Occidental College
Located in Los Angeles, California, Occidental College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college that challenges students to think differently—and act boldly. Here, rigorous academics meet hands-on experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Students learn in small, discussion-driven classes with faculty mentors and extend their education into Los Angeles, where internships, research, creative work, and civic engagement become part of everyday learning.
Rooted in a close-knit residential community in Eagle Rock, students typically live on campus for all four years while pursuing programs such as Economics, Diplomacy & World Affairs, Biology, Psychology, Cognitive Science/Neuroscience, Politics, Computer Science, and Film (Media Arts & Culture). Occidental graduates leave prepared not just to follow established paths—but to forge new ones in a rapidly changing world.
Rooted in a close-knit residential community in Eagle Rock, students typically live on campus for all four years while pursuing programs such as Economics, Diplomacy & World Affairs, Biology, Psychology, Cognitive Science/Neuroscience, Politics, Computer Science, and Film (Media Arts & Culture). Occidental graduates leave prepared not just to follow established paths—but to forge new ones in a rapidly changing world.
Accepts first-year applicationsWestPrivateUrbanSmall (2,000 and under)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Research
- Science
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Education
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Public health
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- On-Campus Housing
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Veteran Fee Waiver
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Additional information
- Occidental’s faculty and curriculum reflect a deep commitment to excellence, equity, community, and service, preparing students to engage thoughtfully across difference and address society's challenges in meaningful ways.
- Discussion-based learning is central to the academic experience. The average class size is 18, and classes are capped at 50 students. Students choose from more than 45 majors and minors—or design their own interdisciplinary course of study.
- Experiential learning is embedded throughout the curriculum. Historically, nearly 50% of students study abroad before graduation, including semester programs, faculty-led global courses, research opportunities, and a distinctive semester at the United Nations. Sixty-five percent of students complete at least one internship during their time at Occidental.
- Occidental supports access and affordability: 82% of students receive financial aid, including merit scholarships, and the College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for domestic students.
- Students build community beyond the classroom through residence life, more than 100 clubs and organizations, club and intramural sports, and 20 NCAA Division III varsity teams.
Visit us
Experience Occidental in person on our residential campus in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. Your visit begins with a 30-minute information session led by an admission officer, followed by a guided campus tour with a current student. Along the way, you’ll learn about our academic programs, research and internship opportunities, and the admission and financial aid process — while getting a feel for daily life at Occidental.
Prefer to connect remotely? We offer virtual information sessions and a full virtual campus tour.
Prefer to connect remotely? We offer virtual information sessions and a full virtual campus tour.
My years at Occidental College sparked my interest in social and political causes, and filled me with the idea that my voice could make a difference.