Understanding Occidental College Admissions: Acceptance Rate and Key Statistics

Occidental College, informally known as Oxy, stands as a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887, Occidental has a rich history and a commitment to providing a comprehensive education. This article delves into the acceptance rate and other important statistics related to admissions at Occidental College, offering valuable insights for prospective students.

A Brief Overview of Occidental College

Occidental College was founded on April 20, 1887, by a group of Presbyterian clergy, missionaries, and laymen, including James George Bell, Lyman Stewart, and Thomas Bard. Originally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, it transitioned to a non-sectarian institution in 1910. The college's 120-acre campus, designed by architect Myron Hunt, is located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, the campus has been a popular filming location for various movies and television shows.

Occidental is a founding member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and boasts 20 varsity sports teams that compete in NCAA Division III.

Acceptance Rate: A Key Indicator of Selectivity

The acceptance rate is a critical metric for gauging the competitiveness of a college's admissions process. It represents the percentage of applicants who are admitted to the institution. A lower acceptance rate indicates higher selectivity, meaning the college admits a smaller proportion of applicants.

Occidental College's acceptance rate is 44.17%, which indicates that the college is selective. This means that out of all the students who apply, less than half are offered admission.

Historical Acceptance Rates

Class of 2020: U.S. News & World Report deemed Occidental's admissions "more selective," with the class of 2020 acceptance rate being 37.3%.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

Understanding the academic profile of admitted students can provide valuable context for prospective applicants. Occidental College considers several factors, including GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores (though the consideration of SAT/ACT scores is flexible).

GPA

GPA is a significant factor in the admissions process. The GPA ranges for admitted students are as follows:

3.75+: 36%
3.50-3.74: 32%
3.25-3.49: 21%
3.00-3.24: 8%
2.50-2.99: 3%

The average GPA at Occidental College is 3.61, which requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, with a leaning toward A's.

Class Rank

High school rank is a required component of the application. For the class of 2020, 52% of admitted students (who submitted such data) were in the top 10% of their high school class.

Standardized Test Scores

While Occidental College considers SAT/ACT scores if submitted, it's important to note the ranges for enrolled students. The class of 2028 (enrolled in 2024) had the following scores:

Read also: Exploring Occidental's Campus

SAT Composite: 1400-1495 (25th-75th percentile)
ACT Composite: 31-34 (25th-75th percentile)

Scoring at a 1440 SAT or above will already give you a great shot at getting in.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Prospective students should be aware of the application requirements and deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.

Requirements

High School GPA: Required
High School Rank: Required
College Prep Courses: Considered if submitted
SAT/ACT Scores: Considered if submitted
Recommendations: Required

Deadlines

Regular Application Due: January 10

A Closer Look at Occidental College's History

Occidental College's history is marked by significant milestones and transformations. Founded by Presbyterian clergy, the college initially aimed to provide a Christian-based education. However, it soon evolved into a non-sectarian institution, embracing a broader range of perspectives and values.

In its early years, Occidental faced challenges, including a fire that destroyed the Boyle Heights building in 1896. The college temporarily relocated before establishing its current campus in Eagle Rock in 1912. The new campus, designed by Myron Hunt, provided a picturesque setting for academic pursuits.

Occidental has also been at the forefront of social change. In 1914, the college faced controversy when the trustees proposed converting it into an all-men's institution. However, student and faculty protests led to the decision being overturned, preserving Occidental's coeducational status.

During World War II, the college played a role in officer training through the Navy V-12 program. In the 1960s and 1970s, Occidental students actively participated in protests against military recruitment and the Vietnam War, reflecting the college's commitment to social justice.

Campus Life and Academic Programs

Occidental College offers a vibrant campus life with a wide array of activities and organizations. Students can participate in over 100 student clubs, compete in NCAA Division III athletics, and reside in one of the 17 residence halls. The college's location in Eagle Rock provides easy access to the cultural and recreational opportunities of Los Angeles.

Academically, Occidental offers more than 40 majors and nine minor-only programs, including Public Health, Linguistics, and Classical Studies. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentoring for students. The college emphasizes undergraduate research, local and global learning opportunities, and real-world application of knowledge.

Rankings and Recognition

Occidental College consistently receives recognition for its academic excellence and value. U.S. News & World Report's rankings have placed Occidental among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2025 rankings, Occidental was tied for 34th overall, tied for 18th in "Top Performers in Social Mobility," 71st for "Best Value," and tied at 102nd for "Economics."

The 2017 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges gave Occidental four-star ratings (out of five) in academics and quality of life. Princeton Review's The Best 381 Colleges 2017 Edition gave Occidental ratings of 91 (out of 100) in academics and quality of life and 95 in financial aid.

Notable Alumni

Occidental College has produced numerous accomplished individuals in various fields. Notable alumni include:

Filmmaker Terry Gilliam
Football player and politician Jack Kemp
Pioneering African-American physicist and inventor George Edward Alcorn Jr.
Former New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim E. Mora
Ambassador to Finland Derek Shearer
Former CNN and Fox News contributor Caroline Heldman
Chemist Frank L. Lambert
President Barack Obama (attended Occidental for two years before transferring to Columbia University)

Financial Aid and Affordability

Occidental College is committed to making education affordable for all students. The college provides generous financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study programs, and student loans. This support is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students.

Campus and Location

Occidental College is located in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. The 120-acre campus, designed by Myron Hunt, features a Mediterranean style with covered walkways and tile roofs. The campus landscape was designed and developed by Beatrix Farrand in the late 1930s.

Due to its proximity to Hollywood and its architecture, the campus is frequently used as a filming location for film and television productions.

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