Why Give

The generous support of individuals provides the resources necessary to continue Occidental’s historic commitment to excellence.

Support from friends, parents, and alumni help Occidental recruit top students from around the country, provide financial aid to more than 70 percent of the student body, equip classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment, increase the College’s national visibility, and attract millions of dollars in foundation grants. 

This year, Occidental seeks to raise $3.7 million in current fund gifts from individuals to continue our rise among the ranks of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. 

 

Reasons to Make a Gift to Oxy

 

1. National Ranking

In a recent edition of U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges," Oxy was ranked 33rd in the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Support from our alumni, parents, and friends improve the quality of education at Oxy and is a factor used for determining the rankings.

2. Scholarships and the Cost of Education

Scholarship support through such programs as the Alumni Fund helps to defray the cost of education.  Many students could not afford to attend Oxy without this kind of financial support.  In fact, over 70% of Oxy students are currently seeking financial aid.  Scholarships also help attract and retain the nation's brightest students, which is increasingly important in a fiercely competitive environment.

3. Quality of Research/Library

Though Oxy’s commitment to the Library remains strong, the Library has needs to continue to provide up-to-date resources. As prices for books and subscriptions have increased, our allocations have not kept pace.  This means our purchasing power is not what it used to be.  Private support is more important than ever to provide the best library research tools.

4. Corporate and Foundation Support

Each year Oxy receives considerable support from local and national corporations and foundations.  Often these corporations and foundations look at the level and rate of support and participation from Oxy's alumni, parents, and friends to determine whether to support Oxy.  So your participation alone will attract private and individual gifts, making a greater impact than you may originally think.

5. Value of Oxy Degree

As private support to Oxy rises, rankings improve and our national reputation is enhanced - improving the value of an Oxy diploma.  Through your support of the Alumni Fund, you can help ensure that the value of your diploma is maintained and enhanced.

6. Support of Higher Education

Our country's colleges and universities are a critical component of the engine that drives our local and national economies.  By supporting Oxy, you help ensure Los Angeles County’s economic comeback and, at the same time, enhance Oxy’s quality.