Overview
Founded in 1887, Occidental College is a private liberal arts college located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. It has built a reputation for rigorous interdisciplinary education, a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, and a commitment to civic engagement and social justice. The college is perhaps most famously known as the college Barack Obama attended for his first two years before transferring to Columbia University.
At a Glance
| Type | Liberal Arts |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Total students | 2,100 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 35% |
| Graduation rate | 84% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Room & board | $17,500 |
| Average financial aid | $48,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1310-1480 |
| ACT range | 29-33 |
| Average GPA | 3.85 |
| Regular deadline | January 10 |
Top Programs
- Diplomacy and World Affairs
- Economics
- Biology
- Politics
- English and Comparative Literary Studies
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.