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September 22, 2025
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Are you considering studying in the U.S? Do you envision a small liberal arts school experience-living in a larger city? Then Occidental College could be the perfect school for you! Oxy is in the heart of Los Angeles, California, and will provide you with an appropriate academic challenge while allowing you to benefit from the culture, industry, and innovation of a large city.
Whether you're looking at U.S. colleges and universities for the first time and determining the schools that will be on your short list, or you've narrowed down your list and are selecting the right school for you - this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Oxy Los Angeles -from the admissions process to student life-so you can determine whether you would be a good fit for Oxy!
Overview
Founded in 1887, Occidental College is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the U.S. West Coast. It offers a unique academic environment where students benefit from small class sizes, direct professor mentorship, and a broad curriculum rooted in critical thinking, global awareness, and community involvement.
What makes Oxy Los Angeles truly special? It’s a liberal arts college in Los Angeles. That means you don’t have to choose between an intimate college vibe and the professional opportunities of a global city—you get both.
- Location: Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California
- Type: Private Liberal Arts College
- Undergraduate Students: ~1,850
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Campus Size: 120 acres
Occidental College Courses
Oxy Los Angeles offers over 40 majors and minors across the humanities, sciences, arts, and interdisciplinary studies. Here are some standout options:
Students can even design their major, making it one of the most flexible academic experiences out there.
The Admissions Process at Occidental College
Eligibility & Documents Required
Planning to study in the USA? Top universities usually require strong academics, English proficiency, essays, and letters of recommendation. Here's a quick look at the basic admission requirements.
Basic Admission Requirements:
1. Academic transcripts (typically with GPA 3.6+ for competitive applicants)
2.English proficiency:
3.Standardised Tests (Optional): SAT (1360–1500) / ACT (31–34)
4.Essays and personal statement
5.Letter(s) of recommendation
Application Deadlines:
- Early Decision I: November 15
- Early Decision II / Regular Decision: January 10
International applicants are strongly encouraged to showcase not just grades, but their community involvement, leadership, and creative pursuits.
Placements and Career Opportunities
While liberal arts colleges aren't traditionally "placement-focused" like engineering schools, Oxy Los Angeles does an impressive job of preparing students for successful careers and grad school admissions.
Career Outcomes:
- Early Career Salary: ~$76,000
- Top Sectors: Media & Film, Nonprofits, Politics, Education, Public Health, Tech
- Top Employers: NBCUniversal, LA Times, City of Los Angeles, Teach for America
- Grad School Pathways: Columbia, Stanford, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and more
It’s Pre-Health program boasts a 100% dental school acceptance rate and 86% med school admission rate. That’s way above the national average.
You’ll also have access to career fairs, 1-on-1 advising, and it’s extensive alumni network through the Hameetman Career Center.
Scholarships for International Students
Amber also offers various scholarships through the amberscholar.
Student Life at Oxy Los Angeles
1. Diversity & Inclusive Community
- 15% international student population
- 51% students of colour on campus
- Active cultural, religious, and LGBTQ+ communities
- Multiple identity-based clubs contribute to inclusiveness and belonging
- Strong emphasis on equity, dialogue, and global consciousness.
2. Clubs, Events & Campus Media
- 100+ student-led organizations
- Signature events: SpringFest, Dance Production, and Multicultural Night.
- KOXY Radio - student-led radio station on campus.
- The Occidental Weekly - student-led paper with opportunities for writing, editing, and reporting.
- Clubs for debate, sustainability, arts, politics, tech and more.
3. Athletics, Fitness & Wellness
- NCAA Division III competitors (GO Tigers!!)
- Club sports: rugby, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, etc.
- Access to: gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, tracks, spacious open fields
- Free access to fitness classes, wellness counselling, yoga,and adventure trips into nature
- Well rounded focus on sports and being competitive while working toward proper health and fitness goals.
Occidental College Rankings
Oxy Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S.:
These rankings reflect Oxy’s balance of academics, career outcomes, diversity, and affordability.
Occidental College Notable Alumni
This College has a legacy of producing leaders, innovators, and changemakers across a wide spectrum of industries. Its liberal arts education must have helped facilitate the minds behind political movements, Hollywood films, global nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies.
1. Jack Kemp – Former U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate & NFL Quarterback
2.Terry Gilliam – Oscar-nominated filmmaker and member of Monty Python
3.Ben Affleck – Academy Award-winning actor and director (attended briefly)
4.Marsha Johnson Evans – Former President of the American Red Cross
5.Hilda Solis – Former U.S. Secretary of Labor and current L.A. County Supervisor
6. Luke Wilson – Actor known for Legally Blonde, The Royal Tenenbaums
Student Accommodation at Occidental College
Finding the perfect place to live is an important part of your experience at Occidental College. Whether you choose to live near campus or explore Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods, options abound to fit your lifestyle.
Off-Campus Accommodations
If you prefer off-campus living, platforms like amber make finding nearby housing easy. Explore nearby properties such as:
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