Occidental College, listed tuition and fees are $66,274 per year, and the average net price after aid is $38,263. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Occidental College's ranking?
Occidental College ranks #541 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Occidental College's graduation rate?
At Occidental College, the six-year graduation rate is 80.9%, and first-year retention is 89.8%.
What are Occidental College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Occidental College report median earnings of $52,209 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Occidental College's student population?
Occidental College enrolls about 1,877 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90041-3392
- Website www.oxy.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$604.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate11.3%