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Occidental College vs Pitzer College

Occidental College is a private college in Los Angeles, CA. Pitzer College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pitzer College admits about 25% of applicants and Occidental College about 44%, making Pitzer College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $34,191 a year at Pitzer College after aid, and about $38,263 at Occidental College. About 83% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Occidental College alumni earn a median of about $75,951, against $69,512 for Pitzer College.

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,877
1,227
Acceptance rate
44%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1380–1520
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,263
$34,191
Full cost / yr
$84,800
$86,466
In-state tuition
$66,274
$65,192
Out-of-state tuition
$66,274
$65,192
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,705
$14,535
$30k - $48k
$17,655
$7,769
$48k - $75k
$21,468
$20,846
$75k - $110k
$28,033
$29,452
Over $110k
$54,959
$46,793
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
83%
Freshman retention
90%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,209
$51,784
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,951
$69,512
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
11%
First-generation students
18%
23%
International students
5%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 10

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 Pitzer College harder to get into?
Pitzer College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% of applicants, compared with 44% at Occidental 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 Pitzer College?
Pitzer College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,263 at Occidental 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 Pitzer College?
Before aid, Occidental College costs about $84,800 a year and Pitzer College about $86,466. 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 Pitzer College?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 there, against about $20,705 at Occidental College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Occidental College or Pitzer College?
Occidental College is the larger of the two, with about 1,877 undergraduates against 1,227 at Pitzer College.
Does Occidental College or Pitzer College have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 83% of their students.
Do graduates of Occidental College or Pitzer College earn more?
Occidental College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,951 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,512 for Pitzer College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Occidental College and Pitzer College require SAT or ACT scores?
Occidental College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pitzer College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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