How to Apply for Financial Aid

Start Here: Your financial aid checklist at Occidental.

Paying for college is an important part of your application journey—and we’re here to help. This page walks you through how to apply for financial aid at Occidental, whether you're a first-year or transfer applicant. To be considered for a financial aid offer, you must complete the required forms by your chosen deadline. We strongly encourage all students to apply, and if you have questions at any point, our Financial Aid Office is here to support you.

Before You Apply

Before you begin your financial aid application, make sure you have the following information and documents ready—it’ll help the process go more smoothly.

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your parents' Social Security Numbers (if you are a dependent)
  • Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other income records
  • A working email address and FSA ID

International citizens: If you’re a non-U.S. citizen applying for need-based financial aid, you’ll follow a slightly different process and must submit the International Student Financial Form.

How to Apply for Aid: Step-by-Step Checklist

Step 1: Indicate your intent on your admission application

When filling out the Common Application or the Coalition Application on Scoir, be sure to select “yes” when asked if you plan to apply for financial aid. This lets us know to expect your materials.

Step 2: Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA allows us to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Be sure to list Occidental’s school code: 001249. You and your custodial parent must each create an FSA ID to log in, sign, and submit the FAFSA electronically.

FAFSA
Occidental FAFSA Code: 001249

Step 3: Complete your CSS Profile

The CSS Profile helps us determine your eligibility for need-based aid at Occidental, including grants, loans, and work-study. Be sure to list Occidental College’s code: 4581. If your parents are divorced or separated, your noncustodial parent will also need to submit a separate CSS Profile. NOTE: There is a submission fee for the CSS Profile, but fee waivers are automatically assessed by the College Board based on your financial information.

CSS Profile
Occidental CSS Code: 4581

Step 4: Submit federal tax returns and W-2 forms

Occidental partners with the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) to collect family financial documents. After you submit your CSS Profile, you’ll receive access to IDOC, where you must upload:

  • Signed federal tax returns (including all schedules and statements)
  • W-2 forms for you and your parents (if applicable)

These documents help us verify the financial information you’ve provided and determine your eligibility for aid.

IDOC

California residents only: Submit Cal Grant GPA Verification

If you're a California resident, you're required to apply for a Cal Grant. You must file the FAFSA and submit the GPA Verification form to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 3 in order to be considered for a Cal Grant. Some schools electronically submit the GPA Verification form on behalf of their students. Check with your counselor for more information.

GPA Verification Form

Step 5: Review and accept your aid offer

Once you’ve submitted all required materials, you can track your financial aid checklist in your applicant portal to make sure everything has been received and processed. Please note that it may take time for materials to be marked as received. Your financial aid offer—including any grants, loans, and work-study—will be available in your portal after you receive your admission decision.

Check your status

Financial Aid Application Deadlines

First-Year Applicants

App Round Admission Deadline Financial Aid Deadline
Early Decision I November 15 November 15
Early Decision II January 10 January 10
Regular Decision January 10 January 10

 

Transfer Applicants

App Round | Application Closes
Spring |     November 1

Complete your financial aid application steps at the same time that you submit your application for admission. The spring application closes on November 1.
Fall |     March 1
Complete your financial aid application steps at the same time that you submit your application for admission. Applications completed by March 1 will be reviewed and decisions will be released by May 1. Applications completed after March 1 will be reviewed and decisions released on a rolling basis after May 1. The application will close on June 1.

 

Explore Funding Options

These awards are based on your family’s financial circumstances and don’t need to be repaid—they’re designed to help meet your demonstrated need.

Explore Scholarships >

Awarded for outstanding academic or extracurricular achievement, merit scholarships are available to all applicants, regardless of financial need.

Explore Scholarships >

Earn money through on-campus jobs that help cover your expenses while gaining valuable experience.

Explore Work-Study >

Federal student loans can help bridge the gap between your aid package and total costs, with manageable repayment terms after graduation.

Explore Loans >

Quick Resources

How Financial Aid Works >>
This guide breaks down how Occidental’s financial aid process works—including types of aid, how need is calculated, and what to expect from your offer.
FAFSA.gov Checklist >>
The official FAFSA site offers a detailed checklist to help you gather what you need and stay on track as you complete your application.
Net Price Calculator >>
Estimate your potential need-based offer at Occidental using tools that factor in family income, assets, and current tuition rates.
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Los Angeles, CA 90041

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

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