Occidental College
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 81% graduation rate.
About This School
Occidental College is a private nonprofit institution located in Los Angeles, California with approximately 1,877 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 44% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $38,263 per year. The graduation rate is 81%, 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 11% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,877 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in California
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San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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