Occidental Commitment Scholarship

A guaranteed scholarship for choosing Occidental early.

When you apply to �鶹��Ƶ through Early Decision, you’re making a bold choice about your future. In return, we make a bold commitment to you:

All students admitted through Early Decision I or Early Decision II will receive the Occidental Commitment Scholarship—a guaranteed $15,000 annual scholarship, renewable for a total of four years (up to $60,000 total).

There’s no separate application required, and you’ll still be considered for other merit scholarships of higher value and need-based financial aid.

Early Decision is a binding application plan for students who know Occidental is their first choice. Now, we’re making that choice even more rewarding.

Why Apply Early Decision?

receive your admission decision earlier
lock in your spot at a top liberal arts college in Los Angeles
get a guaranteed minimum scholarship if admitted

Important Dates

App Round	Deadline
Early Decision I	November 15
Early Decision II	January 10

Apply Early Decision

Commitment Scholarship FAQs

$15,000 per year. The Commitment Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $7500 per semester for 8 total semesters.

No. The Commitment Scholarship is the minimum amount you would receive in institutional funds. If you qualify for a merit award of a higher value than the Commitment Scholarship, that higher value merit scholarship will replace the Commitment Scholarship.

No! Beginning in 2025-26, all applicants admitted under Early Decision I and Early Decision II will automatically receive the Commitment Scholarship (unless they are awarded a merit scholarship of a higher value).

Unfortunately, only applicants admitted in the Early Decision rounds will qualify for the Commitment Scholarship.

Yes! All Commitment and merit scholarships will roll over to your designated entry term if you defer your enrollment for a year. Students seeking need-based financial aid (FAFSA + CSS Profile) will need to reapply each year.

If you qualify for a merit award of a higher value than the Commitment Scholarship, that higher value merit scholarship will replace the Commitment Scholarship. The Commitment Scholarship is the minimum amount you would receive in institutional funds.

We are still committed to meeting 100% of a family’s demonstrated financial need. Students applying for need-based financial aid will have their need met with the Commitment Scholarship and if applicable, grants, loans, and work study.

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