Occidental College is a private liberal arts college located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887 by Presbyterian clergy, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the United States.
Here's an overview of the college:
1. Campus: Occidental College's campus spans 120 acres and is known for its picturesque setting and Mediterranean-style architecture. The college has a residential campus, with the majority of students living on-site throughout their college experience.
2. Academics: Occidental offers a liberal arts education with a focus on interdisciplinary learning. The college provides over 40 majors and minors across various fields of study, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts. Popular majors include Economics, Biology, Diplomacy and World Affairs, Psychology, and Sociology. Occidental also offers pre-professional programs, such as pre-medicine and pre-law.
3. Enrollment: Occidental College has a small, diverse student body of around 2,000 undergraduate students. The college's intimate size allows for a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close relationships between students and faculty and promoting collaborative learning.
4. Reputation: Occidental College is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social justice. The college consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, as per various publications like U.S. News & World Report.
5. Study Abroad: Occidental places a strong emphasis on global learning and encourages students to participate in study abroad programs. The college has affiliations with institutions in several countries, such as England, Spain, China, and Australia.
6. Research: Occidental offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate research across different fields. The college provides funding for summer research programs, which allows students to work closely with faculty on research projects.
7. Athletics: Occidental College's athletic teams, called the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division III and are members of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The college offers various sports for both men and women, including basketball, soccer, swimming and diving, and track and field.
8. Alumni: Occidental has a strong alumni network, with graduates finding success in various fields, such as entertainment, politics, business, and academia. Notable alumni include former U.S. President Barack Obama (who attended for two years before transferring to Columbia University), actor Ben Affleck, and author and journalist Luke Harding.
9. Extracurricular Activities: Occidental offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and student organizations, including cultural clubs, performing arts groups, student government, and community service initiatives. The college also emphasizes sustainability and environmental awareness, with various eco-friendly practices and programs in place.
10. Financial Aid: Occidental College is committed to making education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. The college offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to eligible students.
