Private not-for-profit

Small

Occidental College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1400 to 1495

ACT Range31 to 34

Average GPA3.61

Acceptance Rate44.2%

Occidental is test-optional, but the students who submit scores are bringing very strong numbers, with the middle SAT range at 1400 to 1495. If your SAT is near the upper half of that range, or your ACT is around 33 to 34, submitting it can strengthen your application at a school where admission is selective but realistic.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Occidental College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Occidental College is an urban liberal arts college with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,881. Occidental has a freshman retention rate of 90%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 81%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8.8:1.

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad Enrollment1,881

Freshman Retention90%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio8.8:1

Graduation Rate81%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Occidental?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Occidental College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 10

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 11

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

January 10

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Occidental is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes to improve a superscore. For the November 11 Early Decision deadline, plan on an October retake as the last fall SAT or ACT likely to arrive in time.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Occidental College?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

Occidental’s tuition and fees are $65,678, and 49% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $17,397, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 10.

Tuition and Fees$65,678

Room and BoardN/A

Average Merit Award$17,397

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid49%

Average Aid Package$60,045

Average Debt at Grad$30,746

As a private college, Occidental’s full cost of attendance will be higher than its $65,678 tuition and fees once room, board, and other expenses are included. About 49% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $60,045. Merit awards average $17,397, which can meaningfully reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,746.