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Occidental College vs Pacific Union College

Occidental College is a private college in Los Angeles, CA. Pacific Union College is a private college in Angwin, CA. Occidental College admits about 44% of applicants and Pacific Union College about 47%, making Occidental College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $38,263 a year at Occidental College after aid, and about $41,008 at Pacific Union College. About 83% of students graduate at Occidental College, compared with 55% at Pacific Union College. Ten years after enrolling, Occidental College alumni earn a median of about $75,951, against $70,484 for Pacific Union College.

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

Pacific Union College

Angwin, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Angwin, CA
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,877
805
Acceptance rate
44%
47%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.3–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1380–1520
930–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
20–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,263
$41,008
Full cost / yr
$84,800
$49,404
In-state tuition
$66,274
$37,173
Out-of-state tuition
$66,274
$37,173
Application fee
$70
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,705
$41,008
$30k - $48k
$17,655
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$21,468
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$28,033
Not reported
Over $110k
$54,959
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
55%
Freshman retention
90%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,209
$52,713
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,951
$70,484
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$27,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
34%
First-generation students
18%
26%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Occidental College or Pacific Union College harder to get into?
Occidental College is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 47% at Pacific Union College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Occidental College or Pacific Union College?
Occidental College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $38,263 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,008 at Pacific Union College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Occidental College and Pacific Union College?
Before aid, Pacific Union College costs about $49,404 a year and Occidental College about $84,800. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Occidental College or Pacific Union College?
Occidental College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,705 there, against about $41,008 at Pacific Union College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Occidental College or Pacific Union College?
Occidental College is the larger of the two, with about 1,877 undergraduates against 805 at Pacific Union College.
Does Occidental College or Pacific Union College have a better graduation rate?
Occidental College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 55% at Pacific Union College.
Do graduates of Occidental College or Pacific Union College earn more?
Occidental College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,951 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,484 for Pacific Union College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Occidental College and Pacific Union College require SAT or ACT scores?
Occidental College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pacific Union College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Occidental College and Pacific Union College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1380–1520 at Occidental College and 930–1190 at Pacific Union College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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