Apply for financial aid at Occidental by following our three-step process.
Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA application allows us to review your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Remember to list Occidental College, federal school code #001249.
- Spring 2025 Transfers by November 1, 2024: Submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA
- Fall 2025 Transfers by March 1, 2025: Submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA
Step 2: Complete the CSS Profile application
The CSS Profile application allows us to review your eligibility for Oxy need-based grants, loans, and work study. Remember to list Occidental College, CSS code #4581.
The deadline for this application varies depending on your application status:
- Spring 2025 Transfers by November 1, 2024: Submit the 2024-2025 CSS Profile
- Fall 2025 Transfers by March 1, 2025: Submit the 2025-2026 CSS Profile
In addition, if you have a noncustodial parent, they must complete their own CSS Profile application. Occidental requires a CSS Profile for both the custodial and noncustodial parent.
Step 3: Submit federal tax returns & W-2 forms
- Spring 2025 Transfers by November 1, 2024: Submit 2022 tax documents
- Fall 2025 Transfers by March 1, 2025: Submit 2023 tax documents
Occidental is a part of the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). Families must upload copies of their completed federal tax returns (with all schedules and statements) and W-2s directly via IDOC.
For California Residents Only
All California residents are required to apply for a Cal Grant. Transfer students from California community colleges may be eligible for a Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant if they have at least a 2.4 GPA from a community college.
You must file your FAFSA and your community college must submit your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 3, 2025 in order to be considered for this Cal Grant. Students who miss the March 3 deadline have the opportunity to submit their FAFSA and community college GPA by September 2 for Cal Grant consideration.
For Veterans
If you are a U.S. military veteran, please also review the Veteran Benefits on our website.