Let us know of your sincere interest in Occidental and we’ll let you know your decision sooner.
When you know Occidental is your first choice, applying Early Decision is the clearest way to show it—and get your admission decision sooner.
We offer two rounds of Early Decision for students ready to make a binding commitment to enroll if admitted. In return, you’ll benefit from early notification, strong financial aid consideration, and a simplified college search process.
If you apply Early Decision and are admitted, you’ll receive a minimum $15,000 scholarship each year—our way of honoring your commitment. Learn more about the Occidental Commitment Scholarship >
Occidental offers two rounds of Early Decision:
Both Early Decision options are binding—if admitted, you agree to attend Occidental and withdraw all other college applications. All Early Decision applicants must complete the Early Decision Agreement form on the Common App, signed by a parent/guardian and counselor.
Occidental reserves about one-third of the incoming class for Early Decision applicants.
| App Round | Admission Deadline | Financial Aid Deadline | Decision Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | November 15 | By December 15 |
| Early Decision II | January 10 | January 10 | By February 20 |
| Regular Decision | January 10 | January 10 | By April 1 |
Yes. If admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Only the timeline—both are binding and have similar admit rates.
Yes. Applying Early Decision demonstrates serious interest, which can positively influence admission.
No. Early Decision applicants typically receive a final decision: admit or deny. In a small number of cases, we may defer a decision to Regular Decision to review additional information in the broader applicant context.
A completed application plus the signed Early Decision Agreement form.
Occidental is one of very few institutions in the U.S. that meets 100% of a family’s demonstrated financial need for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. We’re committed to making the full cost of attendance—tuition, fees, room and board—affordable, regardless of your financial situation. We strongly encourage families considering Early Decision to use our cost estimator tools well in advance of applying to estimate what kind of need-based aid is possible. Because we meet full demonstrated need, our financial aid packages are typically among the most generous. However, Occidental offers few merit-based scholarships. If you need to compare aid or merit packages between colleges, Early Decision may not be the right option, as it does not allow for side-by-side comparisons.
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041