Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A-

Occidental College has a 39.9% acceptance rate. Occidental College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Los Angeles, CA, with a median SAT of 1440 and a median ACT of 33. The average net price is $38,263 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

39.9%

6,573 applicants

SAT Median

1440

Combined score

ACT Median

33

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$38,263

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Occidental College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Occidental College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)136014401520
ACT (composite, 1–36)313334

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

83.0%

Retention Rate

89.8%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,951

Student Body

1,877

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Occidental College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$20,705
$30,001 – $48,000$17,655
$48,001 – $75,000$21,468
$75,001 – $110,000$28,033
$110,000+$54,959

Top Majors at Occidental College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences92
Visual & Performing Arts60
Biological & Biomedical Sciences51
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies34
Psychology31
Computer & Information Sciences26
Foreign Languages & Linguistics19
English Language & Literature15
Natural Resources & Conservation13
Area, Ethnic & Gender Studies11

Financial Aid at Occidental College

About Occidental College

Official website: https://www.oxy.edu/

Admissions: https://www.oxy.edu/admission-aid

Frequently Asked Questions About Occidental College

What is the acceptance rate at Occidental College?

Occidental College has an acceptance rate of 40%. it received about 6,573 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1440; the average net price is $38,263 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Occidental College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Occidental College?

Getting into Occidental College is moderately selective — it admits 40% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1440. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Occidental College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Occidental College?

Admitted students at Occidental College typically have a median SAT around 1440 and a median ACT around 33. With a 40% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, CA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Occidental College?

The average net price at Occidental College is $38,263 per year after grants and scholarships. about 81% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $33,523 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Occidental College?

Occidental College has a graduation rate of 83%. its first-year retention rate is 90%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $75,951. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Occidental College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Occidental College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Occidental College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1440. With a 40% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Occidental College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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