Occidental College students walk outside of the Johnson Student Center

Admission

Discover a top liberal arts college in Los Angeles.

Occidental College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution located in Los Angeles. As a small, inclusive community in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Occidental offers a distinctive college experience that blends academic excellence, real-world engagement, and global perspective. Through more than 40 undergraduate majors and programs, hands-on research opportunities, and generous financial aid, our admission process is designed to help you take the next step toward a meaningful and impactful college journey.

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40+
academic programs
18
average class size
100%
demonstrated financial need met

Introducing: The Occidental Commitment Scholarship!

If you're a first-year applicant and you apply Early Decision, you’ll receive a minimum $15,000 scholarship each year if admitted—our way of honoring your commitment. Learn more about the Occidental Commitment Scholarship >.

Get an Up Close Look at Occidental

Choose Your Occidental Admission Experience

Every student’s journey is different, and Occidental offers multiple ways to apply based on your background. Select the admission experience that fits you best and review the application requirements for your path.

Occidental students study on a picnic table in the quad
First-year admission

Applying straight from high school? This is your next step.
Occidental students study in the Academic Commons
Transfer admission

Completed college coursework after high school? Start here.
Occidental students sit on the steps outside of Johnson Hall
International admission

Applying from outside the U.S.? This page is for you.

Study the Liberal Arts in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the most culturally diverse city in the U.S.—a hub of creativity, innovation, and global perspective. At Occidental, the city becomes your extended classroom, opening up one-of-a-kind opportunities to learn, explore, and engage.

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Find Scholarships & Aid

Occidental is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated need for U.S. citizens and permanent residents we admit. Our financial aid staff is dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the financial aid process.

Aid may include merit scholarships, need-based grants, student employment opportunities, and federal student loans.

Financial Aid

Whether you’re in classes or on the Quad, that’s kind of how things happen at Oxy. You meet great people, you put yourself out there, and suddenly you’re part of something.

Jaymes Griggs ’27
Environmental science major; Louisville, KY
Jaymes Griggs cropped headshot blue shirt

Why Chose Occidental?

Four Occidental College students and their professor sit outside to have class

A Distinctive Education

Occidental pairs the liberal arts and sciences with Los Angeles' energy—offering small classes, rigorous academics, and a collaborative community led by expert faculty and curious students.

 
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Residential L.A. Campus

Tucked between the evolving, eclectic neighborhoods of Eagle Rock and Highland Park, Occidental's location allows you to explore L.A. with a residential campus community as your home base.

 
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Vibrant Campus Experience

From residence halls to student clubs and identity-based spaces, Occidental offers a supportive, inclusive community where you can connect, grow, and explore your passions.

 
An Occidental lacrosse player celebrates with teammates

NCAA Division III athletics at Occidental

Occidental fields 20 NCAA Division III teams, with about 25% of students competing as varsity athletes. Students interested in continuing their sport can submit an athletics interest form to introduce themselves to coaches and learn more about team expectations.

Introduce yourself to coaches

1,886
current students
55%
students of color
5%
international students
14%
first-generation college students
An Occidental student talks with a new student in Cannon Plaza

Got Questions? Ask an Oxy Student

Want to hear what life at Occidental is really like? Connect directly with current students who are excited to share their experiences and answer your questions.

CONNECT WITH A STUDENT

Occidental Admission FAQs

It depends on how you're applying. Occidental has different deadlines and requirements for first-year, transfer, and international applicants. Be sure to review the guidelines that apply to you:

No. Occidental College does not charge an application fee. We believe that cost should not be a barrier to opportunity, and we want every student to feel welcome and encouraged to apply—no fee, no waiver needed.

To apply for need-based financial aid at Occidental, complete both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile and submit all required documents by the deadline for your admission round. International applicants should review the requirements specific to their status. All applicants will be considered for merit scholarships.

You can register for a campus tour, info session, or other visit experience through our Visit Occidental webpage. We offer in-person and virtual options throughout the year to help you explore life at Occidental.

Contact Admission
Collins House

1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Phone: (323) 259-2700
admission@oxy.edu