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Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA·Private nonprofit·1,844 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $59,400 within 10 years; strong 85% graduation rate.

40%
Accept
1,844
Students
N/A
Net Price
85%
Grad Rate
$59,400
Earnings
10 yr
$23,000
Debt

About This School

Occidental College is a private nonprofit institution located in Los Angeles, California with approximately 1,844 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 40% of applicants. In-state tuition is $63,446 per year. The graduation rate is 85%, and the typical graduate earns $59,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Occidental College is a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1887 as a coeducational college by clergy and members of the Presbyterian Church, it became non-sectarian in 1910. It is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the United States.

This is a strong option for students who want a true liberal arts experience in Los Angeles without disappearing into a large university — 1,844 undergrads means real access to faculty and a tight-knit community. The 85% graduation rate and $23,000 median debt are both reassuring, though the $59,400 median earnings at 10 years is modest for a private college price tag, so students should think carefully about major and career intentions. Worth considering if you value small-school culture, urban access, and a flexible liberal arts curriculum — less so if you're purely optimizing for post-grad salary.

Founded
1887

Notable Alumni

Barack ObamaBen AffleckTerry GilliamEmily OsmentEleanor F. HelinFred Lawrence WhippleRobinson JeffersNicholas BraunJack KempMarcel OphulsSammy LeeScott O'Dell

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1461
Reading 75th %ile750
Math 75th %ile750

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite32

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$63,446
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,446
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$23,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
85%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$59,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White48%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian13%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,844 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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