Occidental College

School Overview

Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, CA, and offers a distinctive educational experience. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #35 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. It is also recognized as #75 in Best Value Schools. The school features an urban setting and serves 1,881 undergraduate students. The institution maintains a 44% acceptance rate, making it selective. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 1380-1520 and ACT scores of 31-34. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.6. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 70% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Popular majors among students include Biology/Biological Sciences, General (11%), Research and Experimental Psychology, Other (8%), and Computer Science (6%). Graduates in Biology/Biological Sciences, General earn a median salary of $67,384 after entering the workforce. Annual tuition and fees are $68,704, with room and board adding approximately $20,214. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $37,334. Occidental College achieves a four-year graduation rate of 68%. The application deadline is Jan. 10.