Transfer Admission

An Occidental student walks outside of Johnson Hall

Ready for a change of scenery? Learn about transferring to Occidental!

Whether you've started your journey at a two-year or a four-year college, we hope you'll seriously consider joining our intellectual and residential community. And if your academic trajectory has been a bit more off the beaten path, we look forward to hearing about how you've gotten here.

At Occidental, we welcome around 50 transfer students each year and intentionally reserve space in our incoming class for you. You’ll have access to the same academic opportunities, financial aid, and campus life as first-year students. We’ll guide you through the process of applying and understanding how your credits may transfer, so you can focus on finding your place in our close-knit, collaborative community.

Apply Now          

THIS JUST IN: Occidental College now welcomes transfer students after just one semester—apply to enroll as early as this spring!

How to Apply as a Transfer

To apply to Occidental as a transfer student, submit the Common Application for Transfer. Your application should include:

  • Personal essay
  • Short answer
  • Transcript(s)
  • One letter of recommendation

Explore All Transfer Application Requirements

 

Transfer Application Deadlines

App Round| Application Closes
Spring|     November 1
The spring application closes on November 1. Completed applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Fall|     March 1
Applicants who complete applications by March 1 will be notified by May 1. Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a rolling basis.

 

Additional Occidental Applications

First-year applicants
Applying straight from high school? This is your next step.
International applicants
Applying from outside the U.S.? This page is for you.
Veteran applicants
Find tips and requirements just for military veterans.

Watch: A Week in the Life of a Transfer Student

Follow biology major and transfer student Clara Neville through a week at Occiental—from research labs to wellness classes—as she finds her place on campus.

New Student Orientation (Transfer Website)

Your Transfer Experience

Transferring colleges is a big step, and we’re here to support you all along the way. From academics to community, discover how Occidental helps transfer students thrive intellectually, socially, and personally.

As a transfer student from a larger institution, I appreciate how Oxy encourages interpersonal communication between professors and students. [My professors] have always been available to answer any questions, and they consistently make sure that their students feel supported.

Kenna Bacon Mirzayan
MAC major, Spanish minor; Incline Village, NV
Kenna Mirzayan headshot green dress

Explore Transfer Scholarships and Aid at Occidental

Occidental is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Learn how to apply for need-based aid and explore scholarship opportunities on our Financial Aid page.

Learn more about scholarships for transfer applicants

Ivy Batmale 2025 - Transfer Student Story

Student Voices: The Journey of a Transfer

After realizing her first college wasn’t the right fit, one student shares how transferring to Occidental brought her the connection, purpose, and community she was looking for.

Read Ivy’s Story

Transfer Admission FAQs

No. Occidental College does not charge an application fee. We believe that cost should not be a barrier to opportunity, and we want every student to feel welcome and encouraged to apply—no fee, no waiver needed.

Yes. After you’re admitted, the Registrar will conduct a preliminary review of your transcripts to determine which courses are eligible for credit. They'll also let you know your academic standing (sophomore or junior) and any remaining general education requirements. To help with this review, some departments may request syllabi or reading lists from courses you've already completed.
 

To earn your degree, you’ll need to complete at least 64 of the required 128 units at Occidental, so you may transfer in up to 64 units from previous institutions. However, to be eligible to apply as a transfer student, you must have completed at least 16 units (one full-time semester) by the time of enrollment.

While we consider all eligible applicants, those who are most competitive typically have a 3.6 GPA or higher in full-time academic coursework at an accredited college or university.

Yes. Transfer students are eligible for both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships at Occidental. We meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students. While most institutional aid is need-based, all applicants—regardless of whether they submit test scores—are considered for our limited number of merit awards.

Most transfer students live in on-campus housing alongside fellow transfers and continuing students. Housing assignments are based on availability and preferences, and Occidental’s residential communities are designed to support a smooth and connected transition to campus life. Students may also request approval to live off campus.

Contact Admission
Collins House

1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Phone: (323) 259-2700
admission@oxy.edu