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Occidental College vs Pomona College

Occidental College is a private college in Los Angeles, CA. Pomona College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pomona College admits about 7% of applicants and Occidental College about 44%, making Pomona College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,285 a year at Pomona College after aid, and about $38,263 at Occidental College. About 93% of students graduate at Pomona College, compared with 83% at Occidental College. Ten years after enrolling, Pomona College alumni earn a median of about $77,779, against $75,951 for Occidental College.

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private

Pomona College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,877
1,666
Acceptance rate
44%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1380–1520
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,263
$19,285
Full cost / yr
$84,800
$85,300
In-state tuition
$66,274
$65,420
Out-of-state tuition
$66,274
$65,420
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,705
$4,841
$30k - $48k
$17,655
$7,026
$48k - $75k
$21,468
$17,054
$75k - $110k
$28,033
$15,719
Over $110k
$54,959
$37,842
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
93%
Freshman retention
90%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,209
$60,850
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,951
$77,779
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$11,782
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
20%
First-generation students
18%
30%
International students
5%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 8
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 8

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 Pomona College harder to get into?
Pomona College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% 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 Pomona College?
Pomona College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,285 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 Pomona College?
Before aid, Occidental College costs about $84,800 a year and Pomona College about $85,300. 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 Pomona College?
Pomona College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,841 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 Pomona College?
Occidental College is the larger of the two, with about 1,877 undergraduates against 1,666 at Pomona College.
Does Occidental College or Pomona College have a better graduation rate?
Pomona College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 83% at Occidental College.
Do graduates of Occidental College or Pomona College earn more?
Pomona College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,779 ten years after enrolling, against about $75,951 for Occidental College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Occidental College and Pomona College require SAT or ACT scores?
Occidental College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pomona College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Occidental College and Pomona College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1380–1520 at Occidental College and 1490–1560 at Pomona College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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