College Profile: Occidental College

I recently had the chance to visit Occidental College with a bus load of others in the college counseling profession. It was a wonderful experience of conversing with faculty members, administration, and current students to truly get a feel for the whole Oxy experience. I was so impressed by the level of academic opportunity, as well as the happiness level of the students on campus. Located on a gorgeous campus, this school has a little bit of everything for students.

History:

Founded in 1887, Occidental College (Oxy) is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast. Located in Los Angeles, it has a rich history of academic rigor, social activism, and modern academic innovation.

Campus Life:

• Location: Located in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood, Oxy provides unparalleled access to cultural and professional opportunities in Los Angeles.

• Community of Excellence: Oxy boasts over 40 majors, small class sizes, and a faculty of renowned professors.

• Small Classes: With a student body under 2,000, students enjoy close relationships with professors.

  
  

Fun Traditions:

•  Oxy has quirky traditions, like the "Primal Scream," where students release stress during finals week by collectively screaming at midnight.

• Oxy students enjoy annual events like SpringFest, an end-of-year music festival, and the Multicultural Summer Institute, which helps first-year students transition into college life.

• The "Birthday Dunk" is a playful tradition where students are tossed into the campus fountain on their birthdays. 

  
  

Student Stats:

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1

• Average Class Size: 18

• Full-Time Faculty of Color: 32%

• Oxy is proud to have 51% domestic students of color, 15% first-generation students, and 17% international or dual citizens.

If you are interested in a smaller school on the west coast, Oxy might be right for you! I highly recommend a visit in person. For more details, visit Oxy’s official website.