Occidental College
Los Angeles, California · Private
Occidental College admitted 45% of 7,490 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1400–1510 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 85% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Occidental College
Enter a score to see whether Occidental College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (45%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Occidental College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 10, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 10, 2027
The application is free. Occidental College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Occidental College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Occidental College offers early decision but didn’t report how many early applicants it admitted.
Occidental College offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
969 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 297 took it, and 72 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Occidental College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Activities
Important
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Character
- Volunteering
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- Talent or ability
- First generation
- Where you live
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Legacy
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.64 GPA. 16% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $84,800 a year. After grants, students paid $47,113 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Occidental College’s acceptance rate?
Occidental College admitted 45% of applicants: 3,359 of 7,490 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Occidental College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 10, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 10, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Occidental College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1400 to 1510, with a median around 1460. A score at or above 1460 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Occidental College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Occidental College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Occidental College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Occidental College have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Occidental College asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one optional short answer, up to 250 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Does Occidental College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Occidental College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
Not sure which colleges fit?
A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.
Writing your essays? See Occidental College’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.