Occidental College

Occidental College's net price is $47,113 per year. Financial aid packages include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. Starting with the Class of 2026, Occidental covers 100% of tuition for students qualifying for a Cal Grant.

Occidental's admissions are considered more selective, with an acceptance rate around 40%. The college seeks students with strong academic preparation, motivation, and a commitment to the public good. Occidental has eliminated legacy preferences in admissions and looks for well-rounded students who will contribute to the campus community.

Occidental offers a liberal arts education with a focus on global literacy and interdisciplinary study. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17, students benefit from close interactions with professors. The core program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and a broad understanding of different cultures.

Occidental prepares students for leadership in a complex world, with graduates becoming scientists, CEOs, Oscar winners, and even a U.S. President. The Hameetman Career Center offers career services, pre-health advising, and fellowship awards to connect students with opportunities in Los Angeles and beyond. Occidental is also a top producer of Fulbright scholars.

Occidental offers a vibrant campus life with over 100 clubs and organizations, as well as a strong emphasis on community engagement. The campus is known for its diverse and progressive student body, with many students actively involved in social issues. Students enjoy a close-knit community with many opportunities for extracurricular involvement.

Campus safety at Occidental is taken seriously, with officers present on campus around the clock and quick to respond. They provide escort services within a few miles of campus, ensuring students feel secure both on and near campus, especially at night. While safety policies around parties, alcohol, and drugs are enforced, students note that campus security tends to be understanding and focused on keeping the community safe rather than punitive.

The Honors Program at Occidental is designed for superior students to focus on independent investigations. Students admitted to the program are expected to have outstanding prospects for individualized work and a high GPA. Completion of an Honors project can lead to the conferring of College Honors at graduation.

Occidental welcomes international students from around the world, with students representing 29 countries. The college offers a supportive environment for international students, though specific details on dedicated international student support services were not prominent in the provided documents.