University of Redlands vs Occidental College

Nestled in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Occidental College and the University of Redlands stand as two distinct beacons of higher education, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence and transformative experiences. While both institutions share a commitment to fostering intellectual growth and personal development, they diverge in several key aspects. Occidental College boasts a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 34%, while the University of Redlands adopts a more inclusive approach, resulting in an acceptance rate of 75%. In terms of academic offerings, Occidental College excels in the liberal arts and sciences, with popular majors including Economics, Psychology, and English, while the University of Redlands offers a broader range of programs, including Business, Education, and Music. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the nuances that set these two institutions apart and discover the ideal fit for your academic aspirations and personal growth.

	Occidental College	University of Redlands
Overview
Location	Los Angeles, California	Redlands, California
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	92.0%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	38.2%	83.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1340 - 1490	1110 - 1280
ACT range	30 - 33	26 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	4.0%
Students submitting ACT score	22.0%	1.0%
Total number of applicants	6,495	3,746
Total number of admissions given out	2,484	3,108
Admitted students who chose to enroll	535	508
Yield rate	21.5%	16.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$77,878	$73,732
Average net price	$43,047	$21,578
Tuition	$57,830	$53,716
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,512 Meal plan: $8,090	Room/dormitory: $11,486 Meal plan: $4,076
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $29,715	99.0% Average amount $41,240
Students receiving federal student loan	31.0% Average amount $4,603	49.0% Average amount $7,891
Students taking out private loans	17.0% Average amount $6,554	21.0% Average amount $4,404

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,964 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	2,644 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
Graduate students	N/A	1,415 Men 35.7% Women 64.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	62.5%	N/A
International students	6.3%	1.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,650	1,672
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington New York Illinois Mississippi	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Physical Science Multidisciplinary Studies Visual & Performing Arts	Education Business Social Sciences Natural Resources and Conservation Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	82.9%	69.4%
Dropout rate	4.1%	29.6%
Transferred out	12.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,544 Year 2: $55,078 Year 3: $63,231 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,360 Year 2: $37,779 Year 3: $49,843 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,329 Year 2: $36,132 Year 3: $45,083 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,948 Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $43,488 Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $33,877 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,967 Year 3: $31,152 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,035 Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: $31,095 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,916 Year 2: $30,047 Year 3: $30,729 Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: N/A Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $15,793 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: N/A	Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $83,065 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,763 Year 2: $79,037 Year 3: $79,897 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,327 Year 2: $73,562 Year 3: $76,277 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,278 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $75,742 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,777 Year 2: $64,328 Year 3: $75,724 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,126 Year 2: $53,244 Year 3: $63,383 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,683 Year 2: $53,497 Year 3: $62,920 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,253 Year 2: $56,302 Year 3: $62,006 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,914 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $47,944 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,863 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $45,923

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location between the University of Redlands and Occidental College?

The University of Redlands is located in the city of Redlands, nestled in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, offering a more suburban environment with access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Occidental College is situated in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, providing students with immediate access to the cultural, professional, and social opportunities of a major metropolitan city.
How do the academic programs at the University of Redlands and Occidental College compare?

Both institutions offer a strong liberal arts education. Occidental College is known for its emphasis on social justice and its strong programs in diplomacy and international relations, as well as its pre-med and pre-law programs. The University of Redlands is recognized for its emphasis on experiential learning, including its Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, and its strong programs in business, education, and the arts. Both offer a wide range of majors and minors.
What is the student body like at each college?

Both colleges have diverse student bodies. Occidental College tends to attract a more politically active and socially conscious student population, reflecting its location in Los Angeles. The University of Redlands also has a diverse student body, with a slightly more regional draw from Southern California, and a strong emphasis on community engagement.
How does the cost of attendance compare?

The tuition and fees at both institutions are comparable, falling within a similar price range for private liberal arts colleges. However, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly impact the net cost. It's recommended to check the specific financial aid information on each college's website and compare the net costs based on your individual circumstances.
What are the housing options like at each school?

Both colleges offer on-campus housing. Occidental College generally requires students to live on campus for the first two years. The University of Redlands also has a strong residential life program, with a variety of housing options available. Both colleges offer a range of housing styles, from traditional dorms to apartments.
How do the campus cultures differ?

Occidental College has a vibrant campus culture that is deeply intertwined with the city of Los Angeles, with a focus on social activism and engagement. The University of Redlands fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and a more traditional college experience. Both offer a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events.
What are the athletic programs like at each college?

Both colleges are members of NCAA Division III. Occidental College competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The University of Redlands also competes in the SCIAC. Both offer a variety of varsity sports, as well as intramural and club sports.
How do the career services departments compare?

Both institutions provide career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Occidental College's location in Los Angeles provides students with unique access to internships and networking opportunities in various industries. The University of Redlands also has strong career services, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in Southern California and beyond.
Which college is better for someone interested in a specific field, such as pre-med or international relations?

Occidental College is particularly well-regarded for its pre-med program and its strong programs in diplomacy and international relations, benefiting from its proximity to Los Angeles and its connections to relevant organizations. The University of Redlands offers strong programs in business, education, and the arts. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests and career goals.
How does the application process differ?

Both colleges use the Common Application. Admission requirements, including standardized test score policies, may vary. It's important to check each college's website for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines, required materials, and test score policies.

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