Occidental College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmithdc635f12-d43a-4fbd-809e-b2b370805e8dData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Occidental College facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmith76ec628f-5571-402c-a487-672ffe3ea8b4Los Angeles, CA
How do your scores compare at Occidental?
Key Occidental College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 10
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 11
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 10
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
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.
⬡ LangSmith8ab1b541-851d-4cea-998f-354b59f52f16Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Occidental College?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
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.
⬡ LangSmithfc65e49e-f540-4dab-8558-b1922d3e210c
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.
⬡ LangSmithe861d96a-031a-4c00-960c-c236c3fa1fadStudent life at Occidental College
80% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Scripps College
Claremont, CAAcceptance rate: 38.3%
SAT: 1450–1520
ACT: 31–34
Soka University of America
Aliso Viejo, CAAcceptance rate: 43.6%
SAT: 1345–1493
ACT: 25–31
Pacific Union College
Angwin, CAAcceptance rate: 47.3%
SAT: 990–1200
SUM Bible College & Theological Seminary
El Dorado Hills, CAAcceptance rate: 40.7%
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.