Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Academics

Key Academic Stats

Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
1,964
Total Number of Undergrads
1,964
Academic Calendar

Semester

Non Traditional Learning
  • Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
Learning Options
  • Study Abroad
  • Honors Program
Student:Faculty Ratio
9:1
US National: 21:1
Classroom Sizes

2-19 Students
68%
20-39 Students
30%
0
100
80%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
86%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%

Faculty Overview

0
100
97%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Male
Female
41%
58%
Ethnicity

African American
6%
Asian/Pacific Islander
11%
White
40%
Hispanic
33%
Multi-Racial
2%
Unknown
4%

What Students Are Saying

They have a 40% acceptance rate, according to the admissions officer- it seems super rigorous. You have your required courses such as basic English math, science classes- but the tour guide mentioned that you could do those a number of different ways (I.e. Math credit could be women in mathematics).
Clarice from Portland, OR
Classes here are hard. No matter how well you did academically in high school, be prepared to be challenged at Oxy. There are a lot of reading homework assignments, as well as papers to write. Tests are difficult, and there will be weeks when you have large assignments and tests in all of your classes. Be prepared to work hard.
Emma from Shoreline, WA
Oxy requires a high GPA to get in and continues to expect high quality work from its students. However, they realize that some students have high potential that hasn't been tapped (especially in students coming from public high schools). They make every effort to help students improve basic writing skills in their first year if they are struggling with college-level writing assignments.
Janet from Glendale, CA
I have already learned so much in my short time at Oxy. I am now an International Relations major and Latin American Studies minor, which is a path I never expected but am very excited about.
Alex from Stevenson Ranch, CA
To be considered full time a student needs to take at least 12 units, but most all students take 16 units. Most classes are four units. Students are expected to come to class and participate. There is work to be done outside the class outside as well. And students will become great writers by the time they leave Oxy.
Kathleen from Chino, CA
Class sizes of a maximum 16-40 students are strictly enforced to support Occidental College's promise of individualized learning. However, instruction could be a little more challenging and more comprehensive. Many departments struggle with keeping a relevant and logical succession of topics within their class offerings, leaving students overcome with information without a general structure of foundation on which to build.
Masha
School here is challenging but if you study enough you'll be fine.
Chad from Los Angeles, CA