Occidental College

Life at Oxy balances cozy campus vibes with L.A.'s endless possibilities. The 120-acre campus is 'beautiful' (per Reddit), with most students living on campus all four years. Social life revolves around sports houses and the school's one fraternity—'house parties that a lot of people go to,' as one student puts it. The community is 'small and tight-knit' (Niche), though the city provides an easy escape. A YouTube 'day in the life' shows students juggling classes, on-campus jobs, and downtown internships—all before sunset.

Oxy delivers strong ROI: an 83% graduation rate (well above the 59% national midpoint) and median earnings of $68,467 a decade out. The college ranks highly for economic mobility, with 40% of its score in one study based on outcomes like alumni salaries and loan repayment. Early career earnings start at $37,306, jumping to $64,966 by year five—outpacing national averages. Debt at graduation is a manageable $23,000 median (31st percentile among peers).

Sticker price is steep—$47,113 after aid for the average student—but 47% receive financial aid, with packages averaging $59,821. Net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators estimate $35,513-$44,853 annually after grants. The school emphasizes that 'most students receive some form of aid,' including need-based scholarships. One insider notes the administration is 'supportive' in navigating costs, though the L.A. location means off-campus expenses add up.

Occidental is a unicorn: a small liberal arts college where you can debate Foucault over breakfast, then intern at a Hollywood studio by afternoon. Its blend of academic rigor (85% graduation rate), social justice focus, and urban access creates alums who thrive in creative and unconventional careers. The vibe is 'collaborative, not competitive'—a place where professors know your name, but the whole city is your campus. For students who want the close-knit community of a liberal arts school without sacrificing big-city opportunities, there's literally no other option like it.