Los Angeles, CA · Private University
Is Occidental College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$75,951
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,446
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,446
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$253,784
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.20x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
85.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$39,329
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Occidental College graduates earn $30,951 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Occidental College ranked by graduate earnings
59 graduates
42 graduates
21 graduates
18 graduates
29 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Occidental College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Occidental College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Economics: $75,699) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $23,605) is $52,094/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $75,699 | 1.2x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $69,388 | 1.1x |
| Biology, General | $67,384 | 1.1x |
| Computer Science(1yr data) | $63,845 | 1.0x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $58,582 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, General | $57,024 | 0.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $56,838 | 0.9x |
| Sociology | $48,239 | 0.8x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts(1yr data) | $30,526 | 0.5x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $23,605 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | 1.20x | $75,951 | Average ROI |
| Scripps College | 1.22x | $77,539 | Average ROI |
| Pepperdine University | 1.24x | $82,939 | Average ROI |
| Chapman University | 1.12x | $70,070 | Average ROI |
| Colorado College | 0.96x | $65,222 | Below Average |
| Santa Clara University | 1.84x | $109,183 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Occidental College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $75,951 10 years after starting — $30,951 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.2 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.