Occidental College

Getting in is the hard part. Occidental College admitted 44.2% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1380–1520 on the SAT and 31–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Occidental College actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

At Occidental, the liberal arts come to life through hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning with the wider world.

Occidental offers more than 40 majors and programs, encouraging students to mix and match to build a unique education that connects ideas across disciplines.

• EnglishCritical thinking, communication, journalism
• Diplomacy & World AffairsGlobal engagement, public policy, international relations
• Environmental ScienceResearch, problem-solving, interdisciplinary studies

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• Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

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The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

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The sticker price is about $84,800, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $38,263.

Occidental is committed to making sure cost is never a barrier, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $75,951.

Verified from https://www.oxy.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Whether in the lab, classroom, field, or community, students and faculty define the strengths of Oxy, living and learning in LA.”

The De Mandel Aquatics Center and McKinnon Family Tennis Center provide athletic facilities for students, all within beautiful, sunny Los Angeles.

Is Occidental College test-optional?

For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Occidental College is optional.

How hard is it to get into Occidental College?

Very hard. Occidental College admits 44.2% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1380 to 1520 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

How much does Occidental College cost?

The list price is about $84,800, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $38,263.

Is Occidental College worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $75,951 ten years after enrolling, and 83% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.