Occidental College
Oxy
Los Angeles, California 90041-3392
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes
Occidental College is a private institution in Los Angeles with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1461, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.8K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
85% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $75,951 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $39,329.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •1896 Occidental College was founded on April 20, 1887, by a group of Presbyterian clergy, missionaries, and laymen, including James George Bell, Lyman Stewart, and Thomas Bard.
- •The cornerstone of the school's first building was laid in September 1887 in the Boyle Heights now East Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- •The college's first term began a year later with 27 male and 13 female students, and tuition of $50 a year.
- •In 1896, the Boyle Heights building was destroyed by fire.
- •Vincent's College campus on Hill Street before a new site was selected in Highland Park in 1898.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1461
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
61.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,000
Programs (32)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
87%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium