Before you decide to live off-campus, consider the pros and cons and learn how they impact your financial aid.
The Financial Aid Office has determined the costs associated with living off-campus based on national averages as well as the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS).
2024-25 Budgets for Attending Occidental College
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $65,678 | $65,678 |
| Housing & Food | $19,252 | $15,674* |
| Required Fees | $596 | $596 |
| Total Direct Costs | $85,526 | $66,274 |
The housing and food allowance in the financial aid cost of attendance is based on an average of students living on-campus and differs from a student's actual room charge.
*Students that live off campus are not billed directly for housing and food charges. This amount is a budget used to determine the cost of attendance when awarding financial aid to students living off-campus.
In awarding financial aid, Occidental also considers indirect costs for books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, and travel costs. Standard estimates for these indirect costs are between $3,130 and $5,130 depending on how far your home is from campus.
Students must have health insurance in order to enroll at Oxy. The Occidental Student Health Insurance Program (OSHIP) premium costs for the 2024-25 academic year are $3,241/year, $1,620.50/semester, but may be waived for students who are covered under a parent's policy or have other health care coverage. Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be required to enroll in the OSHIP.
Learn more about charges for the 2024-25 academic year.