Occidental College
Higher EducationCalifornia, United States1001-5000 Employees
Occidental College is a mid-sized private higher education institution located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887 as the first liberal arts college in the city, it remains an urban liberal arts college that emphasizes a high-quality undergraduate experience designed to prepare students for leadership in a complex and pluralistic world. The college has produced a number of notable alumni, including former U.S. president Barack Obama, underscoring its longstanding role in shaping civic leaders. It serves a gifted and diverse student body, offering educational experiences that blend liberal arts inquiry with opportunities for cross-disciplinary study. The campus has pursued initiatives to expand its scientific infrastructure, with a 2026 plan to modernize science facilities to support cutting-edge discovery and meaningful laboratory experiences.