Occidental is committed to helping you make college affordable.
Applying for financial aid can be complicated, but we're here to help. You can begin by familiarizing yourself with how financial aid works. The application requirements for first-year students are different from those for transfers and returning/current students. International students are required to submit additional forms.
We extend financial aid through merit scholarships, need-based grants and scholarships, work-study and student loans to meet the various needs and circumstances of our students. Oxy meets 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need for all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students.
Our aid programs often make Oxy's cost comparable to those of public institutions. Plus, California residents may qualify to have full tuition covered by Occidental. Learn more about our Cal Grant Promise.
If you are interested in Oxy, we encourage you to apply for financial aid—regardless of your financial circumstances. We also encourage you to use our Net Price Calculator for an estimate of the need-based financial aid you could receive if you attend Oxy.
2025-26 Costs for Attending Occidental College
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $68,108 | $68,108 |
| Housing & Food | $20,214 | $16,353* |
| Required Fees | $596 | $596 |
| Total Direct Costs | $88,918 | $68,704 |
The housing and food allowance in the financial aid cost of attendance is based on an average of students living on-campus and differs from a student's actual room charge.
*Students that live off campus are not charged for housing and food. This $16,353 amount is a budget used to determine the cost of attendance when awarding financial aid to students living off-campus.
Indirect Costs
In awarding financial aid, Occidental also considers indirect costs for books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, and travel costs. Standard estimates for these indirect costs are between $3,268 and $5,268 depending on how far your home is from campus.
Health Insurance
Students must have health insurance in order to enroll at Oxy. The Occidental Student Health Insurance Program (OSHIP) premium cost for the 2025-26 academic year is $3,818, but may be waived for students who are covered under a parent's policy or have other health care coverage. Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be required to enroll in the OSHIP.
Learn more about budgets for the 2025-26 academic year.